Visa and Immigration Resources
Seeking immigration and Visa advice?
Global Village can help!
Please review this entire webpage thoroughly and if you are still not able to find an answer to your immigration or Visa question, please contact us and we will do our best to assist you.
GV Calgary: calgary@gvenglish.com
GV Victoria: victoria@gvenglish.com
MOST COMMON SCENARIOS
ETA vs. Visitor Visa (TRV)
ETA – Electronic Travel Authorization – requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals for travel to Canada by air. Valid for 5 years or until your passport expires.
Temporary Resident Visa (related, Tourist visa) – An official document placed in passport to show that they have met the requirements to enter Canada as a temporary resident (visitor, student, worker).
Visa vs. Study Permit
Visa – Official document placed in one’s passport to show that they meet the requirements for admission to Canada
Study Permit – A document issued by IRCC that authorizes a person to study at an institution in Canada.
Before you travel to Canada, you will need to check if you are eligible to travel and if necessary, submit an application for a visa and/or study permit. You will also need to gather documents that support your trip.
For short programs of 6 months or less, a study permit is not required.
Steps
- Create a study plan with a GV Advisor or trusted Agent.
- Book program at GV.
- For Underage students: Mandatory & Discretionary Custodianship
- Pay GV deposit and obtain GV letter of acceptance.
- Apply for your visa and/or permit online (IRCC website, or through Visa Application Centre VAC)
- Receive Biometric Instructions Letter from IRCC with instructions to book biometrics.
- Submit biometrics: Normally anyone applying for a visa/permit regardless of nationality must submit biometrics Visa exempts travelers coming as a tourist (visitor) do not. Good for ten (10) years.
- If applicable, book an appointment with Canada-approved Immigration Medical Professional. Complete a medical check. Dr. will submit results directly to IRCC.
- Wait for your visa – processing time is after the biometrics. Link to IRCC Worldwide Processing Times Chart.
- Submit passport to Canadian Consulate (to obtain TRV).
- Finalize travel and accommodation details with GV.
Before you travel to Canada, you will need to check if you are eligible to travel and if necessary, submit an application for a visa and/or study permit. You will also need to gather documents that support your trip.
You will need a study permit in order to take a program longer than 6 months. If you are studying for less than six months you may still want to have a study permit if you are considering studying longer or taking another program but not sure.
Steps
- Create a study plan with a GV Advisor or trusted Agent.
- Book program at GV.
- For Underage students: Mandatory & Discretionary Custodianship
- Pay GV deposit and obtain GV letter of acceptance.
- Apply for your visa and/or permit online (IRCC website, or through Visa Application Centre VAC)
- Receive Biometric Instructions Letter from IRCC with instructions to book biometrics.
- Submit biometrics: Normally anyone applying for a visa/permit regardless of nationality must submit biometrics, Visa exempts travelers coming as a tourist (visitor) do not. Good for ten (10) years.
- If applicable, book an appointment with Canada-approved Immigration Medical Professional. Complete a medical check. Dr. will submit results directly to IRCC.
- Wait for your visa – processing time is after the biometrics. Link to IRCC Worldwide Processing Times Chart.
- Submit passport to Canadian Consulate (to obtain TRV).
- Finalize travel and accommodation details with GV.
Before you travel to Canada, you will need to check if you are eligible to travel and if necessary, submit an application for a visa and/or study permit. You will also need to gather documents that support your trip.
Pathways students will need a study permit.
Steps
- Create a study plan with a GV Advisor or trusted Agent.
- Book program at GV.
- For Underage students: Mandatory & Discretionary Custodianship
- Pay GV deposit and obtain GV letter of acceptance.
- Apply to GV Pathways partner (College/University) and pay deposit for letter of acceptance.
- Apply for your study permit online (IRCC website, or through Visa Application Centre VAC)
- Receive Biometric Instructions Letter from IRCC with instructions to book biometrics.
- Submit biometrics: Normally anyone applying for a study permit regardless of nationality must submit biometrics. Good for ten (10) years.
- If applicable, book an appointment with Canada-approved Immigration Medical Professional. Complete a medical check. Dr. will submit results directly to IRCC.
- Wait for your visa (Check Visa Processing Times). (processing times are from after Biometrics are submitted).
- Submit passport to IRCC (to obtain TRV).
- Finalize travel and accommodation details with GV.
