TEMPORARY RESIDENCE
Temporary residence in Canada provides individuals the opportunity to visit, study, or work for a set period while enjoying the country’s rich culture and diverse opportunities.
Whether you’re coming for a short trip, academic pursuits, or professional experience, Canada offers various temporary residence options designed to meet different goals and circumstances.
Each program comes with its own eligibility criteria and advantages, giving you the flexibility to make the most of your time in one of the world’s most welcoming destinations.
A Study Permit is required for most international students pursuing education in Canada, except for programs lasting six months or less. Certain post-secondary students may also qualify for work authorization while studying.
- Designated Learning Institution (DLI): Applicants must hold an acceptance letter from a recognized DLI in Canada.
- Proof of Funds: Students must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
- Work Authorization (Post-Secondary Students Only):
On-Campus: Eligible students may work without hourly restrictions.
Off-Campus: Eligible students can typically work up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): After completing their studies, graduates may qualify for a PGWP, allowing them to gain Canadian work experience for up to three years, depending on the program’s length and institution type.
Work Permit
A Work Permit allows foreign nationals to work in Canada on a temporary basis and may be issued under either LMIA-required or LMIA-exempt categories, depending on the nature of the job and the applicant’s qualifications.
In most cases, foreign workers require a closed (employer-specific) work permit, which authorizes employment with one designated employer, in one specific position and location. This type of work permit usually requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), demonstrating that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the role.
However, certain work permit categories are LMIA-exempt, meaning employers are not required to obtain an LMIA. These include programs such as Intra-Company Transfers, international trade agreements, and youth mobility programs. These LMIA-exempt options are designed to facilitate global talent mobility and support Canada’s economic and trade objectives.
Types of Work Permits:
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE CANADA (IEC)
International Experience Canada Program allowing youth from partner countries aged 18–35 to work and travel in Canada through three streams: Working Holiday, Young Professionals and International Co‑op.
BRIDGING OPEN WORK PERMIT (BOWP)
The BOWP enables certain permanent residence applicants inside Canada to continue working while their PR application is processed. It supports seamless status maintenance, preventing work interruptions during the transition to PR.
LMIA-EXEMPT PERMITS UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY PROGRAM
Work permits issued under the IMP (including intra-company transfers, significant benefit, and reciprocal employment categories) remain active. These permits are exempt from LMIA requirements but must still meet eligibility criteria and conditions defined by IRCC.
OPTIONAL: OPEN WORK PERMIT IN CANADA (Permanent Residence Pathways For Hong Kong Residents)
Canada offers Optional open work permit options for Hong Kong residents as part of its permanent residence (PR) transition pathways. These measures are designed to provide eligible Hong Kong passport holders with flexible work authorization while they gain Canadian work experience or prepare for PR applications under designated Hong Kong public policies.
POST-GRADUATION WORK PERMIT (PGWP)
The PGWP continues to be available to eligible international graduates of Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs). The government has frozen the eligible program list for the entire 2026 year, providing stability for students planning work after study.
OPEN WORK PERMITS FOR SPOUSES / COMMON-LAW PARTNERS
Spouses and common-law partners of certain temporary residents may qualify for open work permits, although eligibility conditions have been updated since January 2025. These public policies remain active with new criteria for family applicants.
FRANCOPHONE MOBILITY WORK PERMIT
The Francophone Mobility Work Permit allows French-speaking foreign nationals to work in Canada outside Quebec without an LMIA. It supports Francophone minority communities by enabling employers to hire qualified French-speaking workers in skilled or eligible occupations while benefiting from simplified hiring and faster processing.
POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWS (PHD HOLDERS)
Foreign nationals who currently hold, or are close to completing, a PhD may be eligible for an LMIA-exempt work permit as post-doctoral fellows. This exemption recognizes the important academic and research contributions they provide to Canada.
Visitor Visas
A Visitor Visa allows individuals to enter Canada for tourism, family visits, or short business purposes, usually for stays of up to six months.
- Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate strong connections to their home country and a clear intention to depart Canada at the end of their visit.
- Requirements: A valid passport, proof of sufficient financial resources, details outlining the purpose of travel, and, when applicable, a letter of invitation.
- Validity: Visitor visas may be granted for multiple entries and remain valid for up to 10 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. In some cases, the visa may be limited to a single entry or shorter validity at the discretion of the immigration officer.
- Processing Times: Depend on the applicant’s country of residence.
- Extensions: Visitors can request an extension of their stay, provided the application is submitted before their current status expires.
Super Visa
The Super Visa is a long-term entry option for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, allowing extended stays of up to five years per visit.
- Eligibility: Applicants must have a child or grandchild in Canada who meets the required income threshold, and a medical examination may be necessary.
- Medical Insurance: Proof of private Canadian health insurance is mandatory.
- Validity: The visa can be issued for up to 10 years and permits multiple entries.
- Longer Stays: Unlike a standard visitor visa, the Super Visa typically allows visitors to remain in Canada for up to five continuous years with each entry.
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