Which Countries Have Been Added to the eTA Program?

Travelers from these countries can now choose to use an eTA instead of a visa when flying to Canada if they have previously held a Canadian visa within the last ten years or presently have a valid United States non-immigrant visa. As of right now, citizens of these countries that qualify for this program may make use of it:

• 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

Introducing visa-free air travel will streamline and simplify the process for thousands of visitors, enabling them to stay in Canada for up to six months for business or leisure purposes. This initiative will also bolster Canada’s economy by promoting tourism, international business, and fostering stronger ties with these countries while prioritizing the safety of Canadian citizens.

Additionally, this decision will lighten the load on Canada’s visa processing system, enabling the quicker processing of visa applications to the benefit of all applicants.

Are You Interested in Immigrating to Canada?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Click here to fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form below and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

The situation in Sudan is continuously changing, and movement inside the nation remains difficult and dangerous, limiting IRCC’s capacity to process new applications at this time. To make it easier for those still in Sudan to travel once it is safe to do so, the Canadian government will prioritize the processing of completed temporary and permanent residency applications already in the system from people still in the country. This covers visiting visa applications for qualifying immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, allowing them to join their loved ones in Canada.

Sudanese Nationals May Extend Their Stay in Canada

As of April 30, 2023, Sudanese nationals in Canada can request to extend their stay or alter their status as a visitor, student, or temporary worker free of charge. This includes free open work permits, which give individuals access to the labour market and more freedom in supporting themselves while in Canada. These steps will serve to protect the Sudanese people already in Canada by keeping families together and providing them with a safe place to live.

Some permanent residents living outside of Canada may be unable to get access to their Sudanese travel documents. As a result, IRCC is also removing the requirement to have a passport or travel document in order to be granted for a permanent residence visa to enter Canada. These steps are in addition to the fee waivers for passports and travel papers for Canadians and permanent residents of Canada in Sudan, as well as the prioritizing of completed applications for temporary and permanent residence from Sudanese citizens for when it is safe to travel.

Canada Waves Fees for Family Members Fleeing Sudan

On May 4th, 2023, Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship announced the Canadian government will wave temporary residency application fees for foreign nationals who fled Sudan with Canadian family members.

Foreign nationals who evacuated Sudan with Canadian family members will be eligible to apply for temporary residence without owing the processing fee. They will be able to submit applications for an open work permit or study permit, as well as permanent residence under the family class, after they arrive in Canada.

Do You Need Canadian Immigration Help in Regards to Sudan?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

Prior to this policy change, visitors who wished to work in Canada had to submit an initial work permit application before traveling there. They had to leave Canada to obtain a work visa if they were citizens of another country but were already visiting Canada. With this policy, they can stay in the country in order to get their work permit.

How Do I Know If I’m Eligible to Apply?

To qualify for this temporary public policy, an applicant must:

• have valid status in Canada as a visitor on the day they apply
• have a job offer that is supported by a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment
• submit an application for an employer-specific work permit no later than February 28, 2025
• meet all other standard admissibility criteria

Do You Need Help Applying for a Canadian Work Permit?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we can help.

The Canadian government eased immigration rules for Iranians in Canada on Thursday, citing “gross and systematic human rights violations” in Iran.

Iranians will be able to apply for a new permit to study or work in Canada, and certain processing fees will be waived.

They will also be able to apply for a work permit, which will allow them to work in any occupation for any employer of their choice.

“Canada will not stand idly by as the Iranian regime continues its ongoing human rights violations,” Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said.

Canada is still looking into changes to other programs, such as the Human Rights Defenders stream, which is one of the few in the world with a dedicated, permanent immigration program for those who protect and promote human rights.

New Measures Taking Effect

These new facilitative measures are in effect and individuals can apply until February 28, 2024.

