Canadian Immigration Process Overview

An official document allowing a foreign national to enter Canada for a specific purpose and duration.

A document required to enter Canada for work purposes.

A document required to enter Canada for study purposes.

A type of visa used for entering Canada multiple times within a set period.

A document required to enter Canada for a brief visit.

A type of visa allowing a foreign national to transit through Canada.

A type of visa that allows a foreign national to remain in Canada for a longer period.

Allows a foreign national to enter Canada for humanitarian reasons.

A discretionary power granted to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to deny temporary residency to foreign nationals based on public policy considerations.

The power granted under Section 22.1 of the IRPA allows the Minister to deny temporary residency to foreign nationals for up to three years, but this period can be shortened or revoked.

The power to deny temporary residency based on public policy has been criticized for giving the Minister far-reaching authority, potentially limiting individuals' ability to associate with others from different countries.

The IRCC provides guidelines for the Minister when exercising the power to deny temporary residency, focusing on three key areas: promoting terrorism, violence, or criminality; foreign nationals connected to sanctioned countries; and risks to public health.

A document issued by a visa office abroad that proves a person has met the requirements to enter Canada as a temporary resident, such as a visitor, student, or worker.

A visa can be for permanent or temporary residency. Permanent residency allows the holder to live in Canada indefinitely, while temporary residency allows the holder to stay for a specific period.

A sticker with visa information printed on it.

The process of assessing if a foreign national meets the requirements for temporary or permanent residency in Canada.

The status of a person who has been officially granted permission to live in Canada either temporarily or permanently.

A document issued by the IRCC that allows a foreign national to enter Canada and provides them with temporary or permanent residency status.

The act of arriving at a Canadian port of entry and being examined by a Canadian immigration officer.

The act of providing information, documents, and participating in processes to prove eligibility for residency status in Canada.

Certain foreign nationals may not be allowed to enter Canada based on specific reasons such as criminal history or health concerns.

The expiry date of a visa does not indicate the end date of the residency status granted to the visa holder.

The responsibility of the applicant to provide a complete application with all necessary supporting documents.

A situation where an applicant's intention to potentially become a permanent resident in the future does not automatically disqualify them from obtaining a temporary resident visa.

The decision of whether an applicant is likely to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.

The responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate a strong connection to their home country, ensuring their return at the end of their authorized stay.

Any documentation that supports an application, such as employment records, financial statements, or travel itineraries.

A person who formally requests something, usually a visa, permit, or other authorization.

The eTA program is an electronic travel authorization that allows visa-exempt foreign nationals to enter Canada. This program is primarily used to screen travelers for potential inadmissibility before they board a flight to Canada.

The eTA program was instituted as a joint effort between Canada and the United States to align their border security measures, as outlined in the "Beyond the Border" agreement.

The primary objective of the eTA program is to identify potential threats and individuals who may be inadmissible to Canada before they arrive at the border. This helps to minimize delays and ensure that the border security system operates effectively.

The eTA application process is completed online and must be done individually for each family member. Most applications are automatically processed and approved within minutes. However, applications that raise concerns about identity or potential inadmissibility may be reviewed by an immigration officer.

Some critics, like political scientist Christopher G Anderson, argue that the eTA program can be used to discourage refugee claimants from coming to Canada. This concern is based on the eTA system's ability to identify potential claimants before they board a plane to Canada.

The assumption that a person's behavior will be similar to that of their family members, especially when used to deny a visa application.

An unreasonable and discriminatory generalization about a group of people, often used to make judgments about individuals.

The practice of using specific knowledge of a culture or region to justify actions or decisions, which may be biased or discriminatory.

The officer's belief that a trip from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia is not a significant travel experience.

The applicant's financial situation is considered to be good based on the tax returns submitted.

The officer's assumption that the applicant, because her son overstayed in Canada, might also overstay.

The officer's judgment that the applicant, because her son was living in Canada, must also want to live there.

The officer's use of cultural practices to assess the applicant's intentions, which may be unfair or discriminatory.