If you're thinking about a brief visit to Canada, the first step is to determine if you need a visa. Here are some tips to assist you in getting everything sorted out.
If you're planning a trip to Canada, you should check whether you need a visitor's visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). You can find the specific requirements for your country of origin on the Canadian immigration website.
Entry requirements for Canada
Regardless of your country of origin, it's important to convince the immigration officer that you have plans to leave Canada once your stay is over. This could involve providing evidence, such as your return ticket and proof of employment in your home country if requested.
Certain visitors exempt from visas may have additional criteria to meet, such as holding a machine-readable passport or even an e-passport. If you'll be in contact with children or sick individuals during your stay in Canada, you might be required to undergo a medical examination for a Canadian visa. You'll need to visit a visa office for further information on this matter.
For most visitors aged between 14 and 79 visiting Canada for the first time, providing biometric data (fingerprints and photos) is mandatory. You'll be informed about the location for fingerprinting and photography when you apply for your visa or permit. Keep in mind that there is a Canadian visa biometrics fee of C$85 for each individual applicant, with a total fee of up to C$170 for a family applying together.
Visa for parents and grandparents in Canada
If you're a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you might find the super visa for parents and grandparents beneficial. This special visa allows you to visit Canada for up to five years at a time without the need to renew your stay authorization. The duration of your stay in Canada can be influenced by when you apply for the Super Visa.
If you apply after June 22, 2023, or enter Canada after that date, you can stay for five years at a time. However, if you applied before June 22, 2023, and entered Canada before that date, your stay duration is determined by the border services officer. To extend your stay, you must leave Canada before the authorized period ends and re-enter after June 22, 2023, or submit an application to extend your stay in Canada.
Useful links:
Canadian Immigration Service - Determining your admissibility
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