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I am visiting the U.S. and I want to come to Canada. Do I need an eTA?
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Most travellers need a visitor visa or an eTA to travel to, or transit through, Canada.
What you need depends on:
- the type of travel document you will travel with;
- the country that issued your travel document;
- your nationality; and
- how you will travel to Canada.
Before you apply , find out what you need .
New entry requirement now in effect
Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.
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- Admissibility
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An official website of the United States government
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Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
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How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa
If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.
Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.
Check if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.
Visitor (tourist) visas and other travel documents for entering the U.S.
The visitor visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:
- B-1 for business travel
- B-2 for tourism and medical treatment
Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas , including:
- Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
- How to apply
- What documents you will need
- Application fees
- How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate
Along with your visa, you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship. When you arrive at your port of entry into the U.S., officials will issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94.
How to renew a visitor visa
The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. Follow the process to apply for a visitor visa from the Department of State.
Find the contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and contact them for visa renewal information.
Understand expiration dates for visas and I-94 forms
- The date you must depart the U.S. will be shown on your Form I-94. This date is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer when you arrive at the port-of-entry into the U.S.
- Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas while they are in the U.S.
LAST UPDATED: May 31, 2024
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Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States as a temporary visitor, please review the current wait time for an interview using the tool below. Not all visa applications can be completed on the day of the interview; please read the information below for more details .
Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Note: Please check the individual embassy or consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.
Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.
Select a U.S. embassy or consulate:
Global Visa Wait Times
Wait Time for Interview
The estimated wait time to receive a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate and is based on workload and staffing and can vary from week to week. The information provided is an estimate and does not guarantee the availability of an appointment.
Wait Time for Interview Waiver
Wait times for applicants eligible for Interview Waiver are applicable only for locations where applicants schedule appointments to submit their passport and any required documents to a U.S. embassy or consulate. The wait time estimate does not account for the time required for a consular officer to adjudicate the application nor mailing time of passports or other documents. Refer to the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will apply to determine your eligibility for Interview Waiver and for instructions for submitting a nonimmigrant visa application. Note that applicants must be a national or resident of the country where they are applying to be eligible to apply via Interview Waiver.
Qualifications for an Expedited Interview Appointment
Consular sections overseas may be able to expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforeseen situation such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date. The process to request an expedited nonimmigrant visa interview varies by location. You should refer to the instructions on the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will interview, or on their online appointment scheduling site. You will need to provide proof of the need for an earlier appointment.
In all cases : You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.
Note: Travel for the purpose of attending weddings and graduation ceremonies, assisting pregnant relatives, participating in an annual business/academic/professional conference, or enjoying last-minute tourism does not qualify for expedited appointments. For such travel, please schedule a regular visa appointment well in advance.
These estimates do not include time required for administrative processing, which may affect some applications. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.
There are only two possible outcomes for U.S. visa applications. The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa. If a visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer must refuse that application. However, some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing. When administrative processing is required, the consular officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. At the conclusion of the administrative processing period, the consular officer might conclude that an applicant is now qualified for the visa for which he or she applied. The officer may also conclude that the applicant remains ineligible for a visa. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visas, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.
Important Notice: Except in cases of emergency travel (i.e. serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family), before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants should wait at least 180 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.
About Visa Processing Wait Times – Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants
Information about nonimmigrant visa wait times for interviews and visa processing time frames are shown on this website, as well as on U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites worldwide. It should be noted that the “Wait Times for a Nonimmigrant Visa to be Processed” information by country does not include time required for administrative processing. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.
In addition, it is important to thoroughly review all information on the specific Embassy or Consulate Visa Section website for local procedures and instructions, such as how to make an interview appointment. Embassy and Consulate websites will also explain any additional procedures for students, exchange visitors and those persons who need an earlier visa interview appointment.
About Wait Times
* Calendar days refers to every day of the week, including days when embassies are closed (such as weekends and holidays).
* Wait times are generally the MAXIMUM amount of time you will have to wait to get an appointment. Appointments are continuously being added and you will likely be given an opportunity to move your appointment up as new appointments are opened.
† Work days refers only to days when the embassy is open and does not include weekends and holidays.
‡ A, G, and NATO applications are excluded from these wait times, as they are processed separately.
