Temporary Resident Visas (TRV) - Visitor Visas and electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Canada
All individuals entering into Canada with the exception of Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents and US Citizens require permission to enter into Canada. Green card holders in the United States are also required to have an eTA for entry to Canada. This permission is given in the form of either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). You will only require either a TRV or an eTA not both and this is dependent upon your country of citizenship.
Citizens of Visa Exempt Countries
Citizens of Visa exempt countries intending to travel to Canada by air are expected to have applied for and obtained an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before their departure to Canada.
The exception to this is that Citizens to the United States who do not require either an eTA or a TRV. It is however important to note that Green Card holders of the USA do require an eTA to enter into Canada.
If you are a citizen from a visa exempt country then you must apply for an eTA and if you are not a citizen from a visa exempt country then you must apply for a TRV.
To find if you require an eTA or a TRV please visit this government site and input the necessary information or CONTACT US and we can assist you.
The exception to this is that Citizens to the United States who do not require either an eTA or a TRV. It is however important to note that Green Card holders of the USA do require an eTA to enter into Canada.
If you are a citizen from a visa exempt country then you must apply for an eTA and if you are not a citizen from a visa exempt country then you must apply for a TRV.
To find if you require an eTA or a TRV please visit this government site and input the necessary information or CONTACT US and we can assist you.
What is an eTA and how do I get one?
Before the eTA system was implemented, visa exempt foreign nationals wanting to enter into Canada were not systematically screened for admissibility until they arrived at the port of entry to Canada. The eTA system provides stress free travel for visa exempt people by requiring them to complete the online form before their departure so then there are no surprises at the port of entry into Canada. The eTA is mandatory for most visitors from countries whose citizens do not require a TRV and who are entering into Canada via air.
Individuals requiring an eTA in order to visit Canada are asked to complete some personal information and answer a few basic questions relating to criminality and medical issues. It is a simple on line form that can be completed in less than 20 minutes.
To complete the on line form you will need the following;
The eTA will be valid for a period of 5 years from the day on which it is issued to the applicant or until the earliest of the following days if they occur before the end of that period:
The eTA includes the applicants name, date and place of birth, gender, address, nationality and passport and / or travel document information.
Individuals requiring an eTA in order to visit Canada are asked to complete some personal information and answer a few basic questions relating to criminality and medical issues. It is a simple on line form that can be completed in less than 20 minutes.
To complete the on line form you will need the following;
- A valid passport from a Visa Exempt Country
- A Credit Card to pay the $7.00 CAD fee
- A valid e-mail address
- Access to the internet and about 15 to 20 minutes of your time
The eTA will be valid for a period of 5 years from the day on which it is issued to the applicant or until the earliest of the following days if they occur before the end of that period:
- The day on which the applicants passport or other travel documentation expires
- The day on which the electronic Travel Authorization is cancelled
- The day on which a new electronic Travel Authorization is issued to the applicant
The eTA includes the applicants name, date and place of birth, gender, address, nationality and passport and / or travel document information.
What is a TRV and how do I get one?
The TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) is a document issued by a Canadian Immigration Visa Office outside of Canada showing that the holder has satisfied the requirements for admission to Canada as a visitor. TRV's may be for single entry or multiple entry. In most cases tourists are admitted to Canada for 6 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.
Having a valid TRV does not necessarily mean that the officer at the port of entry will admit the visitor into Canada. At the port of entry to Canada all visitors must demonstrate the purpose of their visit to Canada and provide proof that the visit in temporary in nature. Officers at the port of entry to Canada will deny admission to all persons who in their opinion, do not intend to leave Canada at the expiry of their visitor status.
Some applicants may need to undergo a medical examination. This pertains to some individuals who intend to remain in Canada and who have recently visited certain countries, as well as persons who intend to work in certain occupations in Canada. Criminality and medical issues may prevent a visitor from entering into Canada. Visitors to Canada must be able to provide proof of their ability to support themselves financially during their intended stay in Canada. Citizens of some countries may be required to provide biometric information.
Having a valid TRV does not necessarily mean that the officer at the port of entry will admit the visitor into Canada. At the port of entry to Canada all visitors must demonstrate the purpose of their visit to Canada and provide proof that the visit in temporary in nature. Officers at the port of entry to Canada will deny admission to all persons who in their opinion, do not intend to leave Canada at the expiry of their visitor status.
Some applicants may need to undergo a medical examination. This pertains to some individuals who intend to remain in Canada and who have recently visited certain countries, as well as persons who intend to work in certain occupations in Canada. Criminality and medical issues may prevent a visitor from entering into Canada. Visitors to Canada must be able to provide proof of their ability to support themselves financially during their intended stay in Canada. Citizens of some countries may be required to provide biometric information.
