Canada is a beautiful country full of natural beauty and amazing people. The company is known for its hospitable people and their welcoming nature. Over 20 million international tourists visit Canada every year and this number is growing every year.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Visiting Canada involves understanding the visa and entry requirements, which can vary depending on your country of origin and the purpose of your visit. Here are the general guidelines:
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Visitor Visa: Most people need an eTA or a visitor visa to travel to Canada. Some people may only need their valid passport. The eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. It is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents: Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport. American-Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or U.S. passport. Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document.
- U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents: U.S. citizens must carry proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport. As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States must show a valid passport from their country of nationality and a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States).
- Visa-Exempt Travellers: Certain travellers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board their flight to Canada. However, these travellers do not need an eTA if entering by land or sea – for instance driving from the U.S. or coming by bus, train, or boat, including cruise ship.
- Visa-Required Travellers: Certain travellers need a visa to come to Canada by any method of travel—plane, car, bus, train or cruise ship. Note: Holders of a foreign national passport and stateless individuals need a visa to visit or transit through Canada.
It’s important to check the official Government of Canada website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. The website also provides a tool to help you determine what type of travel document you may need to travel to Canada.
Please note that due to COVID-19, there may be additional entry requirements and restrictions. Always check the latest travel advisories before planning your trip.
Applying for a Visitor Visa to Canada
Applying for a Visitor Visa to Canada involves several steps:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria for a visitor visa. This includes having a valid reason for your visit (such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or conducting business), demonstrating ties to your home country, and showing that you intend to return home after your visit. You must also prove that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.
- Apply Online: You need to create an account and fill out the online application form. During this process, you will upload your documents and pay the application fees.
- Biometrics: Normally, you need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics). There are temporary measures in place for biometrics due to COVID-19.
- Application Processing: Your application will be checked to ensure you have all the necessary documents. If it’s incomplete, it will be returned without processing. If your application is approved, you will be asked to send your passport.
- Visa Issuance: If your application is approved, you will receive instructions on how to get your visa. This usually involves sending your passport to the visa office.
- Prepare for Travel: You may need to bring documents you submitted with your visa application or present additional documents to the border services officer upon arrival in Canada.
There are two types of visitor visas:
- Single-entry visa: This allows you to enter Canada once.
- Multiple-entry visa: This allows you to enter and exit Canada multiple times within a specified period of time.
Remember, the type of visa you get is decided by the visa office. You don’t have a choice between the two.
In addition to these basic requirements, the Government of Canada also conducts a security and criminal background check on all visitor visa applicants. This includes checking for any previous immigration violations or criminal convictions.
Once an individual has applied for a visitor visa, their application will be processed by the government. Processing times can vary depending on the individual’s country of residence and the volume of applications being processed at any given time.
The Government of Canada has set a goal of processing 80% of visitor visa applications within 30 days or less. However, in practice, the processing time can take longer due to various reasons such as increased volume of applications, missing documentation, and further verifications.
It is important to note that a visitor visa does not guarantee entry into Canada. The final decision on whether to grant entry is made by a border services officer at the point of entry. The officer will consider factors such as the individual’s travel history, the purpose of their visit, and their ability to financially support themselves during their stay in Canada.
Unless you are a resident of these exempt countries, visitors will wish to come to Canada for a short period or a temporary purpose has to require a temporary resident visa. If you are a resident of non-exempt countries, you need to satisfy the visa officer and prove that you would return back to your home country after your visit to Canada.