This public policy will allow eligible Iranian nationals currently in Canada as temporary residents to apply for the following at no cost:

• extension of their temporary resident status in Canada
• open work permits
• study permits

Eligible applications submitted in Canada will be processed on a priority basis.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Iran will also be able to apply for the following documents, at no cost, to help facilitate their travel:

• limited-validity Canadian passports
• Canadian citizenship certificates
• permanent resident travel documents

To learn more about the new programs and updates for Iranian temporary residents in Canada, watch our Facebook Live video, here:

Do You Need Help Immigrating to Canada from Iran?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we can help.

Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers who are eligible to enter Canada will still have to take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival and on day 8. These travelers will still be required to quarantine for 14 days. Foreign travelers arriving in Canada for reasons such as tourism are still required to be fully vaccinated. 

What Is Still Required for Vaccinated Travelers

In addition to this travel restriction change, Canada indicated that all travelers will continue to be required to complete the ArriveCAN questionnaire online or through the mobile app before entering Canada. While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday that after two years of restrictions, Canadians are “pretty damn tired” of the pandemic, health officials were cautious, saying the virus would be “with us for a very long time.” Download the ArriveCAN App on iOS or Google Play.

Check out Canada’s latest COVID-19 travel restriction updates!

Do You Need Immigration Help?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

Check out Canada’s latest COVID-related updates!

Where Masks Are Still Mandatory

Select public settings will keep mask mandates until the end of April, which is when the province plans to put an end to all remaining public health rules. The Ontario government says masks are mandatory in the following settings:

•  Health care settings
•  Long-term care settings
•  Retirement homes
•  Congregate care settings
•  Shelters
•  Jails
•  Public transit

COVID Cases Likely to Rise Again

Due to the restricted access to PCR testing in Ontario, there is no accurate idea of the infection rates. On Thursday, Ontario’s science advisory table suggests that the province should expect a rise in cases, hospitalizations, and ICU occupancy. While experts predict this slight increase in COVID cases, they also mention that it will be easily manageable based on how the province is already recovering from the pandemic.

As of Monday, March 24, 2022, Ontario reported 603 hospitalized with COVID-19 and 228 patients in intensive care. The next day, hospitalizations increased to 688 while the number of people in intensive care continued to decline.

Do You Need Immigration Help?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

“Today I’m announcing we are easing our border measures,” federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said Tuesday in Ottawa. “It is time to adjust our approach.”

Only individuals who are randomly selected for a PCR test at the border will be required to take one, but they will not be quarantined while awaiting results, according to Duclos. Children under the age of 12 who are not completely vaccinated but are traveling with fully vaccinated adults will no longer be required to wait before attending school or childcare, according to the government.

Travelers who have not been vaccinated will continue to be screened upon arrival.

In addition, when the spread of Omicron slows, Canada’s travel health alert will be reduced from level three to level two, indicating that the government will no longer advise Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel.

Along with federal Ministers of Transportation Omar Alghabra, Public Safety Marco Mendicino, Tourism Randy Boissonnault, and Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc, Duclos made the announcement.

Alghabra declared that as of Feb. 28, more airports would be allowed to accommodate foreign aircraft.

Only 18 Canadian airports are now permitted to receive international aircraft.

Key Changes to Canadian Travel Restrictions Coming Up

• COVID PCR tests no longer required for fully vaccinated travellers.
• Canada will no longer recommend that Canadians avoid any non-essential travel.
• More airports will aceept international flights.
• Upcoming new for cruise ship travellers entering Canada.
• Quebec, along with Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, has laid out plans to lift more mandates in the coming weeks.

Learn about all the latest Canada COVID Travel Restrictions 2022.

Travel restriction updates have been looming around for over a year now due to the impact COVID-19 left on the nation. Since then, both Canada and the United States have been slowly recovering by distributing vaccines to help reduce the virus from spreading. Oftentimes we are contacted by permanent residents from Canada and the United States trying to better understand the current travel restrictions crossing the US/Canada border. Here is what you need to know about traveling to the US and Canada by land or air!

