Explore the ways to enter Canada as a temporary resident, or to extend your current temporary residency. See the categories below for further information, and see what is the right fit for you.

Bow Valley Immigration Consulting can assist you in determining your eligibility for specific types of permits, and facilitate the entire application with attention to detail on all aspects of the process.

Work Permits

The Government of Canada offer a variety of work permits for temporary workers, business people, students and spouses and others. Many work permits will need a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), however there are some types of work which are LMIA exempt.

Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA)

If you are en employer who would like to hire a foreign worker, you may need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment. You may hire foreign workers without a LMIA if they have a valid open work permit or are LMIA-exempt, otherwise a positive LMIA will be required.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) requires employers to met a specific set of criteria and requirements prior to applying for the LMIA. Once all requirements are met and the application assessment complete, ESDC may issue the employer a positive LMIA, which will allow the foreign worker to apply for a new work permit.

International experience Canada

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a unique program focused towards young people aged 18-35 from participating countries which have a reciprocal agreement with Canada. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may have the opportunity to apply for the three following programs. Your citizenship will also determine the age requirement of candidates as well as the length of time they may participate in this program.

Working Holiday

The working holiday program grants successful candidates an ‘open work permit’ so they will have the ability to work to fund their travel throughout Canada. This type of permit allows participants to partake in most types of work, and there are no restrictions on the location of work, or the employer.

Young Professionals

This program helps participants to gain valuable professional work experience throughout their stay in Canada. This program is available to those who have a valid job offer in Canada which will assist in their personal professional development. Successful candidates will be granted an ‘employer specific work permit’, meaning they must only work for that particular employer in the specified location.

International Co-op (Internship)

This program is designed for students who are currently completing their post-secondary degree at a registered international institution, and must complete a work placement as a part of their studies. To qualify you must have a job offer for a work placement in Canada with a specific employer, which will benefit and is necessary to your program of study.

Study Permits

Study permits can be granted to foreign nationals who wish to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Most foreign nationals will need a study permit, however there are some exceptions to this rule. When applying for a study permit, you may also need a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA).

Permit extensions

It may be possible to extend your work or study permit from within Canada depending on the type of permit you are currently on and what you are applying for.

Visitor Visas and eta’s

If you would like to visit Canada, you will be required to obtain either a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) depending on your country of citizenship. Citizens of the United States of America are exempt from needing a visa or eTA, however they must still be admissible to Canada.

Most visitors are granted a 6 month stay in Canada, however Canada Border Services Agents have the authority to change the length of stay upon entering Canada. You may apply online, or on paper - for best results, remember to apply prior to arrival in Canada.

In order to be admitted to Canada, you must hold a valid travel document (ex. passport), be in good health, have no criminal or immigration related convictions, convince an immigration officer that you have funds to cover your stay, strong ties to your home country, and that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay.