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Canadian temporary permits and visas

Canada Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Canada's temporary immigration regime is administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA, SC 2001, c 27) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR, SOR/2002-227). Foreign nationals who do not yet hold permanent resident status must hold a valid temporary status document — a temporary resident visa (TRV), study permit, or work permit — to remain in Canada lawfully.

Study

  • Study permit — Required for most foreign nationals who wish to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada for more than 6 months. Governed by IRPA s.29 and IRPR Part 7.

Work

  • Open work permit — Allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada without being tied to a specific job offer. Available to specific categories including spouses of certain workers and students, post-graduation graduates (PGWP), and refugees.
  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — An open work permit available to international graduates of eligible Canadian post-secondary programs. A primary pathway to Canadian work experience and Express Entry eligibility.
  • Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) — The process by which Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) assesses whether a foreign worker may fill a position that cannot be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. A positive LMIA is generally required for employer-specific work permits.
  • International Experience Canada (IEC) — A bilateral youth mobility program that allows young adults from eligible countries to work and travel in Canada under one of three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or International Co-op.

Visitor status

  • Temporary resident visa (TRV) — A visa required for nationals of countries that do not benefit from a visa exemption when travelling to Canada for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. Distinct from the electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) applicable to visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling by air.

Legislation