Canada is a popular destination for many international conferences, events, and meetings. If you are planning to attend a conference in Canada, you may be wondering what kind of visa you need to enter the country. The answer depends on several factors, such as your nationality, the purpose and duration of your visit, and the type of conference you are attending. In this article, we will explain the different visa options for conference attendees and how to apply for them.
Business Visitor Visa
The most common visa option for conference attendees is the business visitor visa. This visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to six months as a business visitor, which means you can attend meetings, conferences, conventions, trade fairs, or other business-related activities. However, you cannot work or study in Canada, or enter the Canadian labour market.
To qualify as a business visitor, you must meet the following requirements:
– Have a valid passport or travel document.
– Enough money for your stay and to return home.
– Plan to leave Canada at the end of your visit.
– Not a criminal, security, or health risk to Canadians.
– Main place of business and source of income are outside Canada.
– Do not intend to engage in activities that would compete with Canadian businesses or workers
Depending on your nationality, you may also need to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a temporary resident visa (TRV) to travel to Canada as a business visitor.
eTA:
An eTA is an online pre-screening process that allows you to board a flight to Canada. It is linked to your passport and valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Apply for an eTA online for a fee of $7 CAD. Most applications are approved within minutes, but some may take longer.
Need an eTA if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, such as the UK, France, or Australia, or a permanent resident of the US.
TRV:
A TRV is a sticker that is placed in your passport and allows you to enter Canada as a temporary resident. You need to apply for a TRV online or at a visa office before you travel to Canada.
Need a TRV if you are a citizen of a visa-required country, such as India, China, or Brazil, or a stateless person. The application fee for a TRV is $100 CAD. The processing time for a TRV varies depending on the country and the type of application.
If you are not sure whether you need an eTA or a TRV, you can check the IRCC website or use the online tool to find out.
Event Code
If you need a TRV to travel to Canada as a business visitor, and your conference is registered with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you may be able to benefit from an event code. An event code is a unique identifier that is provided by the conference organizer to the participants. It helps IRCC to process your visa application faster and more efficiently. It also allows you to apply for a TRV without paying the biometrics fee of $85 CAD.
To use an event code, you need to follow these steps:
– Contact your conference organizer and ask for the event code and the instructions on how to apply for a TRV.
– Contact your conference organizer and ask for the event code and the instructions on how to apply for a TRV.
– Fill out the online application form for a TRV and enter the event code in the “Special Considerations” section.
– Upload the required documents, such as your passport, invitation letter, proof of funds, and travel itinerary.
– Pay the application fee of $100 CAD and submit your application.
– Wait for the decision on your application. You will receive an email notification when your application is approved or rejected.
Work Permit
In some cases, you may need a work permit to attend a conference in Canada. This may apply if you are coming to Canada to present at a conference that lasts for more than five days, or if you are involved in organizing or facilitating the conference. A work permit allows you to work in Canada for a specific employer, occupation, and period of time.
To apply for a work permit, you need to meet the following requirements:
– Have a valid passport or travel document.
– Enough money for your stay and to return home.
– Plan to leave Canada at the end of your work permit.
– You are not a criminal, security, or health risk to Canadians.
– Have a job offer or a contract from a Canadian employer or organization.
– Have a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA exemption, if applicable.
– Positive medical exam, if required.
Depending on your nationality, you may also need to apply for an eTA or a TRV to travel to Canada with a work permit.
LMIA:
An LMIA is a document that shows that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill a job in Canada and that no Canadian worker is available to do it. Your employer or organization needs to apply for an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before they can hire you. The processing fee for an LMIA is $1,000 CAD. The processing time for an LMIA varies depending on the occupation and the region.
LMIA Exemption:
An LMIA exemption is a situation where you do not need an LMIA to apply for a work permit. This may apply if you are covered by an international agreement, such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), or if you are part of a significant benefit program, such as the Global Talent Stream. Check the IRCC website or use the online tool to find out if you are eligible for an LMIA exemption.
To apply for a work permit, you need to follow these steps:
– Contact your employer or organization and ask for the job offer or contract, the LMIA or the LMIA exemption number, and the instructions on how to apply for a work permit.
– Fill out the online application form for a work permit and enter the job offer or contract, the LMIA or the LMIA exemption number, and any other relevant information.
– Upload the required documents, such as your passport, proof of funds, and medical exam results.
– Pay the application fees of $155 CAD for the work permit and $85 CAD for the biometrics, if applicable.
– Submit your application and give your biometrics, if required.
– Wait for the decision on your application. You will receive an email notification when your application is approved or rejected.
Attending a conference in Canada can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it also requires some planning and preparation. Depending on your situation, you may need a business visitor visa, an event code, or a work permit to enter the country. Should check the IRCC website or use the online tool to find out what you need and how to apply for it. Also contact your conference organizer and your employer or organization for any assistance or guidance. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and successful trip to Canada.
