Students and professionals from Pakistan are coming to Canada for further learning and job opportunities, making the country fast-paced. Whether you want to pursue higher studies or desire to work, knowing the process of the visa is imperative. This article explains all the basics of a Canada student visa and a Canada working visa, hence, gearing you up for the road ahead.
Stepping into the Realm of the Canada Student Visa
To study in Canada, you need a Canada student visa, also known as a study permit. This permit allows you to stay in the country for the duration of your studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
To obtain a Canada Student Visa
DLI Acceptance: Must hold an acceptance letter in your hands from a DLI of Canada. This is the basic letter on which your student visa application will stand. Make sure the institute you choose is accepted or recognized by the Government of Canada.
Proof of financial support: you must show that you have enough money to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation. For a single student, this normally means you can prove you have at least about 10,000 per year, plus tuition.
Clean criminal record: You must have a clean criminal record. Canadian authorities might ask for a police clearance certificate.
Medical Examination: You are supposed to present yourself for a medical examination, if required in your country of residence, to ascertain that you are in good health.
Intention to Return: You must convince the visa officer that you will leave Canada after your stay. To do this, you may need to provide documentary evidence of ties to your home country, such as family, property, or a job offer.
Application Steps for a Canada Student Visa
The application for a student visa requires an applicant to follow a few steps. Here is a detailed explanation of the steps to complete this application process.
Gather the Required Documents: First of all, the applicant must gather all the necessary documents. These shall include your passport, the acceptance letter, proof of financial support, and passport-size photographs.
Apply Online: Apply online for a Canada student visa through the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Fill up the application form with all relevant details and attach all required documents.
Application Fee: The amount one needs to shell out to apply for a student visa to Canada is CAD 150. The amount is non-refundable; therefore, it becomes necessary to ensure that before sending your application paper to the following authority, it is complete and correct.
Biometrics Appointment: After submitting your application, you will have to go through an appointment to capture biometric data, which includes fingerprinting and photographing. The process will provide you with all the details and directions.
Attend an Interview (if required): Occasionally, the Visa Officer may require you to appear for an interview to confirm your application. Be prepared to justify your study plans and future intentions.
Visa Processing Time Varies – Apply Well in Advance: You are advised to apply three to four months in advance of the commencement of your program of studies. You may check the status of your application online.
Options About Applying for a Canada Working VISA
A visa to Canada for a job can bring up various opportunities available in the Canadian region, either through temporary work permits or skilled worker programs leading to immigration.
Types of Canada Working Visas
Various types of Canada Working Visas: \ There are different kinds of Canada working visas available to Pakistani applicants depending on their skills, job offer, and intended duration of stay.
Temporary Work Permit: If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, you may apply for a temporary work permit. In this visa category, you may only work for the employer who offers you the job. Your employer has to get an LMIA unless he has an exemption.
Open Work Permit: An open work permit allows one to work for whatever employer within Canada, without necessarily having to have a specific job offer. Spouses usually are in the category of an international student and top-class workers in the country who meet the usual criteria for open work permits.
PGWP: Post-graduation work permit eligible after studies with a DLI in Canada for a maximum stay of three years in Canada. It’s a superb way to acquire Canadian work experience and reach a point where one can consider an application for permanent residency.
Express Entry: As a skilled worker, you can apply for permanent residency through Express Entry. While not a work visa itself, this route leads to permanent residency in Canada and long-term work. Programs like Express Entry, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class are included in this category.
Canada Working Visa Eligibility Criteria
To become a Canadian working visa applicant, you must meet certain requirements that vary depending on the type of visa you apply for. In most cases, you will need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer to have a work permit. Your employer must get a labor market impact assessment which proves that hiring a foreign worker does not impact negatively the labor market in Canada.
You must perform the job you are offered, and for some positions, you need to provide proof of qualifications such as assessments or certifications.
Medical and Security Clearances: You must be good in health, and you must have no record of crime. You might be asked to get clearance from a medical examination and the police.
Application Process for a Canada Working Visa
Several key steps are involved in the application process for a Canadian working visa:
Receive a Job Offer: You can usually apply for a work permit only after receiving a job offer from a Canadian employer, except in rare cases. You will need to obtain a copy of the job offer and the LMIA from your employer, if applicable.
Prepare Your Application: In preparing your application, ensure that your documents are complete. You will need a valid passport, a job offer letter, an LMIA, proof of qualifications, and medical and police clearance certificates.
Online Application: Apply online via the IRCC website. Complete the application form with all the correct details and attach all required documents.
Application Fee: The application fee for a work permit is typically CAD 155. However, it may vary slightly depending on the type of work permit.
Biometrics and Interview: As with the student visa, you need to pass your biometrics. The authorities may then call you for an interview. Prepare to discuss your job offer and plans in Canada.
Wait for Processing: Work permits take different processing times. We strongly advise applying as soon as possible before your intended travel date.
Common Challenges and Success Tips
The Canada student visa and working visa both face a similar challenge in obtaining the same. Despite the challenges, you can improve your chances by trying multiple times to get it right.
Be Thorough with Your Documentation
Inaccuracy and inadequate documentation are some of the primary causes of a visa refusal. You need to double-check your application to ensure all necessary documents are part of the application without errors. Losing even one document will delay the process or may lead to rejection.
Visa processing times are always uncertain. Apply as soon as you can to avoid unnecessary stress and possible delays. This is important and also true when the program or job has a start date that is getting closer.
Seek Professional Help if Needed
If the visa application process overwhelms you, consider seeking help from a licensed immigration consultant. They can guide you properly through the application process and help you stay away from some common pitfalls.
Conclusion: Your Pathway to Canada
Applying for a Canada student visa or working visa brings you closer to achieving your educational and work goals. Understanding this guide and its requirements will make the application process as simple as possible. Remember, preparation and thoroughness are key to a successful application.
Good luck on your journey to Canada!
