Canada Athlete Visa Application Process 2024

Canadian sports visa is the general name for visas issued to facilitate the free movement of athletes. Licensed athletes who will go to Canada must obtain a Canadian visitor (V1) visa for travel of less than 6 months. Athletes who want to work professionally in Canada may need to obtain a work permit along with their visa application. Canadian sports visa applications are evaluated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Thousands of sporting events and activities are held in Canada every year. Sporting events in Canada range from amateur events to professional games and competitions. Athletes and coaches from all over the world come to Canada to participate and compete. An athlete visa is required to go to Canada as an athlete. Rsscanadaimmigration.com is an accredited organization that provides consultancy and follow-up services for Canadian athlete visa and work permit applications.

What are the Canadian Visa Requirements for Athletes?

Canadian visa requirements for athletes are listed below.

• The applicant must have a valid passport.
• The applicant must have sufficient financial resources to cover living in Canada.
• For a Canadian sports visa, the person must not have any health problems.
• For a Canadian sports visa, the person must not have a criminal record.
• The applicant must show proof of employment, family and financial assets to demonstrate ties to his or her home country.
• For a Canadian sports visa, the person must submit their travel itinerary and round-trip flight tickets.

What are the Required Documents for Canada Athlete Visa Application?

The documents required for the Canadian athlete visa application are listed below.

• Canada sports visa application form : It must be filled out completely and with true statements. In case of false statements or submission of false documents, the application will be automatically rejected and legal action may be initiated against the person.
• Passport : It should not be older than 10 years.
• Financial documents : Documents such as bank statements must be submitted to prove that the person has sufficient funds to cover his or her expenses while in Canada.
• Proof that the person is an athlete : The person must submit a document such as a letter from the sports club or sports federation.

Canadian v1 visa documents in a language other than English or French must be translated into English or French by a sworn translator.

What are the Supporting Documents for a Canadian Athlete Visa?

Supporting documents for a Canadian sports visa; an invitation from a sports club or sports federation for sports competitions or an accreditation card showing that the person will participate in the sports competition and a letter from the sent sports club or sports federation must be submitted for the application.

How to Apply for a Canadian Athlete Visa?

Athletes who will go to Canada to apply for a Canadian sports visa can apply for a visitor visa for travel of less than 6 months both online and in person. The Canadian sports visa application is made online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. After registration is made to the Canadian immigration office system, the necessary documents are uploaded, the visa application fee is paid and the application process is completed.

After completing the online application, you must make an appointment at the Istanbul or Ankara VFS offices for fingerprint and photo procedures and have your biometrics recorded. For applications to be made at the Canadian visa application center, the prepared documents are delivered to the VFS offices by making an appointment.

Canadian sports visa applications are evaluated and approved by IRCC. If the Canadian sports visa application documents are missing, the documents are sent back without processing the application.

In case of Canadian sports visa approval, the immigration office provides information and the applicant athlete’s passport must be forwarded to the intermediary institution.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Canadian Athlete Visa?

Canadian sports visa procedures will be completed in an average of 15 weeks in 2024.

Do Athletes Coming to Canada Need a Work Permit?

The requirement for a work permit for an athlete traveling to Canada varies depending on the athlete’s position in Canada.

Who Can Get a Canadian Athlete Visa Without a Work Permit?

Participants or competitors can obtain a Canadian sports visa without a work permit. Foreign athletes and coaches participating in Canadian sporting events or activities do not need a work permit.

Canada has made it possible to obtain an athlete visa without a work permit under the International Mobility Program.

Who Needs a Work Permit Along with a Canadian Athlete Visa?

Individuals who want to work in Canada must have a work permit along with a Canadian sports visa. If an individual is hired by a Canadian employer as an athlete or coach, they will need a work permit. The work permit requirement applies to athletes and coaches who are not representing their home country and are hired by a Canadian employer to play or represent Canada.

In order to obtain an athlete work permit, a person must be employed by a Canadian employer and have complete Canadian temporary work permit documents.

Can I Move to Canada with an Athlete Visa?

Yes, it is possible to immigrate to Canada with an athlete visa. Athletes who have relevant experience as freelancers or who are at a world-class level can immigrate to Canada through the Federal Self-Employment program.

Due to the high demand for athletes in Canada, athletes are eligible to apply for Canadian Immigration and receive Canadian residency under the Canadian Government’s Immigration program.

What are the most popular sports in Canada?

The most popular sports in Canada are listed below.

• Ice hockey (Canada’s official winter sport)
• Lacrosse (Canada’s official summer sport)
• Gridiron football
• Football
• Basketball
• Curling
• Baseball
• Tennis
• Rugby
• Golf

There are also opportunities for many sports such as shooting and archery, rock climbing, powerboat racing, boxing and polo. Canadian sports are diverse and offer a wide range of sports.