The tourism visa in Quebec
Here's some guidance for you as you go through the process of applying for a tourist visa in Quebec.
More than 35 million people come to Canada annually. You have the option to explore the country as a tourist, enjoying various opportunities it has, such as visiting family and friends. Additionally, you can embark on business trips to Canada, whether to explore new opportunities, make investments, or strengthen existing business connections.
Good to know:
If you're planning to visit Canada for less than 6 months and don't need a visitor's visa, you'll need to get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This requirement applies to citizens of around 50 countries.
Applying for a tourist visa in Quebec
Before planning your visit to Canada, there are some essential requirements to consider. Firstly, determine whether you require a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the country. The ETA process is straightforward and involves minimal documentation while applying for a visitor visa is a more involved procedure.
If you're currently in Canada as a temporary resident, you have the option to apply before leaving so that you can return to the country at a later date.
It's recommended to check the processing times. Typically, visitor visa applications are processed within a few weeks, but this duration may differ between visa offices. Obtaining an ETA usually takes less than 72 hours.
Good to know:
Many individuals applying for permanent residence, visitor visas, study permits, and work permits are now required to submit their biometric data. If you've already provided this information as part of a previous visa or permit application, it remains valid for 10 years. However, for any permanent residence application submitted after June 14, 2023, you'll need to provide your biometric data again, even if you've submitted it within the last 10 years. Starting from June 14, 2023, Canada has reinstated the collection of biometric data for all permanent residence applicants.
Upon arrival in Quebec
Being ready for your arrival and having an idea of what to anticipate when entering Canada is crucial. Once on Canadian territory, you'll encounter a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. The CBSA is tasked with safeguarding the country's borders and entry points. For additional details, you can check out the CBSA website.
The officer will request your passport or travel documents, so it's crucial to keep them with you upon arrival; avoid packing them in your suitcases. Regardless of whether you need a visa to enter Canada, the agent will ask a few questions. They want to ensure you meet the entry conditions for Quebec and have plans to return to your home country after your authorized stay. You might be asked to provide evidence of a return ticket or, for an extended vacation, proof that you have enough funds to support yourself throughout your stay. These procedures typically take only a few minutes.
If you're denied entry to Quebec, it could be due to providing false or incomplete information. Another possibility is that the officer isn't convinced about your intention to return to your home country after your stay. In such cases, you'll need to persuade the officer of your genuine intentions.
Quebec immigration procedures
Children under 18 must have valid identification. If you're traveling with a minor for whom you aren't the parent or guardian, you need a letter of authorization from the child's parent or guardian. If you're the child's only guardian, you must provide documents indicating that there is no other guardian for the child.
Length of stay in Quebec
Upon your arrival at the port of entry, the immigration officer will stamp your passport and inform you about the approved duration of your stay in Canada. Typically, it's 6 months, but the officer might choose to limit it to 3 months or less, aligning with the primary purpose of your visit. Feel free to ask any questions if you have uncertainties.
Failure to comply with the conditions of your stay may result in authorities requiring you to leave the country. Nonetheless, individuals asked to depart Canada are entitled to a fair hearing to review the decision.
Extending your stay in Quebec
If you want to extend your time in Quebec, make sure to apply at least 30 days before your temporary resident status expires. This is applicable if you're aiming to extend your study or work period in Quebec or if you intend to change the type or conditions of your permit.
Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents have the option to apply for a Super Visa. The timing of your Super Visa application can impact the duration of your stay in Canada. If you apply on or after June 22, 2023, or enter Canada on or after that date, you're eligible to stay for 5 years at a time. Conversely, if you applied before June 22, 2023, and entered Canada before that date, your stay duration is determined by the border services officer at entry. To extend your stay, you need to leave Canada before the authorized period ends and re-enter after June 22, 2023, or submit a stay extension application in Canada.
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