Canada visas
Whether you need a visa to enter Canada, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or simply a valid passport depends on your nationality and how you are travelling. Canada's immigration system is run by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This hub explains the main routes — visitor, study, work, family, business and permanent residence — in plain language and links to the official IRCC sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you.
Important information
Canadian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor visas & eTAShort stays in Canada — tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips and transit, plus any visa-free or electronic-authorisation options.3 visas
- Work permitsComing to Canada to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.4 visas
- Study permitsStudying in Canada — student visas and permits for accepted students, and what they let you do.1 visa
- Family & sponsorshipJoining or sponsoring a family member in Canada — spouse, partner, child and other relative routes.4 visas
- Business & investorInvesting, doing business or coming to Canada as a highly skilled or exceptional individual.2 visas
- Permanent residence & citizenshipLiving in Canada long term — permanent residence and, where available, the path to citizenship.4 visas
- Events visasTravelling to Canada for a major event such as the FIFA World Cup 2026. There is no dedicated event visa — you enter on the standard visitor routes (eTA or visitor visa).1 visa
Canadian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Popular Canadian visas
View all visa typesCanada — key facts
- Entry document
- Visa, eTA or passport
- Depends on your nationality and how you travel
- Authority
- IRCC
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
- eTA
- Online authorization
- For visa-exempt travellers arriving by air
- Permits
- Study & work available
- A permit is separate from your entry visa or eTA
Canadian visas — people also ask
It depends on your nationality and how you are travelling. Many visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada need an eTA, while others need a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa). Use the official IRCC tool to check your situation.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-09. Information only — not legal advice.