Entering Canada: How to Cross the Canada Border from the US

Canada has recently eased their travel restrictions to both travelers from the United States and abroad. The travel entry requirements for US Citizens entering Canada are the same whether you are crossing the border by land or air. Find out if you are eligible to travel to Canada!

Steps to Traveling to Canada in 2021:

1. Negative pre-entry COVID test
2. Upload proof of vaccination to Arrive CAN app
3. Possible arrival test if selected at random

Related Article: Canada Border Reopened To All Fully Vaccinated Travelers

Entering the US: How to Cross the US Border from Canada

All fully vaccinated travelers will be able to cross the US border by land or air starting November 8th, 2021. Air travelers will need to show proof of vaccination prior to arrival but will still need to show a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of boarding their flight. A negative COVID-19 test will not be required for entry through the country’s land border and ferry ports.

Unvaccinated travelers will continue to be banned from crossing the US border from Mexico or Canada. Those who were never banned from traveling across the land borders, including commercial drivers and students, will also need to show proof of vaccination when crossing starting in January, giving them some time to adjust to the new rules.

Related Articles: US Reopening Border to Fully Vaccinated Travelers

Are You Concerned About Traveling Through the US/Canada Border?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

More than 5 months after the second wave of Covid-19 hit India, Canada has officially removed the restriction on direct passenger flights from India. On Monday, September 27th, Air Canada flew the first direct trip between the two nations, and Air India began operations on the same day to both Toronto and Vancouver.

In order to enter Canada, passengers must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result from a test done at Delhi Airport’s Genestrings Laboratory within 18 hours before their departure. They will then have to present the test report with a QR code issued by this laboratory to the air operator before boarding their flight.

The Canadian government has stated, “Those who have previously tested positive for Covid-19 can present a positive molecular test report issued by a certified laboratory in India. The date of collection must be between 14 and 180 days before their scheduled departure to Canada.”

Any passenger who fails to follow these standards will be denied boarding.

If you are traveling from India to Canada on an indirect flight, you will still need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a third country before continuing your trip to Canada.

Do You Need Help Visiting Canada from the US?

All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

Are you ready to travel to Canada? Many foreign nationals have been waiting to get the green light to travel abroad to Canada after almost two years of COVID-19 travel restrictions. This virus really put a damper on many visitor’s plans traveling to Canada but ultimately needed to comply to stop the spread. Recently announced, Canada’s border has now reopened to all fully vaccinated travelers but there are still a few steps and things to get done when doing so.

Who Can Travel to Canada

Fully vaccinated foreign nationals who meet the requirements are allowed to now travel to Canada. Travelers from countries outside of Canada who are not fully vaccinated are not able to enter Canada unless they already meet an exemption. Otherwise, they will be denied entry into Canada, may be denied boarding on flights to Canada, and/or face fine consequences.

Do You Qualify As a Fully Vaccinated Traveler?

To qualify for the fully vaccinated traveler exemption, you must: 

• be eligible to enter Canada on the specific date you enter
• have no signs or symptoms of COVID-19
• have received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or a combination of accepted vaccines
• have received your last dose at least 14 full days prior to the day you enter Canada
• upload your proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN
• meet all other entry requirements (pre-entry COVID test)

Vaccines Accepted

• Pfizer
• Moderna
• AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD
• Janssen/Johnson & Johnson

Traveling With Children

Unvaccinated children (under 12 years old)

Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 who are accompanied by travelers who qualify for the fully vaccinated traveler exemption:

• must follow all testing requirements for pre-entry, arrival and Day-8 tests (unless under the age of 5)
• are exempt from quarantine as long as they follow the public health requirements outlined in the handout provided at the border

Unvaccinated Children (12 to 17 years old)

Unvaccinated youth aged 12 through 17 are subject to the 14-day quarantine, and all testing requirements for pre-entry, arrival, and Day-8 tests, whether or not they are accompanied by travelers who qualify for the fully vaccinated traveler exemption.

