Steps to Apply for a Canadian Visa from Ghana
Step 1. Discover Which Canadian Visa or Program You Qualify For
First things first, before you can apply for a Canadian visa from Ghana you need to know which visa type you qualify for. This is a very important step and forms the very foundation of your journey to Canada. Not everyone qualifies for all visa types, and many times applicants get rejected. There are currently over 70 visa and immigration programs available, each with its own eligibility criteria (age, language proficiency, work experience, education, etc) and unique application process. This makes the first step quite complicated if you’re not aware of all your options. Successful Ghanian applicants use the professional services of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) to help them identify the best-suited visa type based on their needs and goals.
Popular Canadian Visa Types
1. Express Entry
You can apply for a permanent residency visa through the Express Entry immigration system which processes skilled worker applications in as little as 6-months. You don’t need Canadian work experience to be eligible for Express Entry immigration and therefore you can apply directly from Ghana. However, you do need to have skilled work experience in a professional, managerial, trade, or technical job, amongst other criteria.
2. Student Permit
Thousands of students from around the world study at Canadian universities and colleges every year. Not only do they acquire world-recognized qualifications but after they graduate, they have a few exciting options to choose from. Graduates can apply for Post-Graduate Work Permits to work anywhere in Canada to kickstart their careers. Some students with qualifying degrees, such as medical graduates can apply to Provincial Nomination Programs in the province they studied to acquire permanent residency visas.
3. Work Permit
If you want to work in Canada you need a work permit. This is the most popular visa type to get because many Canadian immigration categories require you to work in Canada for a set period of time first before you can apply for permanent residency. Let’s take a look at a few of these popular immigration pilots below:
Immigration Pilots
Atlantic Immigration Pilot
The provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador make up the Atlantic regions of Canada. If you enjoy living near the coast then this one’s for you! The Atlantic Pilot has three immigration programs for foreign nationals to apply for permanent residency visas and settle in these four beautiful provinces. The programs are the Atlantic High-Skilled & Intermediate Skilled Programs, and the Atlantic International Graduate Program.
You will need a valid job offer from a designated employer situated in one of the four participating provinces. The job offer must be for a full time, paid position, and must be for at least one year’s work.
5. Agri-Food Pilot
If you’re a farmworker or have farm management skills then you can work in Canada through a Seasonal Worker Program or Temporary Worker Program which will in return make you eligible to apply through the Agri-Food Pilot for permanent residency.
How much does a Canadian visa cost in Ghana?
Step 4 – Pay the fees
| Type of Visa | Can $ | GHS |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa (including super visa) – per person Single or multiple entry temporary resident visa | $100 | 400 |
What documents are needed to apply for Canadian visa?
Your passport.
Appropriate Canada visa application form.
Proof of paid Canada visa fees.
Proof of clean criminal record.
Proof of being in good health through a medical exam.
Photographs in accordance with the photo requirements for a Canada visa.