Compare visa pathways, eligibility patterns, processing timelines, and next planning steps.
Business / Investor Visa
Business · 3-9 months (business approval + visa)
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
Family / Spouse Visa
Family · 6-24 weeks (varies by relationship and country)
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa
Migration · 8-12 weeks
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Required
Digital Nomad Visa
Migration · 6-12 weeks
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Not always required
Provisional Work Permit (PWP)
Migration · 1-2 weeks
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Required
Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)
Migration · 12-17 weeks
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Not always required
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)
Migration · 8-12 weeks
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Not always required
Special Work Permit (SWP)
Migration · 2-4 weeks
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Required
Permanent Residency / Settlement
Residency · 4-12 months
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
Residency · 2-8 weeks
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Not always required
Student Visa
Student · 4-12 weeks (peaks before academic intake)
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Not always required
Tourist / Visitor Visa
Tourist · 5-30 days (varies by mission)
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Not always required
Tourist Entry / eTravel
Tourist · On arrival / consular timing where required
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Not always required
9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa
Work · 2–4 months
PR pathway: No · Job offer: Required
Work / Employment Visa
Work · 4-16 weeks (employer + government processing)
PR pathway: Yes · Job offer: Required