Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
1. Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
An electronic permit required for visa-exempt foreign nationals entering Canada by air. It allows for quicker border clearance and is valid for 5 years or until passport expires.
- Online Application: Applicants can apply online through a simple and secure process.
- Multiple Entry: The eTA allows for multiple entries during its validity period.
- E-mail Confirmation: Upon approval, applicants receive an e-mail confirmation containing their eTA number.
2. United States Visa Waiver Program (US VWP)
A program that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without a visa.
- Pre-clearance at Hamilton Airport: Hamilton airport offers U.S. Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance, allowing passengers to clear customs in Canada before boarding their flights.
- Participating Countries: Only citizens of eligible countries can participate in the US VWP.
- Maximum Stay: Visitors are allowed to stay for up to 90 days per visit under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
3. Temporary Resident Visa
A visa for individuals seeking to enter Canada temporarily for reasons such as studying or working.
- Specific Purpose: Applicants must specify the purpose of their visit and provide supporting documentation.
- Validity Duration: The duration of validity depends on the purpose of the visit, but can range from a few months to several years.
- Working in Canada: Temporary Resident Visa holders may be eligible to work in Canada during their stay, depending on the purpose of their visit.
4. Working Holiday Visa
A visa allowing young adults to travel and work temporarily in Canada.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be between the ages of 18-35 to apply for a Working Holiday Visa.
- Employment Opportunities: Working Holiday Visa holders can work anywhere in Canada for up to 24 months, with some exceptions.
- Travel Experience: The Working Holiday Visa is a great opportunity for young adults to gain travel and work experience outside of their home countries.
5. Student Visa
A visa required for individuals planning to study at a designated learning institution in Canada.
- Designated Learning Institution: Applicants must be enrolled at a designated learning institution to be eligible for a Student Visa.
- Proof of Financial Support: Students must provide proof that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses during their stay in Canada.
- Working During Studies: Students are allowed to work on campus or off-campus under certain conditions.
6. Visit Visa
A visa for individuals visiting Canada as tourists, to attend business meetings, or to visit family and friends.
- Tourist Activities: Visitors can engage in activities such as sightseeing, shopping, dining, and attending cultural events.
- Duration of Stay: The duration of stay depends on the purpose of the visit, but is typically up to 6 months.
- Extending Stay: Visitors may be able to extend their stay within Canada by applying for a visitor record extension.
7. Transit Visa
A visa required for individuals in transit through Canada who do not meet the transit without a visa requirements.
- Duration of Transit: The duration of transit must be less than 48 hours to be eligible for a Transit Visa.
- Direct Flight: Transit passengers must be traveling on a direct flight to their final destination.
- Transiting Through Canada: Transit Visa holders are not allowed to leave the airport or transit area during their stay in Canada.
8. Super Visa
A multi-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit their families in Canada for extended periods.
- Longer Validity: Super Visas are valid for up to 10 years, with multiple entries allowed during this time.
- Minimum Requirements: Applicants must meet specific minimum income and medical insurance requirements.
- Bond Payment: A bond payment may be required if applicants do not meet the minimum income requirement.
9. Business Visitor Visa
A visa for individuals entering Canada to participate in business activities such as attending meetings, negotiations, or training.
- Specific Business Activities: Applicants must provide details about their intended business activities during their stay in Canada.
- Invitation Letter: Business Visitor Visa applicants must have a letter of invitation from the Canadian company they will be working with.
- Duration of Stay: The duration of stay depends on the purpose and details of the business activities.
10. Spouse or Common-Law Partner Visa
A visa for individuals seeking to join their Canadian spouse or common-law partner in Canada.
- Proof of Relationship: Applicants must provide proof that they are in a genuine and continuing relationship with their sponsor.
- Income Requirements: Sponsors must demonstrate sufficient income to support their partner and any dependent children.
- Processing Time: Processing times for Spouse or Common-Law Partner Visas can vary, but are generally several months.
11. Temporary Foreign Worker Program
A program allowing employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor shortages in specific occupations.
- Labor Market Impact Assessment: Employers must demonstrate that they have attempted to hire a Canadian worker before applying for a Temporary Foreign Worker.
- Work Permit: Foreign workers must obtain a work permit before beginning employment in Canada.
- Duration of Employment: The duration of employment depends on the specific job and employer.
12. Immigrant Investor Venture Capital (IIVC) Pilot Program
A program allowing foreign investors to invest in eligible Canadian businesses and obtain permanent residence.
- Minimum Investment Amount: Investors must invest a minimum of CAD 2 million in eligible businesses.
- Active Management Role: Investors are required to actively manage the investment and demonstrate entrepreneurial experience.
- Processing Time: The processing time for the IIVC Pilot Program is typically several months.
13. Citizenship Application
An application process for foreign nationals who have lived in Canada as permanent residents and wish to become Canadian citizens.
- Residency Requirements: Applicants must meet residency requirements, typically living in Canada for at least three years within a five-year period.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French through language tests.
- Integration into Canadian Society: Applicants must show integration into Canadian society, such as through employment, volunteer work, and community involvement.
14. Permanent Resident Travel Document
A document for permanent residents who have lost their Permanent Resident Card and require travel documentation.
- Replacement Process: Permanent residents can apply for a replacement Permanent Resident Travel Document through the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.
- Temporary Document: The Permanent Resident Travel Document is valid for one year, at which point a new Permanent Resident Card must be obtained.
- Border Crossing: Permanent residents should carry their Permanent Resident Travel Document when crossing the border to prove their status in Canada.
15. Travel Advice and Advisories
Information provided by the Government of Canada about travel risks and safety conditions in various countries.
- Country Specific Information: Travel advisories provide specific information about each country, such as current security and political situations.
- Registration of Canadians Abroad: Canadian travelers can register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service for updates on local events that may affect them.
- Emergency Assistance: The Government of Canada provides emergency assistance to Canadians in need while abroad, such as during natural disasters or civil unrest.