Visiting Canada

    Visiting Canada

    Visiting Canada

    You are considered a temporary resident if you want to visit Canada for a period of six months or shorter. If you are from a visa required country you need a Temporary Resident Visas (Visitor Visas). If you from a visa exempt country you will need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for Canada

    Canada welcomes over 35 million temporary residents (non-immigrants) each year. Except for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, all other individuals require permission to enter Canada as a visitor and require either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an eTA (electronic Travel Authorization), unless they are US Citizens.

    The following foreigners need either a TRV or an eTA:

    Tourists

    Temporary foreign workers (individuals with work permits)

    International students (individuals on study permits)

    Business Visitors

    ​TRV or an eTA?  You only need one of them, not both.

    Citizens of visa-exempt countries intending to travel to Canada by air are expected to have applied for an obtained an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before their departure to Canada.

    Exception: Citizens of the United States do not require a TRV or an eTA, but Green Card holders in the United States, require an eTA to come to Canada, regardless of their nationality.

    If you are NOT a citizen from a visa-exempt country, you WILL need a TRV to enter Canada.

    To find out if you need a TRV or eTA before departure to Canada,

    What is a eTA (electronic Travel Authorization)?

    ​As of March 15, 2016, travellers with passports from countries that are visa-exempt who enter Canada by air will need an eTA.

    ​The authorization is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

    ​What is a TRV and how to apply for one?

    ​* If you require a TRV, please make sure you read the reasons for refusal.

    ​The TRV is a document issued by a Canadian Immigration Visa Office outside Canada, showing that the holder has satisfied the requirements for admission to Canada as a visitor. TRVs may be for single entry or multiple entry. As a general rule, tourists are admitted for a period of six months. Temporary foreign workers and international students are admitted for varying periods of time, as determined on a case-by-case basis. Extensions may be applied for from within Canada.

    ​It is important to note that officers at the port of entries to Canada will determine whether a visitor intended purpose of visiting Canada is of a temporary nature. By possessing of a valid TRV does not necessarily mean that the Officer at the Canadian Port of Entry will admit the visitor into Canada. At the Port of Entry, all visitors must demonstrate that the purpose of their visit to Canada is of a temporary nature. Officers at the Port of Entry will deny admission to all persons who, in their opinion, do not intend to leave Canada at the expiry of their visitor status.

    ​Important notes:

    ​Some applicants may need to undergo a medical examination. This pertains to some individuals who intend to remain in Canada and have recently visited certain countries, as well as persons who intend to work in certain occupations in Canada.

    • Assessing an applicant eligibility extends to criminality and medical. These two issues may prevent a visitor from entering Canada.

    • Visitors to Canada must be able to prove their ability to support themselves during their intended temporary stay in Canada.

    • Citizens of certain countries who apply to come to Canada as visitors may need to provide biometric information.

    Country Checklist

    Country Checklist: Visa-required (TRV) or Visa-exempt (eTA)

    TRVs are required for citizens of Visa-required countries. The chart below outlines which citizens require a TRV and which citizens need an eTA in order to travel to Canada.