Immigrant Visa Interview-Ready Backlog Report
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Border with Mexico
Criminal incidents associated with drug trafficking are more frequent at the border with Mexico, in the following states:
If crossing the U.S.– Mexico border by car:
- remain extremely vigilant
- only use officially recognized border crossings
- avoid travelling at night
Petty crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in urban centres and tourist locations.
- Don’t leave bags or valuables unattended in parked cars, especially rental vehicles, even in trunks
- Ensure that your belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times
Violent crime
Within large urban areas, violent crime more commonly occurs in poor neighbourhoods, particularly from dusk to dawn. It often involves intoxication. Incidents of violent crime are mainly carried out by gangs or members of organized crime groups but may also be perpetrated by lone individuals. Although violent crime rarely affects tourists:
- be mindful of your surroundings at all time
- verify official neighbourhood crime statistics before planning an outing
- if threatened by robbers, stay calm and don’t resist
Crime Data Explorer – Federal Bureau of Investigation
Gun violence
The rate of firearm possession in the US is high. It’s legal in many states for US citizens to openly carry firearms in public.
Incidences of mass shootings occur, resulting most often in casualties. Although tourists are rarely involved, there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Familiarize yourself on how to respond to an active shooter situation.
Active Shooter Event Quick Reference Guide - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Home break-ins
Canadians living in holiday homes have been the victims of break-ins and burglary.
Make sure you lock windows and doors securely at night and when you are away.
Common criminal strategies
Be on alert for robbery ploys targeting visitors.
Some criminals on highways target travellers leaving airports or other tourist destinations. They signal tourists to stop due to an issue with their vehicle. They then wait for the driver to pull over or exit the car before grabbing exposed valuables. Criminals may also throw items at the windshield, obscuring the view of the road and forcing the driver to pull over.
If you’re the victim of such a ploy:
- avoid pulling over on the side of the road
- put on your hazard lights and slowly drive to a gas station, police station or other safe and populated area
Demonstrations
Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Credit card and ATM fraud occurs, including debit card cloning. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:
- pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
- use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
- avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
- cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
- check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements
Overseas fraud
There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Targets could include:
- government buildings, including schools
- places of worship
- airports and other transportation hubs and networks
- public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, and hotels
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains a public alert system on terrorism to communicate information about terrorist threats.
National Terrorism Advisory System – U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Hiking and mountaineering
If you intend on hiking, backpacking or skiing:
- never practise these activities alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
- buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
- obtain detailed information on hiking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes
- ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
- ensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
- inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
- know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
Information about foreign domestic airlines
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the US authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada .
You must provide proof of your Canadian citizenship upon entry to the U.S. There are several documents that can satisfy this requirement.
Travel by air
Canadian citizens travelling by air to the United States must present one of the following documents:
- a passport, which must be valid for the duration of their stay
- a valid NEXUS card, used at self-serve kiosks at designated airports
This requirement applies to all Canadian citizens, including children, travelling by air to or even just transiting through the United States.
Useful links
- Canadian passports
- Mobile Passport Control app – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Travel by land or water
As per the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), Canadian citizens aged 16 years and older must present one of the following documents when entering the United States by land or water:
- a valid passport
- a Trusted Traveler Program card
- an enhanced driver’s licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a U.S. approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented
- a Secure Certificate of Indian Status
The WHTI-compliant document you choose to use must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Canadian citizens aged 15 years and under entering the United States by land or water require one of the following documents:
- an original or a copy of a birth certificate
- an original Canadian citizenship certificate
- Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI ) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Trusted Traveler Programs – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Enhanced Driver’s Licenses: What Are They? – U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Apply for a Secure Certificate of Indian Status – Indigenous Services Canada
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.
- Foreign representatives in Canada
Additional information at borders
Customs officials may ask you to provide your address while in the United States (including Puerto Rico). Customs Border Protection (CBP) officers may also ask for:
- evidence of residential, employment or educational ties to Canada
- proof that the trip is for a legitimate purpose and is of a reasonable length
- proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
- Dual citizens
Although U.S. authorities don’t formally require dual nationals to carry both a U.S. and a Canadian passport, carrying both documents as proof of citizenship may facilitate your entry into the United States and your return to Canada.
- Travelling as a dual citizen
- Dual Nationality – U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Canadian visitors can usually stay in the United States for 6 months without a visa. You must declare your intended duration of stay upon entry into the United States.
