The goal of this article is to provide all the necessary information to those who intend to obtain a visa for Canada, providing all the steps to be taken. Let’s see them here below.

Why go to Canada?

Many Brits choose Canada as their favorite destination, both for leisure travel and, in several cases, for job opportunities. To add are also the many young people who choose the country for study reasons.

Beyond the obvious search for new stimuli, these young people are aware that they can count on a system that allocates a considerable portion of national funds to research and science.

Among the main reasons that make Canada attractive to most are:

• the high standard of living;
• the exemplary organization of the country;
• a healthy and accepted multiculturalism;
• a first level health system;
• particular attention to education, at the heart of a national growth project that focuses entirely on skills and knowledge.

What is also surprising about Canada is its quietness. Canadian citizens are polite and very respectful.

Order rules everywhere: in line at a bank counter, at the supermarket or in any public place. Those thinking of relocating must therefore adapt to this way of life, in case there is a need.

From a work point of view, it can be said that in Canada there are real possibilities of settling down. Whether seeking a business venture on your own or as an employee of some business or company, the opportunities are numerous.

However, it is necessary to demonstrate that you have the skills and qualifications that can in some way enrich the host country.

This is because entry into Canadian territory is allowed above all to those who demonstrate that they possess the necessary visas and authorizations.

Beyond that, it is necessary to take part in the growth process that has relentlessly affected Canada for many years. In simpler terms, slackers, troublemakers and bad guys are therefore not welcome.

Other reasons for moving to Canada

Those who decide to emigrate to Canada will have to cope with the low temperatures that characterize the climate for most of the year.

This is why the houses are kept very hot, becoming the best refuge for those who live there, especially in the colder months. Canadians generally own a fairly large house. This is due to the high average salaries that Canadians can rely on.

Another typical aspect of this area are the places to visit. Characterized by beautiful landscapes, full of mountains and lakes, so beautiful to take your breath away.

First among the natural national beauty is to mention the very famous Niagara Falls, which actually is halfway between the USA and the Canadian province of Ontario.

Finally, as regards assistance to the less wealthy part of the population, it must be said that Canada differs significantly from its American neighbors. The Canadian state guarantees medical care and financial support to those in need.

Not only that, the system helps those in needs to find accommodation and get back on their feet, facilitating the individual’s return to society in an active way.

Even in matters of security, managed by local law enforcement, there is a big difference with the United States. Regarding the police and other security-related bodies, it can certainly be said that their efficiency is of absolute quality. The crime rate is among the lowest in the world.

These are, in summary, the reasons that make Canada one of the most loved destinations by British and other?!

Now let’s dig the immigration matter and understand what it takes from a bureaucratic point of view to move in Canada.

How to apply for a visa to Canada?

A visa for Canada is required if the idea is to work, study or simply spend a certain period in Canadian territory. For visa-free visitors, such as UK citizen, an electronic travel authorization is required, known as eTA Canada. We will see this in details below.

The country of origin of the traveler also affects the need for a visa for Canada. In fact, there are numerous agreements between Canada and various nations around the world. These agreements drive around 40 million people each year to travel to the country of the maple leaf.

Furthermore, regulations often change. Therefore, it is necessary to keep up to date on the news regarding permits and authorizations to obtain the green light for entry into Canada.

If you are looking for more information on the work visa for Canada, read the dedicated article by clicking on the respective link.

What are the differences between a visa and the eTA?

The electronic authorization eTA was introduced in 2016. Basically, the a href=”https://canada-eta.co.uk/”>Canadian eTA replicates with several years of delay what the United States did with ESTA.

After the sad events of 2001, new security measures were introduced with the aim of increasing security within the two countries and controlling the flow of people crossing its borders. In this way, the eTA authorization aims to allow Canadian immigration authorities to pre-screen any visitors considered risky.

It applies to citizens of more than 50 countries, including UK, in cases of travel with a maximum stay of 180 days. The reason for the trip can be tourism, short study (less than 21 hours weekly) or work such as participation in fairs or conferences.

For more information, visit the FAQs section of the site.

On the other hand, the visa for Canada remains the suitable document for stays longer than 180 days or for those who want to work in Canada. Obviously, in these cases even citizens of countries that are not part of the visa waiver program will in any case have to apply for a visa for Canada.

Temporary visas for Canada

There are different types of visitor visas, also known as Temporary Resident Visas or TRVs. They apply to people who need to stay in Canada for a certain period of time. This type of visa includes type permits:

• tourist
• study
• work
• simple transit
• permanent permits relating to a total and definitive immigration moving process. These permits have not an expiration date.

