
Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Montréal, Canada
1. US Visa Waiver Program
Allows citizens of participating countries to enter Canada without a visa for up to 6 months. Not applicable to US citizens.
- Participating Countries: Includes nations like the UK, France, Germany, and Japan.
- Duration of Stay: Stays can last up to 6 months under this program.
- Eligibility Requirements: Travelers must have an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to participate in this program.
2. eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Required for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. Approved electronically within minutes.
- Visa-Exempt Countries: Applies to citizens of countries like the UK, Australia, and South Korea.
- Application Process: Can be completed online in just a few minutes.
- Validity Duration: An eTA is valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
3. ETA (Visa) Application
Required for citizens of countries not eligible for eTA or visa waivers. Can be processed online or at the embassy.
- Processing Time: Online applications are typically processed within 20 business days.
- Documentation Requirements: Includes a valid passport, recent photograph, and proof of financial resources.
- Validity Duration: Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or work/study visas depending on the purpose of travel.
4. Transit Without a Visa
Allows travelers to transit through Canada without a visa, provided they meet certain conditions.
- Conditions of Transit: Travelers must remain in the airport or international transit area and have onward travel arranged.
- Eligible Countries: Certain countries, such as the UK, France, Germany, and Japan, are eligible for this program.
- Duration of Stay: Stays can last up to 48 hours or until the next flight departs.
5. Working Holiday Program
Allows young adults from participating countries to work and travel in Canada for up to two years.
- Participating Countries: Countries like the UK, Australia, and South Korea participate in this program.
- Age Limitations: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old (varies by country).
- Work Conditions: Participants can work for one employer for up to six months.
6. Student Visa
Allows students from other countries to study at a designated learning institution in Canada.
- Institutions Eligibility: Only designated learning institutions are eligible for student visas.
- Duration of Study: Students can study for a maximum of six months, or the length of their program, whichever is less.
- Work Conditions: International students are allowed to work on campus without a work permit.
7. Temporary Work Permit
Allows foreign workers to temporarily work in Canada for a specific employer and job.
- Employer Eligibility: Only eligible employers can hire foreign workers under this permit.
- Job Conditions: Workers can only perform the job specified in their work permit.
- Duration of Stay: The duration of stay depends on the nature and length of the job.
8. Business Visitor Visa
Allows business people to enter Canada for short-term activities such as meetings, negotiations, or training.
- Activities Allowed: Includes attending conferences, giving speeches, or negotiating a contract.
- Duration of Stay: Stays can last up to six months, depending on the purpose and nature of the visit.
- Documentation Requirements: Requires a letter from the Canadian business inviting the visitor.
9. Permanent Residence Application
Allows foreign nationals to immigrate permanently to Canada and gain full rights as a Canadian resident.
- Application Process: Applications can be submitted online or through a paper-based process.
- Skill Set Requirements: Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria based on their skills, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Waiting Period: Processing times can vary, with some applications taking over a year to be processed.
10. Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents
Allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time.
- Duration of Stay: Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to two years, with multiple entries allowed.
- Financial Requirements: Applicants must prove that their children or grandchildren in Canada provide financial support.
- Medical Insurance Coverage: Parents and grandparents must have medical insurance coverage for the duration of their stay.
11. Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
Allows foreign nationals who are inadmissible to enter or remain in Canada for a temporary period.
- Inadmissibility Reasons: Reasons may include criminality, health issues, or financial reasons.
- Validity Duration: The duration of the TRP depends on the specific circumstances and purpose of travel.
- Application Process: Applications can be submitted to a Canadian embassy or consulate abroad.
12. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Allows certain foreign nationals to obtain a visa upon arrival at specific Canadian airports.
- Eligible Countries: Certain countries, such as Bulgaria and Romania, are eligible for this program.
- Duration of Stay: Stays can last up to six months, depending on the purpose and nature of the visit.
- Documentation Requirements: Requires a valid passport, recent photograph, and proof of sufficient funds.
13. Preclearance Program
Allows travelers to complete customs and immigration procedures before leaving the United States or Saint-Pierre et Miquelon.
- Participating Airports: Participating airports include Vancouver, Toronto Pearson, Calgary, and Halifax.
- Benefits: Saves time by completing customs and immigration procedures before boarding the plane to Canada.
- Eligibility Requirements: Applies only to travelers departing from participating US airports or Saint-Pierre et Miquelon.
14. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Responsible for enforcing border control and customs regulations at Canadian airports, land borders, and seaports.
- Ports of Entry: Includes airports, land borders, and seaports.
- Customs Regulations: Regulates the importation of goods, animals, and plants.
- Border Control: Enforces regulations to ensure the safety and security of Canada's borders.
15. ArriveCAN App
Required for all travelers entering Canada by air or land. Enables pre-arrival reporting of COVID-19 information and required forms.
- COVID-19 Measures: Enables travelers to submit their quarantine plan and COVID-19 test results before arrival.
- Arrival Reporting: Allows travelers to report their arrival electronically, reducing physical contact with border services officers.
- Customs Declaration: Enables travelers to complete customs declarations prior to arrival, saving time at the border.