Visa field guide · CA
Plan your Canada application
Plan the route before the paperworkSee the common routes, understand the hand-offs, then confirm every requirement on the official website.01 / ROUTES
Choose the route that matches your trip
These are starting points—not an eligibility decision. Open the official route before you apply.- ↗Temporary Resident Visa
A visitor visa placed in your passport for temporary entry.
- ↗Study Permit
Permission for eligible international study in Canada.
- ↗Work Permit
Permission to work under the conditions shown on the permit.
02 / JOURNEY
What the application journey usually looks like
The exact order can vary by visa, nationality and application location. “If asked” steps are conditional.- 01Choose your route
Use IRCC’s official route pages to distinguish a visitor visa, permit or residence pathway.
- 02Create an IRCC account
Sign in to the account or portal specified for that application type.
- 03Fill form & upload documents
Answer the online questions, upload the requested evidence and pay applicable fees.
GUIDELENS HELPS HERE - 04Give biometrics if asked
IRCC issues instructions if fingerprints and a photo are required.
IF ASKED - 05Receive decision
Monitor your account for messages, requests and the final decision.
- 06Travel
Follow passport, document or electronic-authorisation instructions before travel.
03 / BEFORE YOU START
Four things to know before you start
- Where you start
- The IRCC route page directs you to the account or portal used for that application.
- Appointment
- There is no single universal appointment step; IRCC sends instructions if an in-person action is required.
- Biometrics
- If required, wait for the biometric instruction letter before booking collection.
- After approval
- Follow the account message for passport submission, a port-of-entry letter or other route-specific document.
04 / PRACTICAL GUIDE
Avoid these common Canada visa mix-ups
Canada separates travel documents from permission to study or work. Knowing which document does what prevents last-minute problems.- 01
A permit is not a visa
A study or work permit authorises the activity and status in Canada; it is not itself a travel document. Depending on nationality, you may also need a visitor visa (TRV) or an eTA to travel.
IRCC · Entry requirements by country ↗ - 02
Use the account named by your route
IRCC uses different accounts and portals for different application types. Start from the official route page and follow its sign-in link.
IRCC · Immigration and citizenship ↗ - 03
Wait for the biometrics instruction letter
If biometrics are required, IRCC sends a letter explaining what to do. Use that letter to book collection within the deadline shown.
IRCC · Give biometrics ↗ - 04
A port-of-entry letter is not the permit
For an approved study-permit application made outside Canada, present the letter of introduction at the border. The actual permit is issued after the border officer completes the entry assessment.
IRCC · After you apply for a study permit ↗
05 / PREPARE
Information worth gathering before you open the form
Not every item applies to every route. Use the official checklist generated for your application.Passport and identity information
Purpose of travel and proposed dates
Travel and immigration history
Proof of funds and ties relevant to the route
School, employer or host documents where relevant
Certified translations and route-specific forms if requested
06 / OFFICIAL
Continue with the official authority
You remain responsible for reviewing and submitting your application.