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Canadian work and holiday visa for Colombians: Complete guide
Do you want a Canadian Work and Holiday visa for Colombians? Here we explain everything you need to know about visas for Canada.
Although the Canadian Work and Holiday visa for Colombians isn’t currently available, there are several other visa options you can apply for to visit this North American country. In this guide, we’ll explain your alternatives and what steps you need to follow to obtain them.
We’ll also explain the costs of applying for each visa and the required documentation you must submit. These visas or permits are great alternatives for exploring Canada while studying, working, or simply travelling. Let’s get started!
What work, study, and tourist visas does Canada offer for Colombians?
To explore or visit any Canadian city, you can apply for a work, study, or tourist visa, which is one of the most common choices among Colombian travellers. Below, we’ll explain each one in detail so you can choose the visa that suits you best:
1. Visitor or tourist visa
To travel for tourism in Canada, you’ll need a visitor or tourist visa. If you plan to explore the country or your favourite destinations, this visa allows a stay of up to six months.
With this visa, you can’t work or study programmes lasting over six months while in Canada.
That means if you’ll take a short course, diploma, or training, you can apply for a tourist visa as long as your studies don’t exceed 180 days. Otherwise, you must apply for a specific student visa.
Who is this visa for?
This visa is designed for travellers who wish to explore Canada’s cities, national parks, and culture during their permitted stay.
It’s also ideal for those visiting family or friends in the country, and students taking short courses to enhance their careers.
Requirements and documentation
- Colombian passport: The passport must be undamaged and have no blurred information. It must be valid for at least six months.
- Visa application form: Find it on the Canadian Embassy website under the Visitor Visa Application Form.
- Return ticket: This proves you plan to return to Colombia after your stay.
- Proof of financial funds: You must demonstrate sufficient money to stay in Canada without financial issues.
- Ties to Colombia: Show you have family, work, or commitments that require your return.
- Biometric data: Visit the Visa Application Centre for fingerprints and provide a 3.5 × 4.5 cm photo with a blue background.
- Invitation letter (optional): If you’ll visit friends or family, include their invitation letter.
- Criminal record: Submit a clean record with no legal issues in Colombia.
2. Work visa
The work visa has two types: closed and open, depending on how you secure your job in Canada. Here’s how they differ:
For the closed work permit, you must work for one specific employer throughout your stay in Canada. It’s the main requirement for this document. You can’t change employers during the visa’s validity.
The open work permit must be requested from Colombia and lets you work for any company or employer in Canada. For both visas, the validity depends on the length of your contract. They’re usually granted for between one and three years.
Who is this visa for?
This visa is for adults who wish to work in Canada, either for a specific employer or any approved company seeking Colombian employees.
Requirements and documentation
| Closed work permit | Description | Open work permit | Description |
| Colombian passport | Yes | Colombian passport | Yes |
| Medical exams | Yes | Medical exams | Yes |
| Positive LMIA | Canadian Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) proving your employer’s eligibility. | Form IMM 1295 | Mandatory form for open work permit applications. |
| Criminal record | Yes | Criminal record | Yes |
| Job offer | Yes | Job offers | Optional, you may have up to three offers while awaiting approval. |
| CV | Yes | CV | Yes |
| Visa photo 4×5 | Not required | Visa photo 4×5 | Yes |
| Education certificate | Yes | Education certificate | Yes |
| Proof of funds | Yes | Proof of funds | Yes |
| English or French | Yes | English or French | Yes |
3. Study visa
You can apply for a student visa if you’ll study in Canada for more than six months at a recognised institution. Its validity matches your study duration. This visa suits those pursuing primary, undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, or doctoral studies.
Who is this visa for?
This visa is available for students of all ages, from primary school to higher education or professional exchanges. Also for young students who want to start a career or take part in a professional exchange.
There’s no strict age limit, but it’s essential to meet every requirement.Here’s the documentation you’ll need:
Requirements and documentation
- Acceptance letter from a Canadian institution: You must prove acceptance from the university, college, or school you’ll attend.
- Tuition payment receipt: This confirms your academic plans are legitimate and serious.
- Colombian passport: Must be in perfect condition and valid throughout your stay. Its validity must be equal to or longer than the time you need to stay in Canada.
- Academic certificates: These help determine your education level.
- Proof of funds: Show financial capacity to cover your studies and living costs.
- Bank statements: Provide statements from the last four months.
- Motivation letter: Explain why you want to study in Canada and how it benefits your career.
- Criminal record: Must be clean.
- Language: Intermediate or higher level in English or French (if studying in Quebec).
- Visa application form: Complete the form available on the Canadian Embassy website: Study Visa Form.
Internet while working, studying, or relaxing in Canada
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You can also choose to install a Holafly eSIM for Canada, which gives you unlimited internet for as many days as you need while in the country. Install it before travelling, keep it off, and activate it once you arrive.
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Prices and expenses for obtaining Canadian visas as a Colombian
When applying for a Canadian visa, remember that some extra costs include translation, issuance, and formalisation fees. Prices vary depending on the process and visa type you need.
Here are the most common expenses and estimated prices you should prepare before applying for your visa:
| Procedure | Average cost |
| Document translation | $7.50–12.50 (€6.83–11.38) per page |
| Study visa fee | $120 (€109.20) |
| Work visa fee | $72.50 (€65.98) (open permit) $112.50 (€102.38) (closed permit) |
| Tourist visa fee | $80 (€72.80) |
| Colombian passport | $46.50 (€42.32) |
| Biometric data | $62.50 (€56.88) per person |
| Medical exams | $100 (€91.00) |
| IELTS/TOEFL certificate | $250 (€227.50) |
| Visa photos | $8.75 (€7.96) |
| Medical insurance | $375 (€341.25) per year |
Frequently asked questions about Canadian visas for Colombians
Approval usually takes about 50 days for tourist visas and up to three months for study or work visas. It’s best to plan your application timeline according to your travel dates.
No, you can’t change your tourist status to worker status in Canada. You must return to Colombia to start the work visa process.
You can provide fingerprints and a 3.5 × 4.5 cm photo at the Visa Application Centre in Bogotá, located at Calle 99 #14-49, Office 203, Chicó Norte.
There’s no agreement between Canada and Colombia allowing this visa type. For now, alternatives include study, tourist, or work visas.
The entire process is done through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. You only need to visit the centre for biometric data collection. Otherwise, you can upload the documents through the portal we mentioned.