    ​

    Country TRV Required? eTA Required?
    Afghanistan YES NO
    Albania YES NO
    Algeria YES NO
    Andorra NO YES
    Angola YES NO
    Anguilla NO YES
    Antigua & Barbuda YES NO
    Argentina YES NO
    Armenia YES NO
    Australia NO YES
    Austria NO YES
    Azerbaijan YES NO
    Bahamas NO YES
    Bahrain YES NO
    Bangladesh YES NO
    Barbados NO YES
    Belarus YES NO
    Belgium NO YES
    Belize YES NO
    Benin YES NO
    Bermuda NO YES
    Bhutan YES NO
    Bolivia YES NO
    Bosnia-Herzegovina YES NO
    Botswana YES NO
    Brazil: *currently have a US visa (eTA), or held a Canadian visa within last 10 years (eTA) *YES *NO
    Brunei NO NO
    Bulgaria NO YES
    Burkina Faso YES NO
    Burundi YES NO
    Cambodia YES NO
    Cameroon YES NO
    Cape Verde YES NO
    Central African Republic YES NO
    Chad YES NO
    Chile NO YES
    China YES NO
    China (Hong Kong SAR) NO YES
    Colombia YES NO
    Comoros YES NO
    Congo, Democratic Republic YES NO
    Congo, Republic of YES NO
    Costa Rica YES NO
    Croatia NO YES
    Cuba YES NO
    Cyprus NO YES
    Czech Republic NO YES
    Denmark NO YES
    Djibouti YES NO
    Dominica YES NO
    Dominican Republic YES NO
    Ecuador YES NO
    Egypt YES NO
    El Salvador YES NO
    Equatorial Guinea YES NO
    Eritrea YES NO
    Estonia NO YES
    Ethiopia YES NO
    Fiji YES NO
    Finland NO YES
    France NO YES
    Gabon YES NO
    Gambia YES NO
    Georgia YES NO
    Germany NO YES
    Ghana YES NO
    Greece NO YES
    Grenada YES NO
    Guatemala YES NO
    Guinea YES NO
    Guyana YES NO
    Haiti YES NO
    Honduras YES NO
    Hungary NO YES
    Iceland NO YES
    India YES NO
    Indonesia YES NO
    Iran YES NO
    Iraq YES NO
    Ireland NO YES
    Israel (passport holders) NO YES
    Israel (holders of travel document in lieu of passport) YES NO
    Italy NO YES
    Ivory Coast YES NO
    Jamaica YES NO
    Japan NO YES
    Jordan YES NO
    Kazakhstan YES NO
    Kenya YES NO
    Kiribati YES NO
    Korea, North YES NO
    Korea, South NO YES
    Kosovo YES NO
    Kuwait YES NO
    Kyrgyzstan YES NO
    Laos YES NO
    Latvia NO YES
    Lebanon YES NO
    Lesotho YES NO
    Liberia YES NO
    Libya YES NO
    Liechtenstein NO YES
    Lithuania NO YES
    Luxembourg NO YES
    Macao YES NO
    Macedonia YES NO
    Madagascar YES NO
    Malawi YES NO
    Malaysia YES NO
    Maldives YES NO
    Mali YES NO
    Malta NO YES
    Mauritania YES NO
    Mauritius YES NO
    Mexico NO YES
    Moldova YES NO
    Monaco NO YES
    Mongolia YES NO
    Montenegro YES NO
    Morocco YES NO
    Mozambique YES NO
    Myanmar YES NO
    Namibia YES NO
    Nepal YES NO
    Netherlands NO YES
    New Zealand NO YES
    Nicaragua YES NO
    Niger YES NO
    Nigeria YES NO
    Norway NO YES
    Oman YES NO
    Pakistan YES NO
    Palau YES NO
    Panama YES NO
    Paraguay YES NO
    Peru YES NO
    Philippines YES NO
    Poland NO YES
    Portugal NO YES
    Qatar YES NO
    Romania NO YES
    Russia YES NO
    Rwanda YES NO
    San Marino NO YES
    Sao Tome e Principe YES NO
    Saudi Arabia YES NO
    Senegal YES NO
    Serbia YES NO
    Seychelles YES NO
    Sierra Leone YES NO
    Singapore NO YES
    Slovakia NO YES
    Slovenia NO YES
    Somalia YES NO
    South Africa YES NO
    Spain NO YES
    Sri Lanka YES NO
    St. Kitts & Nevis YES NO
    Sudan YES NO
    Surinam YES NO
    Swaziland YES NO
    Sweden NO YES
    Switzerland NO YES
    Syria YES NO
    Taiwan NO YES
    Tajikistan YES NO
    Tanzania YES NO
    Thailand YES NO
    Togo YES NO
    Tonga YES NO
    Trinidad and Tobago YES NO
    Tunisia YES NO
    Turkey YES NO
    Turkmenistan YES NO
    Turks and Caicos NO YES
    Tuvalu YES NO
    Uganda YES NO
    Ukraine YES NO
    United Arab Emirates NO YES
    United Kingdom NO YES
    United States of America NO NO
    Uruguay YES NO
    Uzbekistan YES NO
    Vanuatu YES NO
    Venezuela YES NO
    Vietnam YES NO
    Yemen YES NO
    Zambia YES NO
    Zimbabwe YES NO

    Visitor Visa Refused

    Visitor Visa Refused: TRV or eTA denied

    Visitor Visas do get refused.  What options do I have after being refused?  Read more here

    ​

    ​

    Some reasons your TRV Visa was Refused

    ​

    There are many reasons for refusal, depending on the type of visa: eTA or TRV.