Traveling with Unvaccinated Adult Dependents

Dependents age 18 or over who are unvaccinated because of mental or physical limitations must follow all testing and quarantine requirements, even when they are accompanied by parents or guardians who qualify for the fully vaccinated traveler exemption.

If You Have Concerns About Entering Canada? Contact Us!

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

Due to COVID-19, the visitor visa processing times have been delayed and backlogged more than usual. If you’ve been waiting for a decision and want to travel to Canada in the near future, then you may need to resubmit a new application.

Reasons You Should Submit a New Canada Visitor Visa Application

• if you applied for a Canada Visitor Visa before September 7th, 2021
• to unite with an immediate family member who is a Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act or permanent resident of Canada
• to unite with an immediate family member who is in Canada temporarily
• to unite with an extended family member who is a Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act or permanent resident of Canada.
• to visit on business (meeting, special event, training)
• to attend an end-of-life ceremony or funeral
• to be present during the final moments of life of a loved one
• to provide care to a critically ill person
• to join a vessel as a marine crew member
• to assume a posting as a diplomat or to travel as an accompanying immediate family member of a diplomat arriving on posting who will also be accredited in Canada
• to handle the affairs of a victim of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752

– IRCC

When you apply for a new visitor visa application, your original application will be withdrawn. You may not receive a refund from the IRCC.

How VisaPlace Can Help with Resubmitting Visitor Visa Application

If you have been waiting for a Canada Visitor Visa decision, you may need to resubmit your application according to the latest IRCC announcement. VisaPlace can help you avoid the headache of reapplying. Our team of immigration professionals can help you successfully visit Canada. Although no one can promise guarantees, we are certain we can help you increase your chances with our extensive experience in Canadian Visitor Visas.

Related Article: 4 Common Canadian Visitor Visa Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for immigrants to visit, so it’s no wonder that they receive thousands of visitor visa applications each year! Visiting Canada can be a very attractive option for foreigners to visit friends, family, travel, or even do business. The processing time for Canadian visitor visas can vary from case to case depending on several factors.

If you are curious about the processing times for different Canadian visas, visit our page on Canada Visa Processing Times 2022.

Average Canadian Visitor Visa Processing Time

On average, Canadian visitor visas are typically processed around 12 days. The processing time starts the day that the IRCC receives your complete application and ends when they make a decision.

Processing times will vary based on:

• if the application is complete
• how quickly we expect to process applications we’ve already received
• how easily we can verify your information
• how long you take to respond to any requests or concerns
• other factors

What Is the Canada Visitor Visa Processing Time After Giving Biometrics?

For visitor visas, the time it takes you to provide your biometrics is not included in the processing time of your application.

The CIC can begin processing your application as soon as you give your biometrics. When you submit your application, include the biometrics cost to ensure that you receive the instruction letter as soon as feasible. This letter is what permits you to go to an official collecting station and provide your biometrics. You will then have up to 30 days after you receive a request to submit your biometrics.

Factors That Affect the Canada Visitor Visa Processing Time 2022

Most Canada visitor visa processing times will vary based on these factors:

1. Location of Application

The IRCC can vary the processing times for visitor visas depending on the applicant’s country of residence and where you are applying from. You can use an IRCC tool that will help you find out your work permit processing time.

2. Completeness of Application

It is always important to make sure that your application is absolutely complete with every document and response to what the IRCC is asking for. This is why hiring an immigration lawyer for a Canadian visitor visa application is typically very beneficial to avoid delays and denial.

3. Number of Applications

Your visitor visa application may be processed much faster or much slower than expected depending on how many applications Canada has received. If they have received fewer lately then your application may be processed faster than the average 12 day processing time.

Top Questions About Visitor Visa Processing Times

How Long Does It Take to Get a Visitor Visa to Canada?

If you apply from within Canada, online applications are processed within 12 days and paper-based applications within 27 days. However, applications made from outside of Canada will vary depending on the applicant’s country of residence.

Is Canada Still Processing Visitor Visa Applications?

