How to Apply for Canada Visa from Dubai & UAE? (2024 Updated)

Thinking of traveling to Canada? Then you will need to learn how to apply for Canada visa from Dubai.

Canada is a great place to visit – there’s so much to see and do! And if you want to stay longer, you can also apply for a Canada work visa from Dubai.

Thousands of people in Dubai move to this safe and welcoming country yearly. With plenty of jobs available and high living standards, it’s no wonder people are making a move.

You may send a Canada visa application if you wish to remain in the country permanently. But there are a number of options to choose from, so determining which one is right for you might be difficult.

Applying for a visa can be long and complicated, so let us assist you. We will help you apply for a Canada visa with ease in this Dbd guide.

Types of Canadian visa to apply from Dubai

There are different types of visas that allow you to enter Canada. The type of visa you need depends on your reason for visiting and how long you plan to stay in the country.

Canada visitor visa: If you plan to visit Canada as a tourist, you will need a Canada visitor visa. You can also use it for short business purposes (for meetings, conferences, or training) and do not intend to stay for a long time.

Canada work visa: You will need a work visa if you plan to work in Canada. You will need a job offer from a Canadian employer to apply for a work visa.

Permanent residence visa: If you plan to live in Canada permanently, you will need a permanent residence visa. To apply for a permanent residence visa, you must meet specific criteria, including having a job offer or being related to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Student visa: If you plan to study in Canada for several years, you will need a student visa. To apply for a student visa, you will need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution in Dubai.

Related info: If you want to visit the USA from Dubai, check our detailed Dbd guide on – How to apply for USA visit visa from Dubai & UAE.

1. Canada visitor visa from Dubai

The Canada visitor visa from Dubai is a travel document issued by the Canadian government that allows citizens of Dubai to travel to Canada for tourism.

All UAE passport holders are allowed visa-free travel to Canada. They only need to fill out an electronic form and pay a small fee to be able to go to Canada.

The visa will be valid for 6 months, and the applicants can travel to any part of Canada during that time. ^[1] Canada.ca, “Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): How to apply, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html”

If you need to travel to Canada for a business trip, meeting, or conference, you can also fill out this type of Canada visa application question. There is a provision for single or multiple entry visas to Canada for UAE residents.

Requirements to apply for Canada visitor visa from Dubai

To apply for a Canada visitor visa from Dubai, you will need to meet the following requirements:

1. You need to have a valid UAE passport.
2. You must provide an email address that you have access to.
3. You need to fill up an eTA application to get an electronic permit for entry. Find out more about how to eTA application on Canada’s eTA webpage.
4. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is also needed.

If you meet the above requirements, you can apply for a Canada visitor visa by completing an application form. You must submit the form and the required documents to the Canadian embassy or consulate near you.

How to apply for Canada visitor visa from Dubai?

To apply for a visitor visa in Canada, you need to follow these steps: ^[2]Canada.ca, “Apply online for a visitor visa: IRCC Portal, … Continue reading

1. Go to the Canadian IRCC portal.
2. Create an IRCC account.
3. Fill up the online form accurately.
4. Upload the required documents.
5. Pay the necessary fees with your bank’s credit card.

In addition, you must also create an ArrivaCAN account and provide your vaccination details. You must print the receipt and show them at the airport in Canada.

Create your ArriveCAN account from their official ArriveCAN webpage. You can also download the Arrive CAN on iOS or Android devices.

Cost to apply for Canada visitor visa from Dubai

The cost of applying for a Canada visitor visa from Dubai is CAD 100. If you are asked for biometrics by the Canadian authority, you might incur additional charges and more approval time. ^[3]Canada.ca, “Visitor visa: About the document, … Continue reading

Canada visitor visa processing time from Dubai

A visitor visa typically takes 44 days to process. ^[4]Canada.ca, “Check processing times for Canadian visa, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html” However, there are cases where the Canadian authority also requests you to provide additional documents.

Such activities might extend your processing times. But those cases are not very common.

See also: Check this Dbd guide on – How to check UAE visa status online, where we have shared a detailed step-by-step guide with images.

2. Canada work visa from Dubai

If you want to work in Canada, you will need a work visa. You can apply for a work visa online in Dubai. Let’s see the required documents and process for this Canada visa application.

Requirements to apply for Canada work permit from Dubai

You need to have the following documents to apply for a Canada work permit from Dubai: ^[5]Canada.ca, “Guide 5487 – Applying for a Work Permit outside Canada, … Continue reading

1. Your valid UAE passport
2. Two recent photos
3. Proof of employment in Canada, such as your employment contract
4. Evidence of relationship with your family members, such as birth certificates and marriage certificates
5. Translated documents if the documents are in languages other than French and English

How to apply for Canada working visa from Dubai?

