Canada is the second largest country in the world after Russia. It was ranked top country in the world in 2021 by the US News & World Report which measures global performance on a variety of metrics related to quality of life, education, politics, job market, etc.
In 2021, Canada recorded a total of 18.8 million international arrivals.
VISITOR VISA & eTA
Foreign nationals wishing to visit Canada are required to obtain either a Visitor visa or an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) depending on their nationality prior to coming to Canada.
Visas are entry documents and come in the form of counterfoil which is a glossy sticker that is placed in the passport.
eTAs are only required if traveling by air. eTAs are not needed if entering Canada by land or sea (for instance driving from the United States or coming by bus, train or boat, including cruise ship).
Citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States are exempt from the eTA requirement.
For a list of visa-exempt countries (eTA eligible), please click here.
VISITOR RECORD
If you are already in Canada and wish to extend your stay, you will need to apply for a Visitor Record. A visitor record is a status document issued to visa-required or visa-exempt foreign nationals (eTA holders).
BUSINESS VISITOR
Foreign nationals wishing to come to Canada to conduct business activities, without entering the Canadian labour market, such as attending meetings or conferences, providing or receiving training, buying Canadian goods and services for a foreign business, etc. are considered business visitors and will need either a visitor visa or eTA (see exception above).
VISITOR VISA FOR STUDY PURPOSES
If you are interested in studying in Canada and your course is less than 6 months long, you will only need a visitor visa or eTA (see exception above).
TRANSIT VISA
On the other hand, if you’re only transiting through Canada and you need to connect between 2 international flights, in less than 48 hours, you will need to obtain a Transit visa. If you have more than 48 hours between international flights, you will need a visitor visa or eTA.
To learn more, book a consultation with us and we will be happy to help.
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