Canada
Top Visa Pathways
Most popular and desirable options for skilled professionals
CanadaExpress Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
Points-based permanent residence for skilled workers via Comprehensive Ranking System draws.
CanadaC43 — Post-Graduation Work Permit
Open work permit for international graduates of qualifying Canadian institutions, valid up to 3 years.
CanadaIMP — International Mobility Program (IMP)
Employer-based work program not requiring Labour Market Impact Assessment. Includes intra-company transfers, Canadian-linked workers, and other economic benefits. Open or employer-specific permits.
All Visa Pathways(57 visas)
CanadaA75 — Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) / Quebec CSQ Work Permit
An open work permit allowing foreign nationals currently working in Canada to maintain their employment status while their permanent residence application is being processed.
CanadaAIP — Atlantic Immigration Program
Employer-driven permanent residence pathway for skilled workers and international graduates in Atlantic Canada.
CanadaARC — Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)
An ARC is required for individuals who have been issued a removal order and wish to return to Canada.
CanadaB-1 — Business Visitor
Business Visitor (entering under a Temporary Resident Visa / Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization - eTA).
CanadaC-1 — Courtesy Visa
A Courtesy Visa is a type of Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) issued to individuals who do not qualify for diplomatic or official visas but are granted privileges due to their rank, the importance of their visit, or their role in an international organization or foreign government.
CanadaC10 — Significant Benefit Work Permit (newjob/temporary)
An employer-specific (closed) work permit issued to foreign nationals whose employment in Canada will bring significant social, cultural, or economic benefits.
CanadaC11 — Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Work Permit
A work permit for foreign nationals who wish to establish or operate a business in Canada that will generate significant economic, social, or cultural benefits.
CanadaC12 — Intra-Company Transfer (LMIA-exempt)
Transfer to a Canadian branch as an executive, senior manager, or specialized knowledge worker.
CanadaC16 — Francophone Mobility Work Permit (Mobilité Francophone)
An LMIA-exempt, employer-specific work permit for French-speaking skilled workers destined for Canadian provinces or territories outside Quebec.
CanadaC41 — Spousal Open Work Permit for Spouses of High-Skilled Workers
An open work permit allowing spouses or common-law partners of high-skilled foreign workers in Canada to work for any employer.
CanadaC42 — Spousal Open Work Permit for Spouses of Full-Time Students
An open work permit allowing spouses or common-law partners of qualifying full-time international students in Canada to work for any employer.
CanadaC43 — Post-Graduation Work Permit
Open work permit for international graduates of qualifying Canadian institutions, valid up to 3 years.
CanadaC50 — Religious Worker LMIA-Exempt Work Permit
This is an employer-specific work permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP) for foreign nationals performing religious duties.
CanadaCEC — Canadian Experience Class
Federal permanent residence program for temporary workers and graduates with at least one year of skilled work experience gained in Canada.
CanadaCR1 — Government-Assisted Refugees
Government-funded permanent resettlement for the most vulnerable Convention Refugees referred by the UNHCR, including up to 12 months of settlement support.
CanadaCaregiver Immigration Pilots
Pathways for home child care providers and home support workers.
CanadaD-1 — Diplomatic and Official Visas
Issued to foreign diplomats, consular staff, and government officials on official missions.
CanadaExpress Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
Points-based permanent residence for skilled workers via Comprehensive Ranking System draws.
CanadaF-1 — Facilitation Visa
A Facilitation Visa is a specialized, exceptional Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) counterfoil placed in a foreign passport to allow a Canadian citizen (who lacks a Canadian passport) to travel to Canada.
CanadaFSTP — Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
A permanent residence pathway for qualified skilled tradespeople.
CanadaFSWP — Federal Skilled Worker Program
Express Entry pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign professionals scoring at least 67 points on Canada's selection grid.
CanadaFamily Sponsorship
Sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident — spouse, partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents.
CanadaFrancophone Community Immigration Pilot
Direct permanent residence pilot for French-speaking skilled workers with a job offer in a designated francophone-minority community outside Quebec.
CanadaHome Care Worker Immigration Pilot
Direct-to-PR pilot for home child care or home support workers with a full-time Canadian job offer, requiring no labour market impact assessment.
CanadaHumanitarian and Compassionate Grounds
Discretionary permanent residence pathway for foreign nationals in Canada facing significant hardship who lack a standard immigration category.
CanadaIEC — International Experience Canada - Young Professionals
Employer-specific work permit for young professionals aged 18-35 from countries with a bilateral youth mobility agreement, valid up to 24 months.
CanadaIEC-Coop — International Experience Canada - International Co-op (Exchange/Temporary)
A youth mobility program allowing students from qualifying countries to complete a work placement or internship in Canada related to their field of study.
CanadaIEC-WH — International Experience Canada - Working Holiday
Youth mobility program allowing young adults (18-35) from qualifying countries to work and travel in Canada. Open work permit valid up to 2 years depending on country agreements.