Yes! Canada is still accepting visitor visa applications. We recommend booking a consultation with a licensed immigration consultant to determine which route is best for you.

How Can I Get a Tourist Visa Fast in Canada?

Speak with an immigration consultant who can find the fastest and most efficient way for you to get a visitor visa. They can ensure there are no mistakes in your application.

The LoE is also your means of sharing with immigration officials any additional information that is not on the submitted papers but that you believe is necessary for them to know.

You do not need to explain each supporting document that you are submitting along with your application – only the important parts you may have been missing or were incorrect in the first place.

When Do I Need to Write a Letter of Explanation Canada?

Here are a few situations when you may find a letter of explanation may be needed:

• Proof of work experience doesn’t include 100% of the required items
• Police certificate wasn’t ready in time
• Proof of funds doesn’t include 100% of the required items

How Do I Write a Letter of Explanation for a Canadian Visa?

Below are some simple guidelines for writing a successful Letter of Explanation:

• Only provide factual information
• Should be short and to the point. (You will want to keep the letter at about 1-2 pages)
• You do not need an index for your documents. The IRCC system gives you a personalized document checklist once you’ve completed all of the fields in the online form.
• You will ONLY want to write the LoE to explain an issue (ex: you didn’t meet the proof of funds or requirements, to explain something in your application which is not clear, etc.)

Remember that your letter will be examined by an immigration agent, not computers, so you will want to write it in a way that will persuade the agent that you have what it takes but just lack this or that piece of paper to prove it.

You will also want to provide any extra proof if it will allow you to build your case – but keep it simple. For example, if your letter of evidence of funds does not include your average account balance for the last six months (as needed), supplement it with bank statements.

How Do I Send a Letter of Explanation?

Make sure the letter of explanation is in the same file format (pdf, docx, etc.) as the document to which it refers. You will want to put the letter on the first page of the file so that it is the first thing the agent reads when they open it. Finally, upload the document normally, on the documents page on your “my application” page, on the “supporting documents” section.

You do not have to merge an LoE with every supporting document you provide along with your application.

Letter of Explanation Format

Below is a sample of a valid letter of explanation:

Do I Need a Letter of Explanation for a Canada Study Permit?

A Letter of Explanation is not a requirement for most when applying to study in Canada as an international student. Some Designated Learning Institutions require students to submit documents as part of the application process, while others do not.

When applying for a study permit, however, it is recommended that you submit a Letter of Explanation since it gives the immigration officer insight into your goals for studying in Canada.

Your LOE might be the deciding factor in getting you a study visa in Canada.

What About for a Canada Visitor Visa?

For the same reasons above, it is always recommended to submit an LoE with your visa application, but not required.

Do You Need Help with Your Canada Visa Application?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

Since March 2020, Canada had closed its borders to Americans traveling for non-essential reasons into Canada. On Monday, August 9th, Canada will re-open its borders for US citizens and permanent residents. There are still strict requirements for those looking to enter Canada. The requirements are implemented for both those who are crossing the US/Canada border by vehicle, plane, or boat. Below are the requirements for US Citizens and Permanent Residents traveling to Canada on or after August 9th, 2021:

Travelers Must Be Fully Vaccinated

All travelers to Canada from the US must be required to complete a COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days before entry. The vaccinations that Canada will accept are Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD. Airlines will verify passengers’ vaccination through the ArriveCAN app before passengers board their flights. Those who are driving across the border will have to submit their vaccination information within 72 hours before arrival. Travelers are advised to carry their vaccine documentation at all border entry points.

Children younger than 12 are not required to be vaccinated.

Travelers Must Have a Negative COVID Test

All travelers, even those who are vaccinated, must show proof of a negative coronavirus molecular test. PCR tests are the only tests that the government of Canada will accept. All PCR tests must be done within 3 days of arrival.

Any traveler younger than 5, does not require a negative COVID test.

Travelers Must Be Asymptomatic

All visitors must not show any COVID symptoms when arriving in Canada.

Which Airlines Will Fly to Canada?

