Dreaming of strolling through the streets of Toronto, studying in Montreal, or starting a new career in Vancouver? For thousands of UAE residents each year, Canada represents opportunity, security, and a better quality of life.
But there’s a catch: getting there isn’t as simple as booking a flight.
- Many applicants in Dubai or Abu Dhabi struggle with confusing eligibility rules,
- Others face visa refusals due to weak documentation,
- And some lose precious time because they don’t understand the right application process.
If you’re feeling the same frustration, you’re not alone. The good news? With the right guidance, you can avoid costly mistakes and get your Canada visa approved faster.
This guide is designed specifically for UAE residents looking to apply for:
- A Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) for short stays, or
- A Canada Work Permit (Employer-Specific or Open) to build your career abroad.
1. Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) from UAE
A TRV allows UAE residents to enter Canada temporarily for tourism, visiting relatives, business meetings, or short-term study.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a visitor visa, you must:
- Hold a valid UAE passport
- Prove financial ability to cover travel & stay
- Show strong ties to UAE (job, family, property)
- Intend to leave Canada after your visit
- Be in good health & have no criminal record
- Provide biometrics if required
📄 Required Documents
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Recent passport photos
- Completed application forms (IMM 5257, etc.)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, salary slips)
- Travel itinerary (hotel booking, flight details)
- Invitation letter (if visiting family/business)
- Medical exam (if applicable)
Processing Time
On average, 4–8 weeks from the UAE, depending on volume and biometrics.
Key Highlights from the Nationwide Visas Page
1. Detailed Processing Times by Permit Type
The article provides up-to-date average processing times (2025) for various Canadian work permit categories from the UAE:
| Work Permit Type | Average Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Employer-Specific (with LMIA) | 10–12 weeks |
| Employer-Specific (without LMIA) | 6–8 weeks |
| Open Work Permit | 8–10 weeks |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | 12–14 weeks |
| Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) | 10–12 weeks |
| International Experience Canada (IEC) | 8–10 weeks |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program | 7–8 weeks |
| Global Talent Stream Work Permit | 2–3 weeks |
| Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit | 8–10 weeks |
| Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) | 10–12 weeks |
| Francophone Mobility Work Permit | 8–10 weeks |
| International Co-op (Internship) Work Permit | 8–10 weeks |
| Young Professionals Work Permit | 8–10 weeks |
| Working Holiday Visa | 8–10 weeks |
This breakdown offers readers a clear expectation depending on the specific type of permit they’re applying for N
2. Explicit Start and End of Processing
- Processing time begins when the IRCC receives a complete application with all required documents and biometrics, such as a passport, job offer, an LMIA (if applicable), credentials, financial proof, medical and police clearances Nationwide Visas.
- It ends when the applicant receives a decision: either a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction upon approval, or a refusal notice if the application is denied Nationwide Visas.
3. Factors That May Cause Delays
Nationwide Visas outlines several reasons your application might take longer:
Technical or system issues within IRCC processing systemsationwide Visas.
Incomplete or inaccurate documentation
Periods of high volume of applications
Requests for additional documents
Medical or security checks delays
Verification of employer details, including LMIA checks
2. Canada Work Permits from the UAE
For UAE residents seeking to live and work in Canada, there are two main options:
Employer-Specific Work Permit
- Linked to one employer, one job role, and location
- Requires a valid job offer + LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)
- Best for UAE professionals with confirmed Canadian job offers
Open Work Permit
- Not tied to a specific employer
- Allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada
- Common for spouses of skilled workers, international graduates, or temporary residents
3. Step-by-Step Application Process
Visitor Visa (TRV)
- Gather required documents
- Complete the application form (IMM 5257) online
- Pay government fees (~CAD $100)
- Book a biometrics appointment in UAE
- Wait for processing & decision
- Submit a passport for visa stamping
Work Permit
- Secure a Canadian job offer (if employer-specific)
- Employer applies for LMIA (if required)
- Gather personal & employment documents
- Apply online through the IRCC portal
- Pay fees & provide biometrics
- Await processing & approval
- Receive work permit & prepare to travel
4. Common Pain Points & Solutions
Confusing eligibility rules
Clear criteria explained in plain language.
Risk of rejection due to missing documents
Always prepare a complete file with strong proof of funds & UAE ties.
Long processing times
Apply early, book biometrics quickly, and track your application online.
5. Processing Times & Fees (UAE Applicants)
- Visitor Visa (TRV): ~4–8 weeks, CAD $100
- Work Permit: ~8–12 weeks, CAD $155 (permit) + CAD $85 (biometrics)
6. Why Apply from the UAE?
- Direct flight connections between the UAE & Canada
- High acceptance rate for strong applications
- Abu Dhabi & Dubai Visa Application Centers (VACs) make biometrics easy
Canada Work Permit Fees from UAE (2025)
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) | Approx. in AED | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Permit Application Fee | CAD $155 | ~AED 425 | Standard fee per applicant |
| Open Work Permit Holder Fee | CAD $100 | ~AED 275 | Additional, only for Open Work Permit applicants |
| Biometrics Fee (per person) | CAD $85 | ~AED 240 | Mandatory for most applicants |
| Biometrics Family Maximum Fee | CAD $170 | ~AED 480 | Covers 2+ applicants applying together |
| Employer Compliance Fee | CAD $230 | ~AED 635 | Paid by Canadian employer (for LMIA-exempt hires) |
Example Cost Scenarios
| Application Type | Breakdown | Total (CAD) | Approx. in AED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer-Specific Work Permit | $155 (application) + $85 (biometrics) | $240 | ~AED 665 |
| Open Work Permit | $155 (application) + $100 (open permit fee) + $85 (biometrics) | $340 | ~AED 940 |
Can I apply for a Canada Visitor Visa online from Dubai?
Yes. Applications are submitted online via IRCC, and biometrics are completed at a VAC in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
How much bank balance is required for a Canada visitor visa from the UAE?
Typically CAD $2,000–$3,000 for a short trip. More is needed for longer stays or family travel.
Do UAE residents need biometrics for Canada visas?
Yes. Most applicants must provide biometrics before processing begins.
Can I switch from a Visitor Visa to a Work Permit in Canada?
Usually not. You must apply for a work permit separately, unless eligible under special policies.
What’s the difference between an Employer-Specific and an Open Work Permit?
Employer-Specific: tied to one job & employer (requires LMIA).
Open: flexible, for eligible groups like spouses or graduates.
