Canada is famous for its friendliness, diversity, and breathtaking landscapes. It’s a tradition here to HoldTheDoor open for those who follow. If you’re considering traveling, studying, working, visiting family, or immigrating here, we’re here to help.
Official Website of IRCC
Access official information of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Official Website of CBSA
Find information on border services of Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Official Website of CICC
Verify the authenticity of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC).
Visa Status Tracker
Monitor the status of your visa application in real-time.
Visa Processing Time
Check processing times for different types of Canadian visas.
All Related Official Websites
Access all official websites of Canadian immigration services.
Important
HoldTheDoor.ca, a Canadian immigration resource platform, is for informational purposes only and does not offer immigration consulting services or legal advice. We provide information to help you understand the visa application process. In Canada, only authorized representatives can provide paid immigration advice or services. You can find licensed immigration consultants through the Official Website of CICC.
Visit Canada: Temporary Resident Visa#
Most foreigners need a visitor visa to enter Canada, whether you’re coming to travel, study, work, or visit family. Usually, visitors are allowed to stay up to 6 months unless you’re entering to study or work. If you wish to stay longer, leave and re-enter, or apply for an extension, additional steps are required.
Tourism in Canada
Plan your vacation with ease using the Visitor Visa resources.
Study in Canada
Pursue your education in Canada with the Student Visa information.
Visit Family in Canada
Learn about visas to visit your family members in Canada, including the Super Visa.
Work in Canada
Find opportunities to work in Canada through the Work Visa guides.
Visit Canada on Business
Explore options for business visitors and entrepreneurs.
All Visitor Visas
Find information on all types of visitor visas to Canada.
To U.S. Citizens/PR
Congratulations! If you hold a valid U.S. passport or Green Card, you don’t need to apply for a Canadian visa beforehand. You can legally stay in Canada for up to 6 months to travel, look for work, or participate in short-term study programs unless you are inadmissible for medical reasons or criminal records. However, please note that you cannot engage in work or long-term studies unless you obtain the appropriate visa. Read more
Immigration to Canada: Permanent Resident Visa#
Canada welcomes immigrants under several main categories: Economic Class, Family Sponsorship, Refugees, and other reasons such as Humanitarian & Compassionate. Each category reflects Canada’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Express Entry
Apply for fast-tracked immigration through the Express Entry system.
Provincial Nominee Program
Gain nomination from a Canadian province (PNP) to enhance your PR application.
Family Sponsorship
Reunite with your family in Canada through our sponsorship programs.
Quebec
Apply for Quebec-specific immigration programs.
Refugees
Apply for refugee status in Canada.
All PR Pathways
Explore all pathways to permanent residency tailored to your situation.
To U.S. Citizens/PR
Sorry, being a U.S. citizen or PR doesn’t automatically qualify you for Canadian PR—you’ll need to apply for it. If you’ve never worked in Canada, consider the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW). And if you’re good at French, that’s a real plus! Yes, French is also an official language in Canada. On the other hand, the Family Sponsorship is more straightforward: if you’re married to or have been cohabiting with a Canadian/PR for more than a year, you might eligible for PR. There is also a common form of immigration known as a refugee claim. Unfortunately, being dissatisfied with election results of the U.S. does not count. Read more
Become Canadian: Change of Nationality#
To become a Canadian citizen, you must have permanent resident status and have lived in Canada for at least 1095 days (approximately 3 years) during the 5 years before your application.
Eligibility Criteria
Learn about the requirements to apply for Canadian citizenship.
Citizenship Test
Prepare for the citizenship test with our study resources and tips.
Oath of Citizenship
Learn about the Oath of Citizenship and the ceremony.
To U.S. Citizens/PR
Nope, having an American passport doesn’t give you any shortcuts to Canadian citizenship. You’ve got to earn it like everyone else.