Airlines are now adding flights to Canada from the US.

Effective Monday, international flights carrying passengers will be permitted to land at nine Canadian airports:

• Montréal-Trudeau International Airport
• Toronto Pearson International Airport
• Calgary International Airport
• Vancouver International Airport
• Halifax Stanfield International Airport
• Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport
• Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport
• Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
• Edmonton International Airport

Do Travelers Need to Stay in a Government-Approved Hotel?

No. The three-night requirement hotel stay will be eliminated on August 9th.

Learn more about previous Canadian COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Fully Vaccinated Tourists Traveling to Canada

American Travelers

Fully vaccinated Americans will be allowed to enter Canada starting August 9, 2021 for non-essential travel. To be considered “fully-vaccinated”, individuals should have received the correct vaccine dosage. Currently, Canada accepts the following vaccine manufacturers:

• Astra Zeneca
• Pfizer
• Moderna
• Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)

Before traveling to Canada, you will need to show proof of your vaccination which you can learn more about below.

All Other International Travelers

Looking ahead, if Canada’s vaccination rates stay on track, officials could even be letting fully vaccinated travelers from all countries enter Canada by September! Trudeau noted Canada continues to lead G20 countries in vaccination rates with approximately 80% of eligible Canadians vaccinated with their first dose and over 50% of eligible Canadians fully vaccinated. He said case numbers and severe illnesses continue to decline across the country as vaccination rates continue to increase.

Proof of Vaccination

Those starting to plan their trip to Canada after August 9, will need to submit proof of their vaccination before arriving in Canada. Air carriers will be verifying that travelers coming to Canada have submitted their information through ArriveCAN before boarding on a mobile device or printed. Tourists who are not able to show their ArriveCAN receipt will not be allowed to fly. Along with your verification, you will need to bring your actual vaccine certificate to show officials at the border.

Travelers with a right to entry, such as Canadians and other travelers exempt from border restrictions, will have to submit information regarding their vaccination status via ArriveCAN but will not be denied boarding if not done.

Learn more about using ArriveCAN for Canadian travel.

Unvaccinated Children Traveling

Because children under the age of 12 years old cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccine, Canadian officials are having to tweak their border opening requirements for these dependents. Starting August 9, unvaccinated dependents of fully vaccinated travelers will no longer have to complete the full 14-day quarantine. Instead, they will have to follow public health measures for that amount of time. They will still be subject to all entry and testing requirements, including on-arrival and day eight testing. This will apply to unvaccinated children internationally traveling to Canada. The rules may vary by province.

Other Travel Restriction Updates

Quarantine

The Canadian government is aware that some individuals are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine due to health conditions or other reasons so there are eased quarantine requirements in place for those who fall under this category. Those eased quarantine requirements have not been announced yet so we expect more information soon.

International Flights

In the beginning of the pandemic, many Canadian airports stopped allowing international flights to enter accept Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal airports. Starting August 9, five more airports will once again accept international fights. The airports include:

• Halifax
• Quebec City
• Ottawa
• Winnipeg
• Edmonton

India Flight Ban

The first ban for any flights from India to Canada was imposed on April 22, 2021. Since then, there have been four extensions to the ban. Recently, the ban was set to expire on July 21st, 2021 but is now extended for another 30 days until August 21st, 2021.

Learn more about this India flight ban extension.

Testing Requirements

Starting August 9, Canadian citizens and permanent residents traveling to the US for less than 72 hours can do their pre-entry arrival test in Canada. This means those Canadian travelers do not need to take a second test in the US in order to be allowed back in. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 but continue to test positive can present their test taken between 14 to 180 days prior to arrival (used to be 90 days).

Fully vaccinated travelers will not need a post-arrival test unless they have been randomly selected for an on-arrival test. There are no changes to mandatory testing requirements for unvaccinated travelers. Unvaccinated travelers will still have to undergo on-arrival and day-eight testing.

If You Have Concerns About Entering Canada? Contact Us!

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.