Visa-Free Travel To Canada
Travelers from over 50 countries are invited to explore Canada without needing to first secure a visa. However, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is necessary for those coming by air. Exceptions apply to United States citizens as they do not need either an eTA or visa, provided they do not intend to work or study in the country.
Canada’s visa waiver is great news for those who wish to travel to Canada, as it opens up a whole new world of possibilities. By understanding the rules and regulations surrounding visa-free travel to Canada, travelers can make sure they have all the necessary documents and information needed for their trip. With this knowledge, travelers can make the most of their time in Canada and experience all that the country has to offer.
Foreigners who are not exempt from visa requirements must acquire a Temporary Residence Visa, commonly referred to as a visitor visa.
This type of visa is valid for up to six months, though the period can depend on the nation of origin.
Having a Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) doesn’t give the holder of it the freedom to work or study in Canada. When entering the country, they may have to demonstrate that their stay is just temporary, such as for holidays or seeing family members.
At present, IRCC is experiencing a considerable backlog in TRV applications. The most recent data from IRCC suggests that half of all TRV applications are not being processed within the 14-day service standard timeline.
With the Public Service Alliance of Canada conducting a strike that lasted from April 19 to May 1, the impact on TRV applications was massive. Mr. Fraser acknowledged that during this time frame, there were reportedly 100,000 applications that went unprocessed. However, the Minister expressed his confident belief that the backlog in processing applications that accumulated during the pandemic will be cleared within a few weeks or months.