In most circumstances, Canadian citizens don’t require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada but there are some exceptions.
Canadians Requiring Visas – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada
Canadian permanent residents
Canadian permanent residents may need a non-immigrant visa to enter the United States.
You must obtain this visa from the U.S. authorities before entering the country. You must also have a valid passport from your country of citizenship.
Cross U.S. Borders – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Visa Waiver Program
If you are a citizen of a country that is part of the visa waiver program (VWP), you don’t need a visa to enter the U.S. for stays up to 90 days. Instead, you must obtain pre-travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior your departure.
- Visa Waiver Program – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) – U.S. Department of Homeland Security
You must also carry proof of Permanent Resident Status in Canada upon re-entry into Canada.
U.S. permanent residents
Canadians who are permanent residents of the United States must present a valid U.S. permanent resident card upon entry.
International travel as a U.S. Permanent Resident – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
First Nations and Native Americans born in Canada
Members of Canada’s First Nations and Native Americans born in Canada may freely enter the United States for the purposes of employment, study, retirement, investing, or immigration.
- Entry and exit for First Nations and Native Americans – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada
- Green Card for an American Indian Born in Canada – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Working in the United States
Most Canadian business travellers may apply for admission at a U.S. port of entry without first obtaining a non-immigrant visa. However, travellers entering the United States in certain business-related categories are required to present specific documents to establish eligibility for admission.
If you plan to work in the United States, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for specific requirements.
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
Studying in the United States
Canadian citizens don’t need visas to study or participate in a student exchange program in the United States. However, they need to be registered with SEVIS, a U.S. student tracking system. Students must present their registration form to CBP officers each time they enter the United States.
- SEVIS – U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Canadian students – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada
Length of stay
If you wish to stay longer than 6 months, you must apply for an extension at the nearest U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office once you are in the United States and before the expiry of your initial authorized stay. Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate that you are a temporary visitor in the United States.
The U.S. government strictly enforces immigration regulations. Remaining in the United States beyond your authorized period of stay can result in serious consequences such as detention or deportation.
There is no set period that you must wait to re-enter the United States after the end of your authorized stay. However, if a CBP officer suspects you are spending more time in the United States than in Canada, it will be up to you to prove to the officer that you are a temporary visitor, not a U.S. resident.
Extend your stay – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Upon entry into the United States, non-U.S. citizens must provide biometrics, such as digital fingerprints and a photograph.
Most Canadian citizens are exempt from this requirement. However, it will apply to Canadian citizens who:
- need a visa or a waiver of ineligibility
- must obtain an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record form to document dates of entry and exit from the country
Random screenings of exempt Canadians have occurred at border crossings and airports. If you feel that your information has been wrongfully collected, you can address the issue directly with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
- Biometrics – U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Arrival/Departure Forms: I-94 and I-94W – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Electronic devices
U.S. border agents are entitled to search your electronic devices, such as your phones, computers or tablets, when you are entering the United States. They don’t need to provide a reason when requesting a password to open your device.
If you refuse, they may seize your device. The border agent could also delay your travel or deny entry if you are not a U.S. citizen.
Before crossing the border, put your device in airplane mode to ensure remote files don’t get downloaded accidentally.
Inspection of Electronic Devices – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Preclearance
The preclearance service provides clearance for entry into the United States for persons and their luggage at a Canadian preclearance airport before departure instead of on arrival in the United States.
When using U.S. preclearance facilities at a Canadian airport, you must meet U.S. entry requirements. You will be interviewed by a U.S. preclearance officer. They are authorized to inspect your luggage and can refuse you entry into the United States.
It’s an offence under Canada’s Preclearance Act to knowingly make a false or deceptive statement to a preclearance officer. While you are in a preclearance area, you are subject to Canadian law, including:
- the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- the Canadian Bill of Rights
- the Canadian Human Rights Act
- Canada’s Preclearance Act
- Canadian criminal law
You may withdraw your request to enter the United States and leave the preclearance area at any time unless a U.S. preclearance officer suspects on reasonable grounds that you have made a false or deceptive statement or obstructed an officer. The officer may then detain you for violations of Canadian law.
Preclearance Locations – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Criminal Record
If you have a criminal record, no matter the severity or the date of the offence, you may be refused entry to the United States. You may also experience problems when travelling through U.S. airport facilities. A pardon for an offence issued by Canadian authorities is not recognized under U.S. law to enter the United States.
