Do I need a visa to visit Canada?

U.S. citizens need no visa or eTA. Citizens of 53+ countries (EU, UK, Australia, Japan, etc.) need only an eTA (CAD 7) to fly to Canada. All other nationalities must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — CAD 100 (single) or CAD 500 (multiple entry).

What is the Canada eTA and how do I apply?

The eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a CAD 7 pre-travel requirement for visa-exempt nationals flying to Canada. Apply at canada.ca/eta — fill in your passport details and pay online. Most approvals arrive by email within minutes. The eTA is linked to your passport and valid for 5 years.

How does Canada's Express Entry immigration system work?

Express Entry is Canada's points-based skilled immigration system. You create a profile with your age, education, language skills, and work experience to receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. IRCC holds periodic draws and issues Invitations to Apply (ITA) to top-scoring candidates. After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a full PR application. Processing takes approximately 6 months.

Can I work in Canada on a tourist visa?

No. Tourist visas and eTAs do not permit paid work in Canada. You need a work permit — either employer-specific (LMIA-based) or open (like IEC Working Holiday or Post-Graduation Work Permit). Working without authorization risks deportation and future inadmissibility.

What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada?

The PGWP allows international graduates of Canadian Designated Learning Institutions to work in Canada for up to 3 years (program length ≤2 years: PGWP length = program length; program ≥2 years: 3-year PGWP). It is an open work permit — no employer restriction. Many PGWP holders use it to gain experience for Express Entry.

Canada eVisa & Travel Information (2026)

Key Facts — Canada
Capital	Ottawa
Currency	Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Main Airports	Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL), Calgary (YYC)
eTA Fee	CAD 7
Visitor Visa Fee	CAD 100 (single) / CAD 500 (multiple)
Max Stay (visitor)	6 months
eTA-Required Countries	53+ visa-exempt countries (requires eTA to fly)

Introduction

Canada is one of the world's most popular destinations for immigration, study, tourism, and work. The immigration system is managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Citizens of 53+ countries are visa-exempt but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA, CAD 7) to fly to Canada. U.S. citizens are fully exempt from both visa and eTA. Other nationalities apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).

Tourist & Short Stay

eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — CAD 7: Mandatory for visa-exempt foreign nationals (EU, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, etc.) arriving by air. Apply online at canada.ca/eta. Linked electronically to passport; valid for 5 years or until passport expiry. No eTA needed to enter by land/sea.
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — CAD 100 (single) / CAD 500 (multiple): For nationalities not visa-exempt. Apply online via IRCC portal (ircc.canada.ca). Processing: 2–8 weeks. Maximum stay determined by border officer (typically 6 months). Multiple-entry visa valid up to 10 years.
U.S. citizens: No visa or eTA required — present U.S. passport at the border.
Extension: Apply online via IRCC before your authorized stay expires to remain as a visitor.

Business Visa

Business visits (meetings, conferences, trade) are permitted on a visitor visa or eTA. For operating a business or paid employment, a work permit is required. Intra-company transferees (L-1 equivalent) use the Intracompany Transferee work permit. CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) provides special categories for U.S. and Mexican professionals.

Work & Long-Stay Visas

Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker / Canadian Experience Class / Federal Skilled Trades): Points-based permanent residency system. Submit EOI (Expression of Interest) profile; IRCC issues Invitations to Apply (ITA) in draws. CRS score typically 470–550+ for selection. Processing: 6 months from ITA.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Each province nominates candidates based on local needs. Adds 600 CRS points (effectively guarantees ITA). Programs vary by province.
Open Work Permit: Available to post-graduation students (PGWP — valid up to 3 years), spouses of skilled workers/students. No employer-specific restriction.
LMIA-based Work Permit: Employer must get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC proving no Canadian can fill the role. Then employee applies for work permit. Processing: 2–4 months.
Working Holiday (IEC): International Experience Canada — for youth (18–35) from partner countries. Open work permit, 12–24 months depending on country. CAD 161 participation fee.
Start-up Visa Program: For immigrant entrepreneurs with a qualifying business idea supported by a designated organization (VC, angel group, incubator). Leads to permanent residence.

Student Visa

Study Permit required for programs >6 months duration. Apply online (IRCC) or at port of entry (for short programs). Requires acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of funds (CAD 10,000/year living costs + tuition), and language proficiency. Fee: CAD 150. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) available after graduation for up to 3 years.

Airport Transit

A Transit Visa (CAD 100) or eTA is required to transit through Canadian international airports if you are a visa-required national. Transit visa-exempt nationals and eTA holders can transit freely. Transit without Visa (TWOV) is not available — all passengers must clear Canadian customs for connections (except some U.S. pre-clearance situations).

Required Documents

Valid passport (valid for duration of stay)
eTA approval (for visa-exempt nationals flying to Canada)
TRV (visitor visa) if required
Proof of funds (sufficient to cover stay — CAD 1,000+/month recommended)
Return or onward ticket
Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)
Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications
Biometrics: fingerprints + photo (required for most nationalities; CAD 85)
For study/work: acceptance letter, employer offer, LMIA approval

Visa Fees

Visa/Permit Type	Fee (CAD)
eTA	CAD 7
Visitor Visa (single)	CAD 100
Visitor Visa (multiple)	CAD 500
Biometrics	CAD 85
Study Permit	CAD 150
Work Permit	CAD 155
IEC (Working Holiday)	CAD 161
Express Entry / PR	CAD 1,525 (principal + spouse)

How to Apply

Check if you need a visa or eTA: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/entry-requirements-country.html
For eTA: apply at canada.ca/eta — fill in passport and travel details, pay CAD 7, receive approval by email (usually within minutes).
For TRV: apply online at ircc.canada.ca — create an account, complete IMM 5257 form, upload documents, pay fee + biometrics, submit. Processing: 2–8 weeks.
For Express Entry: create profile at ircc.canada.ca, receive ITA if selected, submit full application within 60 days.
On arrival: present passport at CBSA border. Officer determines admission period (typically up to 6 months).

Official Links

Who Needs an eTA vs. Visa?

eTA required (no visa): EU countries, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Israel, Norway, Switzerland, and 40+ others. No visa or eTA: U.S. citizens (enter by any mode). Visa required: India, China, Philippines, most African/Middle Eastern/Central Asian countries. Dual citizens (one Canadian): enter with Canadian passport — no eTA/visa needed. Check your specific nationality at canada.ca.

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.

Editorial Team — eVisa-Card.com

This guide is maintained by our visa research team. Last updated: March 2026.

Important: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at the official Canada immigration authority before booking travel. This page is for informational purposes only.