    ​

    Visa-exempt countries only require an eTA (electronic travel authorization) which typically is easy to obtain and only takes 24 – 72 hours to process after applying online. Visa-required countries, however, require a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) which is a much more thorough screening process and have a much higher rate of refusal- especially when individuals apply on their own. Typical processing times for TRV visas can be between 2 weeks to 4 months, depending on the visa office that is responsible for processing.

    ​

    ​

    Some Common Reasons for Refusal

    ​

    TRV Visa:  Visa-required countries

    ​

    A TRV visa is also a type of travel authorization, much like the eTA.  Individuals from Visa-required countries require a TRV visa in their passport before they are allowed to board a plane at an airport.  The Canadian government has placed many countries on a non-visa exempt list to ensure individuals are screened properly before being permitted to travel to Canada.

    ​

    The TRV visa application process is a lengthy one.  The application asks for plenty of detailed personal and family information.   In addition, many documents must be provided to strengthen and support the application.  Unlike US visas that have an interview, Canada’s screening process is only done by a paper application with no interview.  It is extremely important to prepare a strong application as the visa officer will make a decision solely based on the information provided in the application; they will not request any additional information.

    ​

    Many individuals do not understand the process and there is a high rate of refusal when an individual applies on their own.  After receiving a refusal, the individual has been flagged and any subsequent application must be as strong as possible in order to have any chance of approval.

    TRV visas are refused for many reasons.  They are refused for all the same refusal reasons of an eTA , see below plus an additional 13 reasons which normally only apply to the screening process for TRV applications.

    ​

    Reasons for TRV refusal:

    ​

    • Lack of Travel History: If a person has not traveled anywhere outside of their home country before, they will be refused a visa if they apply on their own.  Our firm can overcome this reason by making legal arguments and referencing a Federal Court Case in the application.

    ​​

    • Strong Family Ties to Canada: having family members in Canada can be a reason for refusal, and individual applying on their own can be refused.  Our firm can overcome this reason by making legal arguments and referencing a Federal Court Case in the application.

    ​

    • Length of stay: Individuals who state on the application they wish to stay for a longer period, usually require significant financial funds.

    ​

    • Real Purpose of Visit: there wasn’t a good enough explanation of the reason for travel to Canada.

    ​

    Personal Assets

    Lack of Employment Prospects in Home Country

    ​Host in Canada financial situation: lack of documentation

    • History of overstaying status on a previous visit to Canada

    ​Documents that do no appear authentic

    ​Illegal Status in Country of Residence

    ​Some Other Reasons

    ​

    ​

    eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) visa: Visa-exempt countries

    ​

    Individuals from Visa-exempt countries are usually refused on grounds of inadmissibility:

    ​

    • Criminality (having previously been charged with a crime)

    ​

    • Misrepresentation (having misrepresented information to Canada immigration previously and received a ban)

    ​

    • Previous Deportation: for overstaying visit illegally

    ​

    • Medical Inadmissibility: have a contagious disease that is a threat to Canadians

    ​

    • Human Rights Violations:  previously served in the military for a country that has been deemed to have participated in war crimes.  Additional documents must be provided to overcome this inadmissibility.

    Super Visa

    Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents

    Parent and grandparents of canadian permanent residents or citizenship can come to canada through super visa.  This program allows family members to come to Canada as long-term visitors on a multiple entry visa that may last up to 10 years.  With a a Super Visa is valid for 2 years before it has to be renewed.

    ​This is a great option for Canadian Citizens and Canadian Permanent Residents who are waiting to sponsor their parents for PR, or who currently do not qualify for Parental PR sponsorship.

    The financial requirement for a Super Visa is not as strict as PR sponsorship-  the minimum necessary income (MNI) is 30% lower than that of PR sponsorship, and only 1 year of gross income must exceed the MNI vs 3 years with PR Sponsorship.

    To be eligible for a Super Visa:

    The child or grandchild who invites you must prove that their household meets the minimum necessary income. The following documents are examples of what can be used as proof of funds:

    • The child or grandchild must purchase a Canadian healthcare insurance of $100,000 coverage for at least 1 year- check the cost for insurance contact us for a quote. (approximately $2,000 – $3,000 CAD per year).