If you are ineligible to enter the United States, you may apply directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for a temporary waiver of inadmissibility via the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Canadian citizens may also apply at land borders.
U.S. ports of entry are computerized and connected to a centralized database. Information is readily available on criminal convictions in both Canada and the United States. Even though you may have entered the United States without hindrance in the past, you could run into difficulty if your record shows a criminal conviction or a previous denial of entry. Attempting to gain entry without a waiver could result in several weeks of detention and a permanent ban from entering the United States.
- Applying for Waiver – Person entering into the United States with criminal record or overstay – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Previous use of cannabis, or any substance prohibited by U.S. federal laws, could mean that you are denied entry to the U.S. If you attempt to enter the U.S. for reasons related to the cannabis industry, you may be deemed inadmissible.
- Cannabis and international travel
- Cannabis and the U.S. – U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada
- Laws pertaining to cannabis
Boating in U.S. waters
Operators of small pleasure vessels arriving in the United States from a foreign port must report their arrival to U.S. Customs and Border Protection immediately for face-to-face inspection at a designated reporting location.
Some exceptions apply, including under Nexus Marine.
Pleasure Boat Reporting Requirements – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
You must have a valid Canadian passport to take a cruise from the United States. Some of the countries you visit will not permit entry without a passport. A passport is also important to re-enter the United States at the end of the cruise.
Ship authorities might retain your passport during the cruise, in accordance with their own administrative regulations and to facilitate clearance with U.S. Immigration.
If your passport is kept:
- obtain a receipt
- ensure you recuperate your passport at the end of the cruise
- always keep a photocopy of your passport with you
Pets must appear healthy when examined at a port of entry. If there is evidence of poor animal health, your pet may be subject to examination and/or testing at your expense or may be denied entry.
Pets may also need to meet additional requirements, such as having:
- an import permit
- an export certificate or health certificate
- proof of vaccination (for example, rabies vaccination)
Animals may be subject to quarantine requirements.
- Dogs travelling to the United States
- Bringing a Dog into the U.S. – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Bring a Pet From Another Country into the United States (Import) – United States Department of Agriculture
- Bringing Pets and Wildlife into the United States – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Children and travel
Canadian citizens under 19 travelling with a school or other organized group under adult supervision must travel with written consent from their own parent/guardian.
- Children: Traveling into the U.S. as Canadian Citizen – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Consent letter for travel with children
- Travelling with children
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
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Relevant Travel Health Notices
- Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
- Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
- COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.
Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.
Routine vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.
Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Pre-travel vaccines and medications
You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
In this destination, rabies may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional.
Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife.
Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) is present in this country.
Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.
Recommendations:
- Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
- One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.
The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.
The flu occurs worldwide.
- In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
- In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
- In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.
The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.
The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.
Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.
Safe food and water precautions
Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.
- Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
- Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
- Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.
Insect bite prevention
Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:
- Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
- Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
- Minimize exposure to insects
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed
To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.
Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.
Zika virus may be a risk in some areas of the United States.
Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s webpage Areas at Risk for Zika for the most up-to-date information on Zika risk in the United States.
During your trip to a Zika risk area:
- Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
- Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to areas where Zika is a risk with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel to these areas.
For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy .
- In this country, risk of dengue is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
- Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions webpage on Dengue in the U.S. States and Territories for the most up-to-date information on dengue outbreaks in the United States
- Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.
Animal precautions
Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.
Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.
Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.
Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.
Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those:
- visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
- working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
- hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
- working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
- working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)
All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.
Person-to-person infections
Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:
- washing your hands often
- avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
- avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.
Medical services and facilities
Health care is excellent. Service is available throughout the country. However, treatment costs are expensive.
All hospitals must accept and treat emergencies, regardless of the person’s ability to pay. Clients will, however, be charged for all services rendered. Foreign visitors without travel health insurance will have to pay out of pocket for their medical treatment.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Health and safety outside Canada
There are restrictions and prohibitions on the import of certain prescription drugs into the United States.
Some medication that can be purchased over-the-counter in Canada is restricted to prescription-only status in the United States.
- Bring sufficient quantities of your medication
- Ensure to have a physician’s note explaining your medical condition, if applicable
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .
Laws vary greatly from state to state. Consult the website of the state you wish to visit prior to arrival.
