Visa waivers for new countries and prerequisites On June 6, 2023, Canada stated that it will expand the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Program by including
Visa waivers for new countries and prerequisites
On June 6, 2023, Canada stated that it will expand the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Program by including 13 other nations. This essentially means that some residents of these 13 nations no longer need visas to visit Canada. Please be aware that not all citizens are automatically qualified for the eTA and that only those who satisfy specific criteria are allowed to visit Canada without a visa.
You must fulfill all the following eligibility requirements to be eligible for visa-free travel to Canada:
- Countries you should be a citizen of:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Costa Rica
- Morocco
- Panama
- Philippines
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Seychelles
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uruguay
- You must be flying to Canada.
You still need to apply for a temporary resident visa if you’re entering Canada by land, sea, bus, boat, train, or other modes of transportation except by air. If you’re not traveling to Canada, be sure your passport has a Canadian visa before you depart.
- You must be visiting Canada on business, for leisure, or both.
Only visitors traveling to Canada on vacation or on business are eligible for the new eTA program’s visa-free travel privileges. For instance, whether you’re traveling to see your family, Niagara Falls, Vancouver, or Banff, you can apply for an eTA. If you’re traveling to Canada as a business visitor, which means that you intend to conduct international business activities there without immediately entering the labor market, you can also apply for an eTA. Participation in business conferences, trade shows, exhibits, and the purchase of Canadian goods and services are examples of these activities.
- You must be staying for no more than six months.
You may need to meet with one of our advisors if you intend to remain longer or are already in Canada to determine your best course of action. Book consultation today
- You must either hold a current US non-immigrant visa or have obtained a Canadian visa within the last ten years.
We believe that this is the most crucial criterion and that it is frequently disregarded. Only those who have held a Canadian visa within the last ten years or who are currently in possession of a valid US non-immigrant visa are qualified for an eTA. If you do not possess one of those, you are regrettably ineligible for an eTA and must apply for a TRV, just as in the past. You’re not alone, which is a good thing, and we can assist you with your TRV application. Simply schedule a consultation with Batis Immigration so we can work through the details with you.
Summary
- If you satisfy the aforementioned criteria, you may apply for an eTA.
- You can apply for an eTA if you are a foreign person who does not require a visa and your nation is listed under “Visa-exempt (eTA eligible) travelers”.
- You need a visa if you’re traveling to Canada to study.
- You need a visa if you’re traveling to Canada to apply for a work permit at the point of entry.
- If you’re visiting Canada for the first time and don’t have a valid US non-immigrant visa, you need a visa.
- If you’re not flying, you need a visa to travel by foot, vehicle, bus, boat, rail, or any other mode of transportation.
- You require a visa if you are a Permanent or Temporary Resident and a national of one of the countries listed as eligible.