Visa Assistance
What travel documents will delegates require to travel to Canada?
As a rule, all visitors to Canada require a temporary resident visa (TRV), except citizens of countries where an exemption has been granted. Visit the list of countries that do not require a visa to visit Canada. It is important that you apply for your TRV as soon as possible.
Most participants will also need a valid passport or an appropriate travel document to enter Canada. Exceptions are made for citizens of the United States and permanent residents of the United States who enter directly from that country. However, in accordance with recent changes to United States regulations, persons flying to Canada from United States airports must provide a valid passport in order to board their aircraft. Furthermore, United States Citizens and permanent residents of the United States will require a valid passport for re-entry to the United States.
How much does it cost to apply for a visa?
Each applicant for a temporary resident visa must pay a $75 non-refundable application processing fee for a single-entry visa.
How do visitors apply for a visa?
To find out how to apply for a temporary resident visa, please visit CIC’s website. All applicants for a temporary resident visa must satisfy CIC that they are genuine visitors and that they will be participating in the event or meeting. The applicants must demonstrate that they:
- are in good health (in some cases, a medical exam may be required);
- do not have a criminal record;
- do not pose a threat to Canada’s security;
- have a valid passport or travel document;
- have enough money to support themselves and their dependants while in Canada; and
- will leave Canada voluntarily at the end of their stay.
A visa officer makes decisions on a case-by-case basis, and the burden of proof lies with the applicant. While the majority of visa applications are accepted, CIC cannot guarantee that every applicant will receive a visa. Applicants may be required to attend an interview with a visa officer before a final decision is made.
How long will it take for a visa application to be processed?
To allow adequate time for processing, applications for temporary resident visas must be filed at a visa office abroad well in advance of the intended visit. In some instances, the visa office may not be in the applicant’s country.
How can visitors check the status of their visa application?
If visitors wish to find out the status of their temporary resident visa application, they may contact the nearest Canadian visa office.
Delegates may also verify the status of an application online.
What if a visitor’s application for a visa is refused?
The final decision to grant a visa lies with the visa officer. Once an application has been refused, we cannot overturn the officer’s decision. If a visa application is refused, fees are not refunded, as they cover the administrative costs of processing the application.
Medical Coverage
Make sure to arrange for Medical Insurance before leaving your country. Canada does not cover the medical costs of visitors to the country.
New Requirements for Travelers Between the United States and Canada: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
Effective January 23, 2007, all U.S. citizens traveling by air to and from Canada are required to have a valid passport to enter the United States. As early as January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and Canada by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries. American citizen travelers are encouraged to apply for a U.S. passport or the passport card when it becomes available, well in advance of anticipated travel. American citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on applying for a passport.
Current Requirements for Entry Into Canada
Visas are not required for U.S. citizens entering Canada from the U.S. You will, however, need:
- proof of your U.S. citizenship such as your U.S. passport (For information on obtaining a U.S. passport, check with one of the regional passport agencies located throughout the U.S.) or certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the city, county or state in the U.S. where you were born. If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen and do not have a passport, you should travel with your naturalization certificate. A driver’s license, voter’s registration card or Social Security card is NOT valid proof of citizenship.
- photo identification, such as a current, valid driver’s license.
All U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport. Alien permanent residents of the U.S. must present their Alien Registration Card, commonly called a "Green Card."
If you are a dual U.S./Canadian citizen you should always present yourself as a Canadian citizen when entering Canada. However, U.S. citizens should use their U.S. passports when entering or leaving the United States.
Due to international concern over child abduction, single parents, grandparents, or guardians traveling with children often need proof of custody or notarized letters from the other parent authorizing travel. (This is in addition to proof of citizenship as explained above.) Any person under the age of 18 and traveling alone should carry a letter from his/her parent or guardian authorizing the trip. Travelers without such documentation may experience delays at the port of entry.
For further information, including information on student or business travel, visitors can contact the Embassy of Canada at 501 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 682-1740, see their Internet home page at www.canadianembassy.org or contact the nearest Canadian consulate. (A list of Canadian consulates is at the end of this brochure.)