Canada remains an attractive country for migration, offering a wide range of immigration and work opportunities. However, to apply for a visa, especially for permanent or temporary status, you need to understand the different categories that exist on the visa application form. Learn more about the category codes on the Canadian visa application form and what they mean

Citizens of countries with a visa regime need a contract visa to travel to Canada. The only exceptions are persons with permanent citizenship or residents of Canada. Otherwise, everyone needs a visa to cross the border, even if they are traveling for study or work. 

What is visa smuggling?

A visa counterfeit is a special sticker that an immigration officer places in your passport if your travel to Canada is approved. The IRCC uses the term "visa counterfoil" to refer to these stickers. A sample of a visa counterfeit shows that it is a complex structure with numerous elements, including category codes, that can be confusing. These stickers become a kind of indication that you have been authorized to enter Canada and are an important part of the immigration process. Canada receives a record number of migrants from India, Mexico, Pakistan, and Ukraine.

Obtaining a Canadian visa copy for foreign nationals

Obtaining a Canadian visa copy for foreign nationals is an important step in many scenarios of traveling and staying in Canada. This is especially true for those traveling for a temporary visit or planning to become a permanent resident.

One of the main uses of a visa copy is to obtain temporary residency, such as a visa for tourism, work, or business. Studying in Canada also requires a visa copy, even if you have received a study permit.

For those who are banned from entering Canada, a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) can be obtained using a visa copy. In addition, the loss of permanent resident status may result in the need to leave the country, in which case a visa copy will help to make this departure possible.

It is also important to note that a visa copy may be required to participate in hearings or appeals, especially if you plan to appeal the officer's decision. Such a copy allows you to travel to Canada more easily in cases related to your immigration status.

All of these scenarios emphasize the importance of a visa copy for travelers and customers who are going to be in Canada.

Category codes on the Canadian visa copy and their meaning

The following table shows the existing category codes and their meanings:

1. B-1 - business visitors;

2. C-1 - courtesy visa;

3. D-1 - diplomatic visa;

4. F-1 - simplified visa;

5. IM-1 - single entry visa for PR;

6. 0-1 - official visa;

7. P A-1 - holder of a residence permit;

8. PAX-1 - national interest TRP;

9. PC-1 - holder of a permit with a valid TRP;

10. PG-1 - supervisory visa for parents and grandparents;

11. R-1 - residence obligation;

12. RA-1 - presence at the appeal;

13. RC-1 - obtained travel document for travel to and from the place of residence – PR;

14. RX-1 - attendance at a PR hearing when you were in Canada within the last 365 days;

15. S-1 - student with a study permit;

16. SW-1 - foreign student with a study and work permit;

17. SX-1 - student exempt from the need to obtain a study permit;

18. VH-1 - a visitor in transit for a period not exceeding 48 hours;

19. W-1 - employee with a work permit;

20. WX-1 - an employee exempt from the need to obtain a work permit. 

Thus, the category codes on the Canadian visa application form are a key element in choosing the right immigration path. It is important to carefully research each program and choose the one that best suits your needs and capabilities. Filling out the visa application form is only the first step, and choosing the right category code will allow you to succeed in your immigration plans in Canada.

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Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Canada;

Legal advice on business issues in Canada;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Canada;

Medical insurance all over the world.

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