O-1 — Diplomatic and Official Visas
CanadaCanada•North America
Open

O-1 — Diplomatic and Official Visas

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

Duration of mission

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

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Living in Canada

Cost of Living
12% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$48,000
Quality of Life
170/200

Overview

Issued to foreign diplomats, consular staff, and government officials on official missions.

Canada's Diplomatic and Official Visa (internally coded O-1) is issued to foreign diplomats, consular staff, and government officials traveling on official missions. Applicants must hold a diplomatic or official passport and submit a Note Verbale from their government or diplomatic mission.

No processing fee applies; the visa is issued on a priority basis and lasts for the duration of the mission, renewable as the assignment continues. Dependents may accompany on a dependent visa; their work authorization depends on the diplomat's accreditation level with Global Affairs Canada.

This visa is ideal for accredited foreign diplomats, consular officers, and government officials on formal missions to Canada who hold a diplomatic or official passport.

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Stay & Extensions

Status typeTied to program duration

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must hold a diplomatic or official passport

Must be traveling for official government business

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Form IMM 5257

Two passport photos

Diplomatic/official passport

Note Verbale

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No processing fees
  • Priority processing

Worth Knowing

  • Strictly for official government business
  • Requires diplomatic accreditation
  • Lack of official mission status

Application Process

1

Obtain Note Verbale

2

Complete Form IMM 5257

3

Submit via visa application centre or online

Application Forms

Go to application portal
IMM 5257
Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
Fill online

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