Before you travel to Canada, you will need to check if you are eligible to travel and if necessary, submit an application for a visa and/or study permit. You will also need to gather documents that support your trip.
Your spouse, common-law partner and/or dependent children can accompany you to Canada. You can apply for your visa/study permit first or apply together as a family.
Steps
- Create a study plan with a GV Advisor or trusted Agent.
- Book program at GV.
- Pay GV deposit and obtain GV letter of acceptance.
- Apply for your visa and/or permit online (IRCC website, or through Visa Application Centre VAC)
- Receive Biometric Instructions Letter from IRCC with instructions to book biometrics.
- Submit biometrics: Normally anyone applying for a visa/permit regardless of nationality must submit biometrics, Visa exempts travelers coming as a tourist (visitor) do not. Good for ten (10) years.
- If applicable, book an appointment with Canada-approved Immigration Medical Professional. Complete a medical check. Dr. will submit results directly to IRCC.
- Wait for your visa – processing time is after the biometrics. Link to IRCC Worldwide Processing Times Chart.
- Submit passport to IRCC (to obtain TRV).
- Finalize travel and accommodation details with GV.
Before you travel to Canada, you will need to check if you are eligible to travel and if necessary, submit an application for a visa and/or study permit. You will also need to gather documents that support your trip.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
- Applying for a Study Permit
- Biometric Data
- Extending a Study Permit
- eTA – Electronic Travel Authorization
- Applying for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
- Applying for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Applying for the Canadian Medical Services Plan
- Finding a Registered Immigration Consultant
Applying for a Study Permit
For programs of 6 months or longer, foreign nationals will need a study permit. A study permit is not a visa so you will also need an ETA or temporary resident visa. If your study permit is approved, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees Citizenship Canada) will issue the visa or ETA with your study permit.
You will need a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution and other documents. Please refer here for how to apply apply for a study permit.
Biometrics Data (picture and finger prints)
Most people will need to give their biometrics, their picture and finger prints as a part of their application for a temporary resident visa and study permit. Visa and study permit applications will not be processed until you complete the biometrics. Biometrics are valid for 10 years so you would not need to give these again if you need to extend your status in Canada before the 10 years.
Once you submit your application, you will receive a letter with instructions on where to give your biometrics.
Extending Study Permit
Extending your study permit is quite similar to when you applied for your initial permit. You will need a letter of acceptance to a Designate Learning Institution and a lot of similar but updated documents as your initial application. It is recommended to apply at least 30 days before your study permit expires.
If you are extending your study permit you are allowed to continue studying until a decision is made on your extension application.
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
An ETA, Electronic Travel Authorization, is required for foreign nationals from visa waiver countries who travel by air to Canada. It is valid for up to 5 years or when your passport expires. If you get a new passport, you will need a new ETA.
An ETA does not guarantee that you can enter Canada. When you arrive to Canada, you will still need to speak with a Border Services officer who will determine if you can enter.
The application is online and takes only a few minutes
More information on Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) can be found here.
Applying for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
A visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) is a document placed in your passport that shows you meet the requirements to enter Canada. Most travelers will need a visa to enter Canada. Most visitors can stay for up to six months in Canada and are allowed to study in a short program (less than six months).
More information on applying for a Visitor Visa / Temporary Resident Visa) can be found here.
Applying for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
If you are authorized to work in Canada, you will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). You will apply for one once you are in Canada. More information about how to apply, where to apply and the necessary documents for Social Insurance Number (SIN) can be found here.
Applying for for Canadian Medical Services Plan
A Medical Services Plan is public health insurance for provincial residents. It covers the cost of medical treatments. International students residing in the province of BC and Alberta should check if the are eligible and require the provincial medical insurance.
Information for British Columbia MSP and how to apply can be found here.
Information for Alberta AHCIP and how to apply can be found here.
Find a Registered Immigration Consultant
If you need help with your visa, an immigration professional can help. Many lawyers specialize in immigration law and can help you with your application.
A licensed immigration professional can also help. Click here if you need help and would like to work with a licensed immigration professional.
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Tel: 403-543-7300
Email:calgary@gvenglish.com
Address:734 7 Avenue SW
( Suite 360 )
Calgary, AB T2P 3P8
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Tel:250-384-2199
Email:victoria@gvenglish.com
Address:1290 Broad St
( Suite 200 )
Victoria, BC V8W 2A5
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