How to Be a Temporary Resident in Canada with the Canadian Visitor Visa

If you are thinking about moving to Canada to live and work but want to give it a trial run to check it out first a Canadian visitor visa might be the best option for you. The Canadian visitor visa is often referred to as a temporary resident visa or even as a tourist visa as it allows you to spend up to six months living in Canada as a temporary resident.

By getting yourself a Canadian visitor visa, you are able to experience total immersion in Canada and see what it would be like to live in Canada permanently while only being a temporary resident. The Canadian visitor visa is not intended to be used as a route to residency in Canada as it does not lead to permanent residence or Canadian citizenship. The Canadian visitor visa is issued to you on the basis that you do not plan on seeking and taking up employment while in Canada and that you have every intention of leaving the country when your visa is set to expire. If you wish to stay in Canada longer than six months or if you wish to take up employment you will have to get a different type of visa for yourself. You cannot apply for a different visa while within Canada. Instead you will have to travel back to your home country to submit your application for a more permanent visa of your choosing. However, you could use your time in Canada under the Canadian visitor visa to test out the market and see what sorts of jobs are available as long as you remember that you cannot take up employment with this visa.

Since the Canadian visitor visa allows you the ability to stay in Canada for up to six months, it is a popular choice among students that only plan on taking one semester's worth of classes. However, students that wish to work while studying will need to get a study visa since no one is allowed to take up employment with the Canadian visitor visa.

There are three types of Canadian visitor visas. The single entry Canadian visitor visa allows you to visit for a consecutive six months without the ability to leave and re-enter the country. You can however apply for a one time visa extension at least 30 days before the visa is set to expire. The multiple entry Canadian visitor visa allows you to leave and re-enter the country as much as you like. You will just need to let the case officer know the length of time you will be out of the country each time you leave. The transit Canadian visitor visa is only intended for people that will be in the country on their way to another country. With this visa you are to spend no more than 48 hours in the country.

To qualify for the Canadian visitor visa you will need to prove that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself while in Canada. You will also have to show that you do not intend to seek employment, that you have no criminal record and that you do not represent a security risk. You also may be asked to submit to a medical examination.

Your spouse or dependant children over the age of 18 will need to apply for their own Canadian visitor visa and meet the qualifying criteria on their own.