According to Infozee, if you're an overseas student, you're required to obtain a visa before coming to Canada for your studies. You'll need to submit an original and a duplicate copy of your student application to CIC, which must be notarized and witnessed by a notary public, magistrate or CIC officer. The Canadian government also requires that you show proof that you have sufficient financial resources to live in the country.
For most types of employment, you will need a job offer from a Canadian employer. You'll also need to obtain written confirmation from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) that your employer can hire a foreign worker to fill the job. This confirmation is called a positive labor market opinion. CIC states that some workers, such as certain athletes or media crews, do not require a work permit.
If you want to come to Canada as a live-in caregiver, nanny or domestic worker, Canada Immigration Visa advises that you must obtain a job offer from a prospective employer before entering the country. Once the job offer is made, your employer must apply to CIC for sponsorship approval. If approved, you must apply for employment authorization at a CI office. You are given a work permit for two years, and can then apply for permanent residency.
A temporary resident visa is for people from designated countries who wish to visit Canada as a tourist, to visit family or friends, or for business. Check with CIC to see if your citizenship requires you to obtain a temporary resident visa to enter Canada. You'll need to complete a CIC application and pay a fee, the amount of which varies depending on whether you're traveling alone or with your family.
