Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Canadian TRV, Study Visa, or Work Permit in 2025
Dreaming of visiting, studying, or working in Canada? Here’s exactly how to apply — step by step — to make your Canadian journey smooth and stress-free!
1️⃣ Choose Your Visa Type
👉 TRV (Visitor Visa) — If you’re going to Canada for tourism, visiting family/friends, or short business trips.
👉 Study Permit — If you’ve been accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada for a course longer than 6 months.
👉 Work Permit — If you have a valid job offer and an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) if needed.
2️⃣ Check If You’re Eligible
✅ For a TRV — You must prove you’ll leave Canada at the end of your visit, have enough funds, no criminal record, and be in good health.
✅ For a Study Permit — You must show an acceptance letter from a DLI, proof of funds to pay tuition & living expenses, and ties to your home country.
✅ For a Work Permit — You generally need a job offer from a Canadian employer and (in most cases) an LMIA approval.
3️⃣ Gather Required Documents
📑 Common Documents:
📑 Extra for Study Permit:
📑 Extra for Work Permit:
4️⃣ Create an IRCC Account
👉 Go to Canada’s official immigration portal and create a GCKey account or sign in using a partner sign-in (like your bank).
5️⃣ Fill Out the Online Application
6️⃣ Pay the Application Fees
💵 TRV fee: CAD 100
💵 Study Permit: CAD 150
💵 Work Permit: CAD 155
💵 Biometrics fee (if required): CAD 85
Pay online through your IRCC account.
7️⃣ Book Biometrics Appointment (If Required)
Most applicants need to give fingerprints and a photo. Book your biometrics appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC).
8️⃣ Wait for Processing & Updates
✅ Track your application status on your IRCC account.
✅ Be ready to submit extra documents or attend an interview if IRCC requests it.
9️⃣ Get a Decision
✅ If approved — You’ll get a passport request.
✅ Submit your passport to the VAC or Visa Office to get your visa sticker.
✅ For students/workers — You’ll get a port of entry letter to show at the Canadian border.
🔟 Prepare for Arrival in Canada
📌 Pack your passport, visa, port of entry letter, proof of funds, and any supporting documents.
📌 Be ready to answer questions at Canadian immigration.
📌 For students — Be ready to show proof of tuition payment and your LOA.
✅ Bonus Tips
✨ Apply early — processing times vary by country.
✨ Use the Student Direct Stream (SDS) if you’re from eligible countries — faster processing!
✨ Always check the IRCC website for up-to-date document checklists and fees.
📌 Final Words
Whether you want to visit, study, or work, Canada is ready to welcome you — but only if you apply the right way!
💙 Share this guide with someone who needs help with their Canada visa.
🔗 Need help preparing your SOP, proof of funds, or job-ready CV? Let me know — I can create templates for you too!
