Canada visa routes

Timeline

IRCC says most foreign nationals need a work permit; outside-Canada applications require fees, documents, and biometrics where required. Timing varies by country and case.

Difficulty

High

Readiness

89%

Cost signal

CAD 240

For Afghan citizens seeking temporary work in Canada, this route usually turns on the type of work permit. Employer-specific permits generally require a job offer and either an LMIA or LMIA-exempt employer compliance steps.

Open pathway

Timeline

IRCC processing time varies by country and application complexity. Apply as early as possible after receiving a qualifying letter of acceptance and any required provincial/territorial attestation letter.

Difficulty

High

Readiness

87%

Cost signal

CAD 235

Afghan applicants who plan to study in Canada for a program that requires a study permit must apply to IRCC, provide the correct country-specific document package, pay the study-permit and biometrics fees where required, and prove they can cover tuition, travel and living costs. For a single student outside Quebec, IRCC lists a 2026 living-expense threshold of CAD 22,895, in addition to tuition and travel.

Open pathway

Timeline

Most work permits are applied for online from outside Canada; the applicant pays processing and biometrics fees, follows document instructions, and gives biometrics after receiving the biometric instruction letter if required.

Difficulty

High

Readiness

67%

Cost signal

CAD 240–340

Canada temporary work route for Maldivian applicants who have a Canadian job offer and qualify for an employer-specific work permit or another eligible work-permit category. The employer may need a positive LMIA or may need to submit an LMIA-exempt offer of employment depending on the job.

Open pathway

Timeline

IRCC visitor applications are filed online; first-time temporary resident applicants normally give biometrics after the biometric instruction letter and usually have 30 days to complete them.

Difficulty

Medium

Readiness

69%

Cost signal

CAD 185

Canada visitor route for Maldivian citizens travelling temporarily for tourism, family visit, business visitor activities, or short stays. The route is built around online application, fee payment, biometrics where required, passport submission after approval, and final border examination on arrival.

Open pathway

Timeline

Apply online before travel; biometrics and country-specific processing can affect timing.

Difficulty

Medium

Readiness

Under review

Cost signal

CAD 150–235

A Canada study permit route for Maldivian applicants accepted by a designated learning institution, with PAL/TAL or CAQ where required and proof of funds for tuition, living expenses and return transportation.

Open pathway

Timeline

Processing varies by country and case; check the official IRCC processing-time tool

Difficulty

Easy

Readiness

Under review

Cost signal

CAD 155–240

For Bhutanese workers with a genuine Canadian job offer that supports an employer-specific work permit, normally through a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment or an LMIA-exempt offer number.

Open pathway

Timeline

Apply online after obtaining the LOA and PAL/TAL or CAQ; processing varies by country and season. Biometrics and medical requests add time.

Difficulty

Medium

Readiness

96%

Cost signal

CAD 150–235

Study-permit route for a Nepal citizen admitted to a Canadian designated learning institution. The applicant must present a valid letter of acceptance, PAL/TAL or CAQ where required, proof of tuition and living funds, and a credible study plan.

Open pathway

Timeline

Apply online after obtaining the LOA and PAL/TAL or CAQ; processing varies by country and season. Biometrics and medical requests add time.

Difficulty

Medium

Readiness

96%

Cost signal

CAD 150–235

Study-permit route for a India citizen admitted to a Canadian designated learning institution. The applicant must present a valid letter of acceptance, PAL/TAL or CAQ where required, proof of tuition and living funds, and a credible study plan.

Open pathway

Timeline

Apply online after obtaining the LOA and PAL/TAL or CAQ; processing varies by country and season. Biometrics and medical requests add time.

Difficulty

Medium

Readiness

Under review

Cost signal

CAD 150–235

Study-permit route for a Bangladesh citizen admitted to a Canadian designated learning institution. The applicant must present a valid letter of acceptance, PAL/TAL or CAQ where required, proof of tuition and living funds, and a credible study plan.

Open pathway

Timeline

Apply online after obtaining the LOA and PAL/TAL or CAQ; processing varies by country and season. Biometrics and medical requests add time.