The application process may require quite some time, as the government of Canada needs as much information as possible from you. To apply for a Canada work visa from Dubai, follow these steps: ^[6]Canada.ca, “Guide 5487 – Applying for a Work Permit outside Canada, … Continue reading

1. Download this application form.
2. Enter your personal details, passport details, job information, background information, and criminal/military/political background.
3. Click on the “Validate” button on your form after filling out all the information. This will generate a barcode that needs to be printed for later use.
4. Print the whole form and sign it. Ensure the printed page containing the barcode is included in your document.
5. Pay the visa fee online from IRCC Canada’s official payment page and retrieve your payment receipts.
6. Send the document to a Visa Application Center in your area. Also, fill out the document checklist and send it.

After you have gone through the whole process, the Canadian visa authorities will check your applications. Once it is approved, you will receive an email.

If you submit original documents to the Visa Application Center, they will return the original back.

See also: Do you want to visit Armenia as a UAE resident? If yes, go through our Dbd guide on – Armenia visa for UAE residents

Cost to apply for Canada work permit from Dubai

You need to pay these fees for a Canada work permit from Dubai. The open work permit is an additional charge to pay if you apply for an open work permit. ^[7]Canada.ca, “Guide 5487 – Applying for a Work Permit outside Canada, … Continue reading

1. Work permit fee per person – $155
2. Biometrics fee per person – $85
3. Open Work Permit Holder fee – $100 (If you are applying for an open work permit)

You need to pay these fees as of July 2024 in Canadian Dollars. These fees might change in the future.

Canada work visa processing time from Dubai

Generally, it takes up to 30 days to process your visa after you have submitted all documents and payment receipts. ^[8]Canada.ca, “Work permit: After you apply, … Continue reading

Various factors can alter your Canada visa processing time. If you have made all payments and all copies of your documents are clear, your application for a visa will be processed quickly.

However, sometimes the Canadian authority might ask for additional documents before approval. This might increase the processing time by several days.

You can also check the processing time of your Canada visa application on Canada’s official application status checker.

3. Canada permanent resident visa from Dubai

If you’re considering moving to Canada, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of people from the UAE apply for a visa to settle in Canada permanently.

Canada is welcoming and diverse, with plenty to offer, from stunning natural scenery to thriving cities. It is a welcome change for UAE citizens who want a different lifestyle.

If you want a place to call home, Canada might be the perfect fit, but there are many things to consider. We will tell you everything you need to know about successfully getting a permanent residence visa in Canada.

The process to apply for Canada visa from UAE for permanent residence can be different than applying for other countries. Some visa types include Canada investor visa, express entry, provincial nominees program, startup visa, and self-employed visa.

To be eligible to apply for a Canada permanent resident visa from Dubai, you must meet a lot more requirements than other kinds of visas. We will discuss them further below.

Method 1. Express Entry

Skilled immigrants who want to settle in Canada can utilize the Express Entry system application process. The process is designed to be fast and efficient, allowing immigrants with the skills and experience that Canada needs to become permanent residents quickly.

If you are interested in immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry system, there are a few things you need to know.

You must provide information about your job offer, education, language, police certificates, medical exams, financial status, and skills relevant to your application. Once you have been identified as an eligible candidate, you will be interviewed.

If the embassy approves you, you will receive your permanent resident visa and be able to come to Canada. The Express Entry system is a great opportunity for skilled immigrants who want to start a new life in Canada.

See also: If you are looking to get UAE citizenship, read this Dbd guide on – How to get UAE citizenship

Method 2. Provincial Nominees Program (PNP)

Provincial Nominees Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada. Those people must meet the specific provincial/territorial criteria.

You can apply for this program if you are a skilled worker or a business person who wants to stay in a specific province. You may even be eligible for faster processing of your permanent residence application.

At the same time, being a nominee does not guarantee that you will receive permanent residence. You must still meet all the requirements of Canadian immigration law, including those relating to health, security, and criminality. 

To apply under the PNP, interested individuals must first submit an expression of interest to the province they wish to settle in. If approved, you just create an Express Entry profile or update your existing profile to show your nomination.

Once your application is received, it will be reviewed by a provincial/territorial official, who will decide on your candidacy. If you are successful, you will receive a notification of nomination from the province or territory.

You can then use this nomination to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Please note that IRCC makes the final decision on all applications for permanent residency. ^[9]Canada.ca, “How the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) works, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees/works.html”

Method 3.Quebec-selected skilled workers

The basic concept of Quebec’s selected skilled workers’ program is the same as the Provincial Nominees Program. The big difference is that this program applies to just the Quebec province. ^[10]Canada.ca, “Quebec-selected skilled workers: About the process, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/quebec-skilled-workers.html”

Quebec has its own rules for choosing immigrants. If you want a Canadian permanent residence visa and live in Quebec, you must follow the simple two-step process described below: 

1. First, you must apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate called “Certificat de sélection du Québec” or CSQ.
2. After the province provides you with a CSQ, you must apply for permanent residence at the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

The purpose of CSQ is that the province officially identifies you as an immigrant. The fee for application processing is CAD 1,365, and it takes 15 to 17 months to process. ^[11]Canada.ca, “Quebec-selected skilled workers: About the process, … Continue reading

Related info: Check out our Dbd guide on – Albania Visa for UAE Residents if you want to visit Albania from UAE.