CanadaIM-1 — Single-Entry Immigrant Visa
The ca-im-1 is a single-entry visa counterfoil issued to approved permanent residence applicants from visa-required countries to facilitate their initial entry to land in Canada.
CanadaIMP — International Mobility Program (IMP)
Employer-based work program not requiring Labour Market Impact Assessment. Includes intra-company transfers, Canadian-linked workers, and other economic benefits. Open or employer-specific permits.
CanadaO-1 — Diplomatic and Official Visas
Issued to foreign diplomats, consular staff, and government officials on official missions.
CanadaPA-1 — Permit Holder Visa
The ca-pa-1 is a temporary resident visa counterfoil issued to individuals who have been granted a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP). It is used to facilitate entry for individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to Canada.
CanadaPAX-1 — National Interest Temporary Resident Permit Visa (Humanitarian/Temporary)
The PAX-1 is a temporary resident visa counterfoil affixed to a passport, allowing an otherwise inadmissible foreign national to travel to Canada to receive a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) issued on national interest grounds.
CanadaPC-1 — Permit Holder with Valid TRP Visa (Humanitarian/Temporary)
The PC-1 is a travel facilitation counterfoil issued to a foreign national from a visa-required country who already holds a valid physical Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) that authorizes re-entry to Canada.
CanadaPG-1 — Parents or Grandparents Super Visa
The ca-pg-1 is the official visa counterfoil code for the multi-entry Super Visa, allowing parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for extended periods.
CanadaPRTD — Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)
For permanent residents outside Canada without a valid PR card.
CanadaPSR — Privately Sponsored Refugees
Community-sponsored permanent resettlement for UNHCR-recognized refugees backed by faith groups, families, or associations committing to one year of support.
CanadaPV2 / PNC — Provincial Nominee Program
Provincial/territorial nomination for permanent residence, often combined with Express Entry for +600 CRS points.
CanadaR-1 — Passed Residency Obligation Travel Document (Relocate/Immigrant)
The R-1 is a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) counterfoil issued to a Canadian permanent resident abroad who has successfully met their residency obligation.
CanadaRA-1 — Presence at Appeal Travel Document
Coded as "RA-1" on the visa counterfoil. This is issued to a permanent resident abroad who has appealed a negative residency decision but has not been physically present in Canada within the past 365 days. They are only issued this document if the IAD determines their physical presence is necessary for the hearing.
CanadaRC-1 — Humanitarian and Compassionate PR Travel Document (Humanitarian/Immigrant)
The RC-1 is a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) counterfoil issued to a Canadian permanent resident abroad who has failed to meet their residency obligation but has been approved for a travel document based on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds.
CanadaRX-1 — Attendance at a PR Hearing Travel Document
Coded as "RX-1" on the visa counterfoil. This is issued to a permanent resident abroad who has appealed (or is within the timeframe to appeal) a negative residency decision, provided they have been physically present in Canada at least once within the past 365 days.
CanadaRural Community Immigration Pilot
Employer-driven permanent residence pilot for skilled workers with a job offer in a designated Canadian rural community, backed by a community recommendation certificate.
CanadaS-1 / SW-1 — Study Permit
Full-time study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a letter of acceptance.
CanadaSWSP — Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
Quebec's points-based permanent residence pathway for skilled workers. This program officially replaced the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) on November 29, 2024.
CanadaSX-1 — Study Permit-Exempt Student
This designation applies to individuals authorized to study in Canada without a formal study permit.
CanadaSelf-Employed Persons Program
Program for self-employed individuals with relevant experience to start or buy businesses in Canada. Point-based assessment with 35-point pass mark.
CanadaSuper Visa — Parent/Grandparent Super Visa
Multi-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs, allowing stays up to 5 years per visit.
CanadaTFWP — Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Employer-specific work program for Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers. Requires positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). 2025 target reduced to 82,000.
CanadaTRP — Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
Special permit issued under exceptional circumstances for inadmissible foreign nationals. Available to victims of trafficking, family violence, or those in state care. Valid 6-12 months.
CanadaV-1 — Visitor Visa / eTA
Tourism, visiting family, or short business trips. eTA for visa-exempt nationals; TRV for others.
CanadaVH-1 — Transit Visa
Official document for transiting through Canada en route to another country. Valid for 48 hours or less. No application fee required.
CanadaVWOWP — Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers (Humanitarian/Temporary)
An open work permit designed to protect temporary foreign workers in Canada who are experiencing or at risk of abuse in their current workplace.
CanadaW-1 — Work Permit
Temporary Work Permit for foreign nationals authorized to work in Canada.
CanadaWP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)
Work for a specific Canadian employer with an approved Labour Market Impact Assessment.
CanadaWX-1 — Work Permit-Exempt Worker Visa
The ca-wx-1 is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) counterfoil issued to foreign nationals who are authorized to perform specific, short-term work in Canada without a work permit under Section 186 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
CanadaeTA — Electronic Travel Authorization
Digital pre-screening for visa-exempt nationals entering Canada by air.