Whether you’ve fallen in love with the stunning, mountainous landscapes of Canada or one of its permanent inhabitants, working with an immigration advisor can help narrow down your options. The process isn’t always straightforward—but it certainly is doable with the right immigration consultant!
Extending Your Vacation Visa
How long you can remain in Canada as a visitor is up to your border services officer. In most cases, visitors can stay for up to six months with an opportunity to apply for an extension at least 30 days before the end of your stay.
If your options are open-ended, a visitor’s visa extension is a suitable option—but it can take up to 50 days to process online and 115 to process on paper. If the process surpasses your visitor’s end date, don’t panic! You can remain in the country until the immigration board concludes.
Work or Study in Canada
Vacationing abroad for an extended period can get you itching to do something productive. While the work and study opportunities in Toronto are boundless, you can’t jump the gun with a tourist visa.
Apply for a work visa or student permit. If you’re juggling your options, an open work permit will give you greater freedom of choice with hundreds of Canadian employers. If you already have a company in mind, an employer-specific visa will allow you to work with the said company for a given period. To prove you’re qualified for the position, you’ll need to prepare a resume and portfolio—if necessary. Applying for a work visa can take up to 12 weeks.
The first step towards achieving a study permit is applying to a suitable Canadian university—your letter of acceptance is a must! Quicker than a work permit, obtaining a study permit takes up to 7 weeks.
Leave Canada (With a Return Plan)
If you have some unfinished business in your home country, you can put a pin on your happily ever after. If you currently hold a single entry visa, you can apply for its multiple entry counterpart. Valid for up to ten years, a multiple entry visa enables its holder to come and go to and from Canada for six months at a time.
If you already hold a work, study, or travel visa, applying for a multiple entry visa is much simpler.
Consider Permanent Residency
If you’re ready to commit to your newfound Canadian partner but not quite at peace with giving up your citizenship, consider permanent residency. As a permanent resident, you become entitled to virtually the same social benefits, including healthcare coverage, work opportunities, and the ability to live wherever you like.
Do we hear wedding bells? Your Canadian spouse can choose to sponsor your immigration.
Become a Canadian Citizen
Marriage to a Canadian citizen doesn’t seal the deal—you’ll have to apply for Canadian spouse immigration and citizenship too. If you’re already a permanent resident, the process is often quicker. If you embrace your heritage, you can hold onto multiple citizenships.
Conclusion
It’s easy to fall in love with Canada (or its residents) even on a short-term holiday or exchange program. If you’re not ready to leave it, its variety of permits, visas, and residency options are plentiful.
Want to get ahead of your Toronto immigration? Our experts at Bright Immigration can take care of an unmoving application, mountains of paperwork, or simply get you started. With over 25 years of combined experience and a 5-star online rating, we are the catalyst for your Canadian dream!