    • Complete a medical examination

    • A written commitment of financial support from the Sponsor (child or grandchild) must be provided

    ​Depending on the citizenship of the sponsored person, a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa)may also be required for non visa-exempt countries.  If a TRV is required, please be advised that there is a rigorous screening process and there is a high rate of refusal when individuals apply on their own.  To find out if a TRV is required, refer to the list of TRV required countries.  In addition, refer to the common reasons for refusal of a TRV visa.

    ​Minimum Necessary Income to sponsor for Super Visa in 2019:

    Family Members MNI 2019
    2 persons $31,061
    3 persons $38,185
    4 persons $46,362
    5 persons $52,583
    6 persons $59,304
    7 persons $66,027
    Each additional person $6,723

    Inadmissible to Canada

    Inadmissible to Canada

    Some people are not allowed to come to Canada. They’re “inadmissible” under Canada’s immigration law.

    There are different reasons we may not let you into Canada, such as security, criminal or medical reasons.

    ​​Individuals can be found to be inadmissible on the following grounds:

    ​Criminal Inadmissibility

    Medical Inadmissibility

    Misrepresentation

    Organized Crime (or ties to it)

    Security Risk

    Committed human or international rights violations

    ​Individuals who are found to be Inadmissible to Canada on Medical (health), Criminal or Misrepresentation reasons can apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) to overcome their inadmissibility and be allowed entry into Canada on a temporary basis with an eTA, TRV, Work Permit or Study Permit.

    Other options to overcome Criminal Inadmissibility if you have a criminal record are Criminal Rehabilitation, Record Suspension or being Deemed Rehabilitated which will overcome the inadmissibility entirely allowing entry in Canada without a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).

    ​Find out how you overcome inadmissibility by Criminal Rehabilitation, Record Suspension or being Deemed Rehabilitated or temporarily with a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).

    ​

    ​

    At Acquah Immigration we can help you with your Inadmissibility issue.  Contact us to learn how we can help.

     

    TRP

    Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

    A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) may be issued, at the discretion of Canadian Immigration Authorities, to individuals who would otherwise be inadmissible to Canada because of misrepresentation, criminality or health issues, permitting them to enter or stay in Canada, where justified by compelling circumstances. A TRP grants an individual’s legal entry to Canada for a certain period of time, despite the inadmissibility of the person. It is like a temporarily excuse for the individual’s inadmissibility so that he or she may enter Canada. It can be valid for as short as a couple of days up to a maximum of three years.

    Some individuals who wish to enter Canada, as Permanent or Temporary Residents (Visitors, Foreign Workers, Business Visitors, Students), must meet the requirements of Canada’s Immigration law and regulations, especially as they regard health and security.

    Individuals who are found to be inadmissible to Canada, can apply for a Temporary Resident Permit to overcome their inadmissibility and be allowed entry into Canada on a temporary basis.

    Foreigners can be found to be inadmissible on the following grounds:

    Criminal Inadmissibility

    Medical Inadmissibility

    Misrepresentation

    Organized Crime (or ties to it)

    Security Risk

    Committed human or international rights violations

    ​​A TRP can be applied for at any point. Unlike criminal rehabilitation, a TRP is not subject to a certain time frame in relation to the completion of the sentence. An individual can in fact be granted a TRP while still serving a portion of his or her sentence in certain circumstances.

     Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their entry into Canada is justified, no matter how minor the reason for inadmissibility may seem. ​In deciding whether or not to issue a TRP, a Canadian Immigration Visa Officer will weigh the inadmissible person’s need to enter or remain in Canada against the health and security risks to the Canadian population.

    The length of stay of a TRP can be issued up to three years and may be extended from inside Canada. The permit is no longer valid if the holder exits Canada, unless re-entry had been authorized at the time of issuance. The permit can also be cancelled by an officer at any time.

    In some circumstances, the holder of a TRP will be granted permanent resident status in Canada.

    To apply for a TRP, you will need to submit an application with the supporting documents explaining the reason behind your inadmissibility and why your entry into Canada may be justified. If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you will need to apply based on the guidelines set out by your specific country as the application form may be different.

    [vc_custom_heading text=”Work without a Permit” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23dd3333″ google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_st

    error: Content is protected !!
    ×

    Hello!

    We're available to chat with you on Whatsapp!

    × Need help? Whatsapp Us!