Temporary visas can be requested also by going in person to the visa office of the Canadian embassy:

London Branch
Trafalgar Sq, London SW1Y 5BJ, United Kingdom
Telephone at +44 20 7004 6000
Email at ldn.consular@international.gc.ca
Fax at +44 020 7004 6053

If you are travelling on tourism to Mexico, you won’t be needing a visa but a tourism tax called Visitax. This is another way to be allowed entry on a foreign territory. The Visitax for Mexico‘s Quintana Roo is obtainable online as well as at the ports of entry.

The Express Entry program

Since 2015, the Express Entry program provides for the selection and hiring of professionals to contribute to the economic development of the Canadian territory.

Obviously, this particular form of entry requires the candidate to have specific skills and specific requirements are set, such as knowledge of at least English or French and a whole series of bureaucratic evaluation to complete aimed at affirming the effective value of the candidate.

The steps to follow are:

1. Read the Express Entry program requirements and then answer a few questions online about your eligibility: work experience, family status, education, languages ​​spoken, etc. Based on your answers, the system will guide you to the opportunities available at the moment. Always remember to answer the questions sincerely, as you will be asked for documents proving your statements in order to proceed;
2. collection of documents: after the passing first phase, you will have to collect all the required documents. Usually you will need passport, language exams such as CLB (English) or NCLC (French), educational qualifications, invitation letters from a Canadian employer, provincial program application (if you are not applying for the federal program), proof of sufficient funds for your stay, proof of good health and a clean criminal record;
3. create your profile and fill in the form: here you will have to enter all your data and at the end of the process you will be assigned a score. Based on this score you will be entered in the database of candidates to immigrate;
4. receive an invitation to move to Canada: the government periodically invites the candidates with the highest score to complete a final application, the last step to receive permanent residency.

 

The National Occupational Classification (NOC)

To have objective scoring methods for obtaining a visa for Canada, the government has created a national ranking of professions. This list is called the National Occupation Classification or NOC.

All professions are grouped according to duties and the work that a particular person is able to perform. The main groups are:

• Skill 0: jobs related to management, such as a company manager or an area manager of the commercial field;
• Skill A: some jobs that require a degree. For example: dentists, engineers and architects;
• Skill B: specialized jobs that require training. Example: chefs, firemen or nurses;
• Skill C: includes intermediate jobs that usually require specific training. For example, truck drivers, bartenders and CNC operators;
• Skill D: Jobs that require practical training, such as cleaners, day laborers or blue collar workers.

Based on the input profession, you will be given a score that is linked to your profile.

Steps required to obtain a visa for Canada

Analyzing the process of applying for a visa for Canada, we list some points to follow to avoid errors during the application.

First of all, you will need to find out about the essential requirements to apply for a visa based on the purpose of your trip. You will find them listed on the IRCC website.

You will then have to download the forms and check-lists from the same site, which refer to the documents required for each type of visa.

Completing the Canada Visa Application Form can be done online. You can then print your application form, along with the other required documents. Always be careful to choose the type of visa necessary for your needs: tourism, work or study.

In some cases, it may be necessary to upload your fingerprints and an identification photo. Printing must be done with a laser printer, using non-glossy white sheets of good quality paper.

In the event that you couldn’t upload all the required documents, you must submit a liability release form. Without this document, the visa application could slow down or even be refused.

At this point you will have to go to London or any Canadian Embassy closest to you at the Visa Application Center (VAC) in UK. You will need to bring with you all the documents indicated in the checklist downloaded from the IRCC, the photos, the previously completed and printed forms and your passport.

The services made available by the VAC can be paid for at the VAC offices or by bank transfer. After payment, you will receive a receipt certifying the submission of the application.

This receipt will contain a traceability code that will allow you to view and verify online the progress of each personal visa application.

Once this is done, the applicant can monitor the progress of his application even online, waiting for the needed processing times and approval.

Final Considerations

This broad overview of how to get a visa for Canada summarizes the main general guidelines. Those who intend to visit Canada for tourism, work or study will have higher chances of visa approval by to following them.

Canada offers unique, ever-growing opportunities. This effervescence is also possible thanks to the many skilled immigrants who contribute to the development process under the high standard of the quality of individuals.

Those with ambitions look forward to a possible trip or relocation to Canada. Its territory is beautiful and uncontaminated, inhabited by a people always ready to fight for their country.

One of the positive consequences of this is the high standard of living, which makes every city very livable and welcoming.

Those who find it difficult to share this way of life or think they could arrive in Canada to eventually twist the rules, not respecting the law or having inappropriate behaviors, seriously risk being sent back to their country of origin.

The advice for anyone wishing to move to Canada is to learn at least one of its languages. He will have to acquire a level that allows him to interact in everyday life and immediately find work. The hospitality of Canadians will then do the rest.

Another thing to take into consideration is the harsh climate that characterizes Canada, not very suitable for those suffering cold in general. If you are not inclined to the cold, it is good to evaluate other shores to find your own ideal destination!