Visas to Canada
Visas are generally required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan and US;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, Brunei, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Dominica, Grenada, Hong Kong (SAR), Hungary, Iceland, Israel (blue passports), Kiribati, Korea (Rep. of), Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vatican City and Zimbabwe;
(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorized on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).
Validity of Visas
Up to 6 months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry.
If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within 3 months from the date of entry.
Visitors must depart from Canada on or before the date authorized by the examining officer on arrival.
If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Center well before the expiration of the visitor visa.
Restricted entry and transit
The Government of Canada refuses admission to holders of passports, identity or travel documents issued by Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei, Venda or the Palestine government.
Note:
Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.
BUSINESS VISAS TO CANADA
Business Visitors fall within the Temporary Worker class of entry, although most business visits are exempt from requiring a work permit. A business visitor is a foreign national who seeks to engage in international business activities in Canada without directly entering the Canadian labor market. In other words, the primary source of remuneration for the business activities is outside Canada, and the principal place of business and actual place of accrual of profits remain predominantly outside Canada.
Visitor visas are called Temporary Resident Visas.
Nationals from certain countries must obtain a visa prior to entering Canada; however, many business travelers may apply for entry to Canada at the port of entry, provided that the general visitor criterion is met.
U.S. citizens and other visa-exempt nationals do not need to obtain a visa prior to traveling to Canada. They may request admission as Business Visitors at the port of entry. All other nationals requiring a visa must obtain one from the Canadian Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their usual place of residence prior to traveling to Canada. These applications may be adjudicated on the same day. However, applications for certain nationals will be referred to Canada for approval and visas will not be available for 5-10 business days.
Maximum Period of Stay as a Business Visitor
Typically, a Business Visitor is admitted to Canada for a period of up to 6 months. Visa holders may extend their visitor status in Canada for up to an additional 6 months providing their activities in Canada are consistent with their visitor status.
STUDY PERMITS
To study in Canada, you may need a study permit or a temporary resident visa, though not everyone must have these documents. Before you can apply for a study permit, you must have been accepted at a recognized school, university or college in Canada.
