Taiwan: Your Pathway to Canada

At Pathway2Canada, we understand the unique position of our Taiwanese clients and the various opportunities and challenges they face when applying for visas in Canada.

Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa)

Most Taiwanese nationals require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit Canada. To apply, you must prove you have no criminal record, are in good health, have sufficient funds for your stay, and have significant ties that would compel you to return to Taiwan, such as a job, home, or family.

Study Permit:

If you’re a Taiwanese national and dream of studying in Canada, a Study Permit will be your gateway. Canada’s high academic standards and quality of education attract students from all over the world. Here are the steps and requirements:

1. Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): Before you can apply for a Study Permit, you need to be accepted by a DLI in Canada. Once accepted, you will receive a letter of acceptance, which is required for the Study Permit application.

2. Application for a Study Permit: After receiving your letter of acceptance, you can apply for a Study Permit. It’s crucial to provide accurate details and necessary documents, such as proof of financial support, to show you can pay for tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel.

3. Proof of no criminal record: You might also need to provide a police certificate to prove that you don’t have a criminal record.

4. Health Check-Up: Depending on how long you plan to stay in Canada, you may need to undergo a medical examination.

5. Processing Time: The processing time for Study Permits can vary and might take several weeks. Therefore, it’s essential to apply as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.

A Study Permit allows you to stay in Canada for the duration of your study program plus an extra 90 days. This extra time can be used to prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay. Remember that obtaining a Study Permit also opens the door for potential work opportunities on and off-campus. It is a pathway to gain valuable work experience and could even lead to permanent residency.

Work Permit:

As a Taiwanese national, if you’re seeking to enhance your career prospects and experience the multicultural work environment that Canada offers, you’ll require a work permit. Let’s walk you through the process and requirements:

1. Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Many work permits require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). An LMIA verifies that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and no Canadian worker is available to do the work.

2. LMIA Exemptions: However, certain categories of workers may be exempt from the LMIA requirement, such as those under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, intra-company transferees, or those covered under free trade agreements, such as the Canada-Taiwan Working Holiday Program.

3. Employer-specific Work Permit: With an LMIA or an LMIA exemption, you can apply for an employer-specific work permit, which allows you to work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, which include the name of the employer you can work for, how long you can work, and the location where you can work.

4. Open Work Permit: In certain specific situations, you might be eligible for an open work permit, which doesn’t limit you to a particular employer or location in Canada.

International Experience Canada (IEC):

Taiwanese nationals between the ages of 18 and 35 have the unique opportunity to travel and work in Canada through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. This reciprocal agreement between Canada and Taiwan allows young people to gain cross-cultural understanding and professional experience. Here are the key components of the IEC program for Taiwanese:

1. Working Holiday: The most popular IEC category, the Working Holiday visa, offers an open work permit, allowing you to work for any employer in Canada. This gives you the freedom to travel and work anywhere in Canada for up to 12 months.

2. Young Professionals: The Young Professionals category is designed for those seeking professional work experience in Canada. A job offer related to your field of study or professional experience is required, and an employer-specific work permit will be issued.

3. International Co-op (Internship): This category is suitable for students in Taiwan who need to complete an internship or co-op placement as part of their academic curriculum. An employer-specific work permit is issued under this category.

4. Eligibility and Requirements: To be eligible for the IEC program, you must hold a valid Taiwanese passport, have a minimum of CAD 2,500 to cover initial expenses, be admissible to Canada, and have health insurance for the duration of your stay, among other requirements.

5. Application Process: The IEC operates on an ‘invitation to apply’ system. First, you submit your profile to the IEC pool, and if selected, you receive an invitation to apply for a work permit.

6. Quotas and Rounds of Invitations: The number of spots available each year for Taiwanese nationals is subject to change, and the invitations are typically issued during various rounds throughout the year.

Express Entry:

The Express Entry system is a popular pathway for Taiwanese nationals to obtain Canadian permanent residency. It manages applications for three economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.

Family Sponsorship:

If you have close relatives living in Canada as citizens or permanent residents, they may sponsor your immigration under the Family Class. This includes spouses or common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.

Remember, the right pathway for you will depend on your individual circumstances, including your education, work experience, language proficiency, and more. Our team at Pathway2Canada can guide you through the application process and help you choose the most suitable program to meet your immigration objectives.