Method 4. Caregivers

Being a caregiver in Canada can allow you to care for the elderly and children. You may not meet all the requirements for a permanent residence right off the bat, but you can work temporarily and extend your visa.

To apply for a permanent residence visa as a caregiver, you must have worked in the home caregiving sector for at least 24 months. ^[12]Canada.ca, “Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot: About the process, … Continue reading

However, the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker programs are closed for 2022. They will reopen on 1 January 2023.

Method 5. Startup visa

Startup visas are a type of Canadian immigrant visa that allows entrepreneurs to immigrate to Canada by starting a business there.

The startup visa program aims to support innovative entrepreneurs who want to create jobs and help grow the Canadian economy. Your application must be supported by a Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. ^[13]canada.ca, “List of designated organizations – start up visa, … Continue reading

If you are approved for a startup visa, you can work in Canada temporarily while you wait for your permanent residence status to be processed. However, you must work outside Quebec, as the province has its immigrant entrepreneur program. ^[14]canada.ca, “Work permits for Start-Up Visa applicants, … Continue reading

Method 6. Self-employed visa

You can immigrate to Canada permanently as a self-employed person too. Your application will be assessed based on your ability to become economically established in Canada as a self-employed person.

For this, you will need to consider previous cultural or athletic involvement and experience. To be eligible, you must be willing and able to contribute significantly to Canada’s cultural or athletic life. ^[15]Canada.ca, “Immigrate as a self-employed person: About the process, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/self-employed.html”

The application fee is CAD 2,140, which takes 41 months to process. So, you should prepare for it early. ^[16]Canada.ca, “Immigrate as a self-employed person: About the process, … Continue reading

Requirements to apply for Canada permanent resident visa from Dubai

The required documents to apply for a permanent Canadian visa differ according to the visa type you are applying for. But some documents are required for every type of visa. They are as follows:

1. A valid passport
2. Recent photographs
3. Language proficiency tests
4. Education certificates
5. Police certificates
6. Medical exams
7. Bank statement

Other documents and files are also required based on who else is traveling with you. Some of them are:

1. Proof of relationship to a relative in Canada
2. Digital photos to confirm your identity
3. Another name to verify aliases
4. Birth, death, adoption, and marriage certificates

How to apply for Canada permanent resident visa from Dubai?

The visa application process for a permanent visa in Canada slightly differs depending on the different available methods to obtain a PR visa. However, the general process is similar for all methods.

Follow these steps to apply for a Canada visa for Permanent Residence from United Arab Emirates: ^[17]Canada.ca, “Apply for permanent residence: Express Entry, … Continue reading

1. Request your employer in Canada to send an invitation letter to you.
2. Create a new IRCC account or sign in to your existing account.
3. Fill in the necessary form with your personal details, passport information, job experience, income, and other credentials that strengthen your application.
4. Upload all necessary attachments. Include all the job experience, income sources, skills, etc., on your documents. This will increase your chances of getting the visa application approved.
5. Make necessary payments. The fees differ based on your approach to obtaining the visa.
6. Save all of your application forms and receipts.

Getting a permanent residence visa is much more complicated than other visas. So you might need to visit the consulate multiple times.

It is a good idea to remain in contact with the embassy and contact them for any queries you have. Since it could be a life-changing process for many, it is always essential that you stay updated with your application status and be in touch with the officials.

Related info: Check out this Dbd guide on – Visa-free countries for UAE residents

Cost to apply for Canada permanent residence from Dubai

The cost to apply for a Canada visa for permanent residence from United Arab Emirates or Dubai depends on the visa application type.

Here are some of the cost of different kinds of permanent residence visa.

1. The Quebec-selected skilled worker’s visa costs CAD 1,365 in Canadian currency. ^[18]Canada.ca, “Quebec-selected skilled workers: About the process, … Continue reading
2. The self-employed visa costs much more, at CAD 2,140. ^[19]Canada.ca, “Immigrate as a self-employed person: About the process, … Continue reading
3. The Express Entry visa costs CAD 1,365 for you, an additional CAD 1,365 for your spouse, and CAD 230 more for a dependent child. ^[20]Canada.ca, “Apply for permanent residence: Express Entry, … Continue reading

FAQs on Canada visa from UAE

Final thoughts

If you don’t know how to apply for Canada visa from Dubai, we hope you do now. As a UAE resident, you can choose from multiple Canada visa types.

You can go for a short visit, work, or permanent residence. Applying for a Canadian work and permanent visa can be complicated, but it is worth all the effort. Just make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.

If you have work experience in a skilled profession and enough funds, gather all your documents and apply for a Canada work visa immediately!

Make sure to double-check everything before submitting. Once it’s sent, there may be no going back, and there is no refund policy either!

Applying for a Canada visa from Dubai can seem daunting, but with the right resources, it’s doable. Hopefully, this guide has given you a clear idea of how to move forth with the Canada visa application process.