If you are staying on a work-sponsored assignment you must apply for a work permit. For this you must have proof that your employer or sponsoring company needs you to stay for an extended period of time, show proof that your travel costs are covered, and provide a list of Canadian contacts. This information can be submitted by your company on letterhead stationery. Complete the business visa application and submit two passport-sized photos, a copy of your airline tickets, and proof of your U.S. citizenship. Business visas are also designed to bring experienced business people as long-term immigrants to Canada, who are selected based on their ability to become economically established in Canada. If this is your situation you must apply for either an entrepreneur visa, self-employed visa, or investor visa, depending on your business situation. The first step in this process is to complete the paperwork which includes "Application for Permanent Residence" and "Use of a Representative" forms. You must also submit your payment. You may get called for an interview as part of the business visa approval process.
A student visa requires you to show proof that you will be a student in Canada, which means you need to provide an official letter from a Canadian educational institution showing your intent to study there. You must also provide proof that you have enough money during your course of study to pay for tuition fees, living expenses and return transportation to your home country. You must also show purchased round-trip travel arrangements together with a completed visa application form and passport photos
Like the business and student visas, you must submit a signed visa application form and passport photos. You must also show proof that you have enough money to support yourself while in Canada, along with proof of purchased round-trip travel arrangements. Last but not least, you must submit a letter from a friend or family in Canada inviting you to visit.