Difficulty

Medium

Readiness

96%

Cost signal

CAD 150–235

Study-permit route for a Pakistan citizen admitted to a Canadian designated learning institution. The applicant must present a valid letter of acceptance, PAL/TAL or CAQ where required, proof of tuition and living funds, and a credible study plan.

Open pathway

Timeline

Timing depends on official appointments, evidence preparation, third-party checks, and current government processing guidance.

Difficulty

High scrutiny

Readiness

55%

Cost signal

CAD 23,130

A detailed route for applicants from India planning full-time study in Canada. It covers institution verification, admission evidence, financial preparation, language and academic records, health and character checks, application submission, travel planning, and post-arrival compliance. The route should remain unpublished until current official fees, maintenance requirements, local submission arrangements, and origin-specific evidence rules are verified.

Open pathway

Timeline

Timing depends on official appointments, evidence preparation, third-party checks, and current government processing guidance.

Difficulty

High scrutiny

Readiness

55%

Cost signal

CAD 23,130

A detailed route for applicants from Pakistan planning full-time study in Canada. It covers institution verification, admission evidence, financial preparation, language and academic records, health and character checks, application submission, travel planning, and post-arrival compliance. The route should remain unpublished until current official fees, maintenance requirements, local submission arrangements, and origin-specific evidence rules are verified.

Open pathway

Timeline

Timing depends on official appointments, evidence preparation, third-party checks, and current government processing guidance.

Difficulty

High scrutiny

Readiness

55%

Cost signal

CAD 23,130

A detailed route for applicants from Bangladesh planning full-time study in Canada. It covers institution verification, admission evidence, financial preparation, language and academic records, health and character checks, application submission, travel planning, and post-arrival compliance. The route should remain unpublished until current official fees, maintenance requirements, local submission arrangements, and origin-specific evidence rules are verified.

Open pathway

Timeline

Timing depends on official appointments, evidence preparation, third-party checks, and current government processing guidance.

Difficulty

High scrutiny

Readiness

55%

Cost signal

CAD 23,130

A detailed route for applicants from Bhutan planning full-time study in Canada. It covers institution verification, admission evidence, financial preparation, language and academic records, health and character checks, application submission, travel planning, and post-arrival compliance. The route should remain unpublished until current official fees, maintenance requirements, local submission arrangements, and origin-specific evidence rules are verified.

Open pathway

Timeline

Timing depends on official appointments, evidence preparation, third-party checks, and current government processing guidance.

Difficulty

High scrutiny

Readiness

55%

Cost signal

CAD 23,130

A detailed route for applicants from Nepal planning full-time study in Canada. It covers institution verification, admission evidence, financial preparation, language and academic records, health and character checks, application submission, travel planning, and post-arrival compliance. The route should remain unpublished until current official fees, maintenance requirements, local submission arrangements, and origin-specific evidence rules are verified.

Open pathway

Timeline

Several days to several weeks

Difficulty

High scrutiny

Readiness

55%

Cost signal

Not calculated

A practical route overview for Sri Lankan applicants exploring Canada visit visa pathways, covering tourist/visitor eligibility, proof of funds, documents, costs, travel planning, refusal risks, and official-source checks.

Open pathway

Timeline

Several weeks to several months

Difficulty

High scrutiny

Readiness

50%

Cost signal

Not calculated

A practical route overview for Sri Lankan applicants exploring Canada work visa pathways, covering employer sponsorship, work authorisation, documents, costs, travel planning, risks, and official-source checks.

Open pathway

Timeline

3–8 months

Difficulty

Medium

Readiness

Under review

Cost signal

CAD 235

Sri Lankan applicants who want to study in Canada usually need a Canadian study permit before travelling. This route is mainly for applicants accepted by a Canadian designated learning institution and able to show required documents, proof of financial support, and a clear study purpose. IRCC provides a Sri Lanka-specific study permit application package with document checklist, visa office instructions, application forms, and supporting forms.

Open pathway