Canada Visitor Visa: Canada offers different immigration options depending on how long you plan to stay and the purpose of your visit.
If your stay is short-term, it is important to choose the visa that best matches your goals.
A study permit is suitable if you plan to come to Canada for short-term or long-term studies.
A visitor visa is ideal if you want to visit family or friends, attend events, or explore Canada as a tourist.
International students must meet specific academic and language requirements. Language proficiency plays a key role in study permit approval.
You can prepare for your language test through practice tests and guides available on platforms such as CELPIP preparation websites.
Canada is tightening immigration rules in 2025, making it essential to understand updated requirements to avoid application errors.
This article explains temporary residency options for visitors and students in simple terms.
What Is a Visitor Visa?
A visitor visa is issued by Canadian immigration authorities and allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for a short period.
With a visitor visa, you can stay in Canada but are not allowed to work or study.
Citizens of visa-required countries must apply for a visitor visa, while visa-exempt travelers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Most visitor visas are valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires.
In most cases, visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months per visit, although border officers make the final decision.
Types of Canada Visitor Visa
Visitor visas are divided based on entry frequency and purpose.
Entry-Based Visitor Visas
Single-Entry Visa
This visa allows you to enter Canada only once. If you leave Canada, you must apply for a new visa to return. It is suitable for one-time visits.
Multiple-Entry Visa
This visa allows multiple entries into Canada while it remains valid. It is the most common type and can be valid for up to 10 years or until passport expiry.
Purpose-Based Visitor Visas
Tourist Visa
This visa is ideal for sightseeing or visiting friends and family. You cannot work or study on this visa. From May 7, 2025, Canada will approve tourist visas strictly for genuine tourism, family visits, or business purposes.
Business Visitor Visa
This visa is for attending meetings, conferences, or short-term training without entering the Canadian labor market. From May 2025, only legitimate business activities will be approved.
Super Visa
Designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows stays of up to five years per visit with multiple entries over ten years. Proof of private medical insurance and financial support is required.
Transit Visa
Required for travelers passing through Canada for less than 48 hours en route to another country. This visa is usually free.
Recent 2025 updates emphasize temporary intent and limit misuse of visitor visas for work or study purposes.
Applicants already inside Canada can now apply for a new visitor visa if they plan to leave and re-enter the country.
What Is a Study Permit?
A study permit allows international students to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada for more than six months.
Most students must apply for a study permit before arriving in Canada.
If your country requires a visa, you will also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an eTA.
Study permits usually remain valid for the duration of the academic program, with an additional 90 days granted after completion.
Types of Study Permits
Study permits vary based on age and level of education.
Post-Secondary Study Permit
This permit is required for colleges, universities, and vocational institutions.
Applicants must provide:
An acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) (mandatory from 2024)
Proof of sufficient funds
As of September 2025, students must show CAD 22,895 for living expenses.
Students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Primary and Secondary Study Permit
This permit applies to students enrolled in elementary or high school.
Minors must either have a custodian in Canada or be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Students under this category are not allowed to work.
Study Permit for Minors
This permit is for children below the legal age in their province of study.
Additional documents are required, including parental consent and custodianship declarations.
Guardians accompanying minors must apply for visitor visas.
Choosing the right temporary residency option is essential when planning a visit or study stay in Canada.
With stricter rules coming into effect in 2025, understanding visa types and requirements can greatly improve your chances of approval.
Whether you plan to study or visit, proper preparation and accurate documentation are key to a successful application.
Other Types of Study Options
Short-Term Study (No Permit Required)
If your course is six months or less, you may study in Canada without a study permit. A valid visitor visa allows you to take short-term courses, language programs, or certifications within this time limit.
While Waiting for PGWP Decision
If you are:
Still studying, or
Waiting for a decision on your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP),
You must hold a valid status in Canada, such as a visitor record or work authorization, depending on your situation.
IRCC Updates for 2025: What’s New?
IRCC has announced significant changes for 2025:
Study permit cap: Limited to 437,000 permits, a 10% reduction from 2024
Stricter LOA verification: Applicants must meet enhanced Letter of Acceptance (LOA) requirements
School transfers: Students changing institutions must apply for a new study permit starting November 8, 2024
Program restrictions: Some programs are no longer eligible for PGWP
Higher financial requirement: Minimum funds increased to CAD 22,895
These changes aim to improve transparency and protect international students.
Visitor Visa vs Study Permit: Key Differences (IRCC Rules)
| Feature | Visitor Visa | Study Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Tourism, business, family visits, transit | Full-time study at a DLI |
| Length of Stay | Up to 6 months per visit | Valid during studies + 90 days |
| Entry Document | TRV or eTA | Requires TRV/eTA for entry |
| Work Rights | Not allowed (except business activities) | Up to 20 hrs/week |
| 2025 Changes | Limited in-Canada use | Cap of 437,000; higher funds |
| Flexibility | High; not tied to institutions | Tied to DLI; new permit needed if changed |
Summary: Visitor visas are short-term and flexible, while study permits are structured and education-focused.
Who Can Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa?
You must demonstrate:
A temporary intention to stay in Canada
Sufficient funds for your visit
Strong ties to your home country
No criminal or serious health issues
Super Visa Requirements
Proof of medical insurance
Meeting minimum income requirements
In 2025, IRCC is placing greater emphasis on genuine visitor intent.
Who Is Eligible for a Study Permit?
To qualify, you must provide:
A valid LOA from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) (for colleges/universities)
Proof of funds (CAD 22,895 or more)
Proof of intent to leave Canada after studies
English or French proficiency (e.g., CELPIP)
Custodianship proof for minor children
Provincial caps may further limit study permit approvals.
Importance of Language Tests (CELPIP)
Language proficiency is a key requirement for study permits. Tests like CELPIP demonstrate your ability to succeed academically and socially in Canada.
Celpip.biz offers targeted preparation to help you achieve the score required for your application.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Canada Visitor Visa Process
Check eligibility using the IRCC tool
Prepare documents: passport, photos, proof of funds, invitation letter
Apply online or at a Visa Application Centre
Pay fee: CAD 100
Biometrics and processing (2–4 weeks)
Receive approval letter
Study Permit Application Process
Obtain DLI acceptance and PAL
Prepare documents: LOA, proof of funds, passport, photos
Apply online
Pay fees: CAD 150 + CAD 85 biometrics
Medical exam (if required)
Processing time: 8–12 weeks
Permit issued at the port of entry
Under certain conditions, both visas may be applied for inside Canada.
Pros and Cons
Visitor Visa
Pros:
Easy and flexible for short trips
Ideal for tourism or family visits
Cons:
No work or long-term study allowed
Risk of refusal if travel intent is unclear
Study Permit
Pros:
Allows part-time work
Eligibility for PGWP
Pathway to Permanent Residency via Express Entry
Cons:
Higher costs and strict conditions
School changes require a new permit
Changing Status: Visitor to Student
You cannot pursue long-term studies on a visitor visa
To study, you must obtain a study permit
In most cases, you must apply from outside Canada
Study permit holders may still need a visitor visa to re-enter Canada after travel
Final Thoughts
Visitor visas are ideal for short stays, while study permits are essential for education and long-term goals in Canada. With stricter IRCC rules in 2025, proper planning, strong documentation, and language proficiency are more important than ever.
A strong CELPIP score can significantly improve your chances of success.
Celpip.biz can help you prepare confidently for CELPIP and navigate your Canadian immigration journey successfully.
