Do UAE Citizens Need Visa for Canada? No! Here’s Why

When you think UAE citizens need a visa for Canada, the first step is deciding whether you want to work in Canada or live there permanently. 

You can always apply for a permanent resident visa, which is permitted when they give you permanent resident status. You can even apply for a work visa and then get a residency visa once you go to Canada.

A residence visa is open to certain candidates only, like those who have at least one year of paid full-time work, have earned a Ph.D. in Canada, or have studied towards a Ph.D. in the country from a certified institution. 

Candidates should also pass language proficiency tests in English or French.

Click here to know more.

For all those who think they do, UAE citizens need visas for Canada. 

Entering Canada with a work visa is easy once you have the support of a Canadian employer. 

The good part about using a work visa to enter Canada from the UAE is that you have a job waiting for you once you reach it, i.e., you are all set money-wise once you land.

Suppose you want to move to Canada and work for a residency card using a work visa. 

In that case, you must qualify for arranged employment, which requires a labour market opinion and a full-time, permanent job offer from a certified employer or company. 

Moving from the UAE to Canada as a professional worker will increase your chances of success. To get an immigration lawyer, click here.

Why do UAE citizens travel to Canada?

Education

Canada has always been known for its excellent universities and institutions offering world-class educational facilities that have attracted many students for years. 

Canadian universities and institutions have a long list of courses to offer their international students. 

Canada is considered safe, prosperous, and peaceful for students to pursue an education. 

The best part is that after completing your education in Canada when someone thinks UAE citizens need a visa for Canada, Canadian Immigration also offers Canadian PR so that international students can do the work and settle down in Canada.

Jobs

Many workers always look forward to migrating to Canada on a Canada Work Visa. 

The country is famous as the land of opportunities, which is why it offers many job prospects to immigrants and skilled employees all around its provinces. 

Due to a shortage of skills in the country, Canadian companies are always looking to fill vacant positions with skilled foreign workers. 

The employment sector always demands job seekers in IT, healthcare, construction, etc.

 Immigrants can also benefit from Canadian citizenship almost every three years of migration into the nation, along with PR status.

The Cost of Living

Toronto (Canada’s most populated city) has about 15% cheaper food than Dubai. Housing in Toronto is much more affordable than in Dubai. 

The monthly rent for accommodation in a normal-priced area in Dubai is around 6,072 dirhams, while in Toronto, it is around 5,629 dirhams. 

In Toronto, the daily bread for about two people is around $5, whereas, in Dubai, it’s around $7.

There are various immigration possibilities for UAE citizens

Skilled workers and professionals

The Canadian Immigration Program allows UAE immigrants to live and work in Canada as skilled workers through Express Entry. 

This new system will allow Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to pro-actively assess and recruit skilled immigrants who possess relevant qualifications under federal economic immigration programs. 

The Express Entry also allows individual provinces to use the system to recruit suitable candidates as part of the Provincial Nominee Programs to meet labour market demands.

Quebec Skilled Workers Program-

UAE immigrants who want to settle as permanent residents in Quebec’s Canadian province and think UAE citizens need Canada visas are eligible for immigration to Quebec through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. 

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is a points-based initiative operated separately by Canada’s government for skilled workers. 

The successful candidate can bring their family members to Quebec, and a job offer is not required.

The Provincial Nominee Program

Candidates for Canadian work visas under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) relish a speedy visa application process. 

UAE immigrants under PNP should have the necessary skills, proper education, sufficient work experience, and a passing language examination in semi-or low-skilled trades or professions.

A Canadian province must nominate an applicant to certify under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). 

Many Canadian citizens have an arrangement with the national government of Canada to carry out their prerogative of appointing immigrant workers who are likely to establish themselves in their provinces.

Family Sponsorship

Immigration to Canada from Dubai can also be possible through the Canadian Family Sponsorship Program. 

You must already have a family, either a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, to qualify for that. Your relative must first show an interest in becoming a sponsor.

 IRCC receives expressions of interest for only a specific time each year. The intended sponsor will have to wait until the following year if the deadline passes. 

IRCC invites very selected people to apply to be sponsors. Your permanent residency eligibility will be assessed if your relative approves and applies.

There is a financial commitment to your sponsor. The person is financially responsible for you while you get settled in Canada.

For information on work, visiting, and tourist visas, click here. 

The Verdict 

So, do uae citizens need visa for Canada? Well, guess what? NO! UAE citizens can travel to Canada without a visa in their pocket. 

UAE citizens are exempt from visas and only need an eTA to visit Canada.

This step was taken after a meeting was held between the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

It includes; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Ahmed Hussen.

Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussain said, “The United Arab Emirates is a key strategic partner, and lifting the visa requirements will help reaffirm the strong relationship between our two countries.” 

It will also promote increased tourism, cultural, academic, and student exchanges and foster new business, trade, and investment opportunities. You can stay for six months each time you visit Canada. 

The Visa Application Center (VAC) in Dubai only provides administrative services. It gives general information related to temporary resident applications that include study and work permits and travel documents for permanent residents of Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)?

An electronic travel authorization (eTA) is a new provision for foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries arriving in Canada. 

UAE citizens need visas for Canada. Everyone doubted that UAE citizens needed visas for Canada by air, whether to visit the country or even pass through it in transit. ETa is the solution. 

The following are people who don’t require eTA:

• Those who already have a valid visa to enter Canada can

• If you enter by land or sea,

• The armed forces are on a visit for duty.

• Students who have Canadian permits dated on or after August 15th, 2015

• Accredited diplomats

The free visa status applies to Emiratis travelling to Canada for short stays like business, tourism, or to meet family and friends.  

Pro tip: Keep handing your UAE passport, and do any other document that you need to follow Canada’s visa policy criteria for UAE people.

2. How to get an eTA?

You can apply for the form through the Canadian federal government website. 

All you will require is-

• Passport: check your passport’s expiry date before applying, and it should have validity for at least another six months from the date of arrival in Canada.

• You can use your credit card to pay the fees or any means of payment. Use the one that is most convenient for you. You have to make a payment in the online application process. 

• Email address: The eTA directly gets linked to your passport, and the copy of authorization comes in the email address. 

To apply for an eTA, click here. Or visit this website.

The Canadian government advises that you apply for the eTA when ready for the travel itinerary.  

However, it can also be obtained at the last minute through a smartphone. There will be an email authorization, which will only take a few minutes. 

No need to print the eTA. It gets automatically linked to your passport or travel documents. Also, it can help you in getting your tourist visa, citizenship Canada, or even getting a canada ETA for your Canada visa in the future.

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is valid for five years, or even until your passport or travel documents expire.