Do You Need a Visa to Go to Canada?
What you need to get into Canada depends on where you’re coming from, how you’re traveling and what documents you have. For example, a passport is usually the only reliable travel document that most international visitors need.
As of March 15, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to or transiting through Canada by air must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). It’s an inexpensive ($7 Canadian) online process that takes minutes to complete.
Entry requirements
If you are planning to visit Canada, you will need to check the entry requirements before you travel. The requirements may vary depending on your country of origin, how you are travelling, and what documents you carry.
Generally, you will need to have a passport for entry into Canada. This is the only reliable and universally accepted travel document for international travellers. Citizens of other countries may also need to bring a visa to enter Canada.
There are also specific entry requirements for foreign nationals who wish to work or study in Canada. These include those who are members of a diplomatic staff from another country, or whose employer is based in Canada.
In addition, foreign nationals who have a criminal record are required to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before they can enter the country. This is a simple and easy process that takes less than 30 minutes online.
All visitors must also register with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) before they can enter the country through the ArriveCAN website. This form is mandatory and must be submitted 72 hours prior to arrival in the country.
Children under the age of 5 who are travelling alone must have a letter from a parent or guardian granting permission to travel to Canada. This letter must describe the child’s name, reason for travel, and length of stay.
The government of Canada recommends that all travellers have a passport. This is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document.
Those who are permanent residents of Canada (immigrants who have become Canadian citizens) must carry their permanent resident card or permanent residence travel document when entering the country. The card must be valid for the duration of their stay.
In addition, American minors who are age 15 or under and cross the border by land are not required to carry a passport. However, they must have a birth certificate or other valid identification.
For more information, please see the Canada Border Services Agency website. This includes the most current information on entry requirements, procedures and requirements.
Requirements for work or study
There are some requirements that you must meet when applying for a visa to go to Canada. For example, you need to demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself while you study in Canada. This means that you must have sufficient funds to pay your tuition and living expenses before you arrive.
You also need to prove that you have the necessary qualifications for your studies. This includes having a diploma, certificate or equivalent qualifications in your field. It is important to check whether the qualifications you have obtained are accepted by Canadian universities before applying.
In addition, you must ensure that you have a valid passport. It should not expire before the period you plan to stay in Canada. You can apply for a new passport during your study permit application, or at the visa interview in Canada if you are already in the country.
Another requirement is that you must have a bank account in Canada. This is because many employers in the country make their payments direct to your bank account.
Students who want to work in Canada while studying must apply for a work permit. This permits them to work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week during university semesters and during breaks like summer vacation.
There is also the possibility to obtain a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) after graduation, if you meet certain requirements. If you are eligible, you can work for any employer in Canada for a period of up to three years after graduation.
If you are looking for an internship in Canada while you study, you can apply for an Internship Canada program. This is a great way to gain experience in your chosen field and improve your resume.
Moreover, it can also be an excellent opportunity to establish business contacts with companies in your desired industry. This is an advantage for international students who are interested in starting their own business in Canada.
There are many benefits to studying in Canada. One of these is the ability to work while you are there, which helps offset the costs of tuition and living expenses. There are a number of work permit programs that allow international students and their spouses or common-law partners to work while they are in Canada.
Requirements for transit
Depending on where you are from, what you are doing and what documents you are using to get here and back, you may need a visa for transit in Canada. If you do need a visa, check with the Canadian High Commission or nearest embassy before you travel.
A transit (C) visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States, en route to another country. This visa is usually issued to persons who are travelling on a regular business or vacation itinerary, but can be granted to individuals who are not seeking temporary or permanent residency in the U.S.
If you need a visa to go to Canada, you must apply for it in advance. You can do this by visiting the government website or calling the Canadian High Commission, embassy or consulate in your home country.
You can also apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before you leave your home country, which is a simple, inexpensive process that takes minutes to complete. You will need to provide proof of identity and a credit card to obtain an eTA.
The eTA is available to citizens of visa-exempt countries, as well as Canadian citizens, including dual nationals, and permanent residents of Canada. You must also carry a valid passport with you when travelling by air to Canada.
To apply for an eTA, visit the Government of Canada website and follow the online instructions. You will need a valid passport and a valid credit card to submit your application.
If you are a British citizen and will be entering Canada by air, you do not need to apply for an eTA. However, you will need to present a valid passport and a valid Canadian visa when arriving in Canada.
You will also need to bring your UK Emergency Travel Documents, if you are travelling by air, unless you are exempted from these requirements by law. The same requirements apply if you are travelling by land or sea.
If you are a non-immigrant air traveler, you must show proof that you have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Symptoms of this disease can be severe and cause long-term complications, so it is very important to have received the required vaccinations before travelling to Canada. If you are unsure of whether you need to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before your travel, contact your local CDC office or the ISS office at least seven days before your trip.
Requirements for family members
If you are interested in bringing family members to Canada, you need to understand the requirements for each type of family member. This is important because they can affect whether or not you can immigrate to Canada with them.
Non-EU immediate family members (spouse, common-law partner, dependent children) may be able to come to Canada under certain circumstances without the need for a visa. You can find more information about this on the IRCC website.
In addition, there are special immigration programs that allow certain family members to join foreign nationals on their immigration applications. These are known as family sponsorship programs. These are usually only available for applicants pursuing certain types of immigration.
For example, the Investor Category allows foreign nationals to bring spouses and children as dependents. The application process is quite complex and varies depending on which program you’re applying under.
Once you’ve determined which immigration program you’re interested in, you should consult a qualified Canadian immigration professional to discuss your options. Our team can help you get a clear understanding of your Canadian immigration options and ensure that you have all the documentation necessary for an efficient application process.
Whether you are applying for a study permit or a work permit, your spouse and children can accompany you to Canada as long as they are legally dependent on you and are staying in the same accommodation. They can apply for their study permit, work permit or visitor record at the same time that you do, and if they have valid passports, they will receive documents for the same length as yours.
Your spouse and children will also need to provide proof of their legal status, such as a valid marriage certificate or a birth certificate. You should have them carry this proof with them at all times while in Canada.
You should also request written authorization from IRCC for your spouse, common-law partner or dependent children to travel to Canada, and you should send them a copy of this form to sign by solemn declaration (in front of a notary public) once it’s received in Canada. Then, they can travel to Canada for up to 6 months without having to obtain a new statutory declaration.