A passport is a document, usually in the form of a booklet, identifying the owner as a citizen of a particular country. A Canadian passport identifies the owner as someone entitled to the rights, protections afforded by citizenship. These rights include a right to protection by the Canadian government and the right to return to Canada. Physically, the passport includes a picture of the individual, a short description, an issue date and an expiration date. There are also several blank pages for visa stamps.
A visa is a document or other endorsement issued by a government. It grants permission for the recipient to enter a country's border for a specific purpose. The Canadian government offers visas for tourism, studying, temporary work, visiting family and friends and business. Whether or not an individual requires a visa is determined by their citizenship, purpose of visit and length of stay.
Depending on a traveler's country of citizenship, a Temporary Resident Visa might be required for travel to Canada. Temporary Resident Visas permit foreigners to visit Canada for tourism, business or time with family and friends. Citizens from places including the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Spain and many other European countries don't require a visa to visit Canada those from many other nations do. Citizens of India, China, Chile, The Philippines, Russia, Costa Rica and many other countries require a Temporary Visa if visiting for these purposes. The Citizen and Immigration Canada website (see Resources) provides information concerning visa citizenship requirements.
Foreigners interested in securing employment in Canada may have to apply and be approved for a work permit. Those interested in working in Quebec require the certificat d'acceptation du Québec. Not all temporary workers require the permit. People visiting Canada to transact business are not required to secure a work permit, only those interested in securing work through an employer within the Canadian borders need one.
Foreigners who have applied for and been accepted to a Canadian college, university or other type of school must apply for a study permit. Exceptions include students of short-term programs that last less than six months, members of foreign armed services and family members of foreign representatives to Canada. Applications for a visa of any sort are processed by Canadian embassies and consulates throughout the world.