Penalties and transfer of offenders
A serious violation of the law may lead to a jail sentence or, in some states, a death sentence. Canadian citizenship confers no immunity, special protection or rights to preferential treatment.
If a jail sentence is imposed, it will be served in a U.S. prison, unless a request for a transfer to a Canadian prison is approved by the United States and Canada. Both countries have signed a treaty that permits a Canadian imprisoned in the United States to request a transfer to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.
Drugs, alcohol and travel
Although the possession of cannabis is legal in some U.S. states, it remains illegal under U.S. federal laws in any form and quantity, making it illegal to bring across the Canada-U.S. border.
Don’t attempt to cross the Canada-U.S. border with any amount of cannabis in any form, even if you are traveling to a U.S. state that has legalized possession of cannabis. If you do so, you can expect legal prosecution and fines, and possibly jail time.
- Entry/exit requirements pertaining to cannabis
Prescription medication
Personal medication may be subject to U.S. drug importation laws and regulations.
In general, personal importation of a 90-day supply of medication is allowed. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has absolute discretion to allow or not your Canadian-purchased medication into the United States.
When taking any prescription medication to the United States, it’s important to:
- take only the quantity that you would normally take for the number of days you will be in the United States, plus an additional week’s worth
- pack medicines in their original packaging with the dispensary label intact that shows your name and other pertinent information such as the drug’s name, dosage and DIN (drug identification number)
- keep a duplicate of your original prescription, listing both the generic and trade names of the drug
- have a physician’s note explaining your condition and the reason for you to be legitimately carrying syringes, if applicable
Prohibited and restricted items – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
2SLGBTQI+ persons
Some states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ persons. Check relevant state and local laws.
Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in the United States .
If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the United States , our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .
International Child Abduction
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and the United States.
If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in the United States, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the American court.
If you are in this situation:
- act as quickly as you can
- contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
- consult a lawyer in Canada and in the United States to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
- report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.
Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
- List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
- International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
- The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
- Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
- Request emergency assistance
Expedited removal
U.S. Customs and Border Protection can bar non-citizens from the United States for five years if, in their judgment, the individuals presented false documentation or misrepresented themselves. Lying to a customs official is a serious offence.
There is no formal appeal process under expedited removal. However, if you believe the law has been misapplied in your case, you can request a supervisory review by writing to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services district director responsible for the port of entry where the decision was made.
Find a USCIS office – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Imports and exports
Contact the specific U.S. Customs and Border Protection office at the Canada/U.S. border crossing you are planning to use before starting your trip for the latest information on allowances and restrictions on bringing items into the United States. These change frequently.
Declare all items at your point of entry.
Contact information for USCBP – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Travel to Cuba from the United States
Existing U.S. sanctions restrict travel between the United States and Cuba. Tourists may not travel between the two countries. However, you may go to Cuba from the United States on other types of travel, if you meet certain requirements.
Cuba sanctions – U.S. Department of the Treasury
You can drive in the United States if you have a valid Canadian driver’s license.
Traffic laws can vary from state to state.
Automobile insurance
Many states have mandatory automobile insurance requirements, and many require motorists to carry appropriate proof of insurance. Each state’s motor vehicles department can give you more specific information.
If you are in the United States and wish to drive to Mexico in your personal vehicle, you may need to purchase liability insurance and additional auto insurance.
- Foreign Nationals Driving in the U.S. – U.S. government
- States’ motor vehicle department – U.S. government
- Canadian Automobile Association
- American Automobile Association
- Road safety risks when travelling by land to Mexico
- Travel advice for Mexico
Hitchhiking
Never cross the border with a hitchhiker or as a hitchhiker. Though you may not be carrying anything illegal, the hitchhiker or driver might be, and you could be implicated.
Be equally careful about who and what you carry in your vehicle. As the driver, you could be held responsible for the misdeeds and belongings of your passengers, even if you were unaware of the problem.
The currency in the United States is the U.S. dollar (USD).
Canadian currency and personal cheques from Canadian banks are not widely accepted. Most banking transactions require a U.S. bank account.
There’s no limit to the amount of money that you may legally take into or out of the United States. However, you must declare to U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
- if you carry more than US$10,000 (in cash, cheque, money order, travellers’ cheque or any other convertible asset) into or out of the United States
- if you will receive more than US$10,000 while in the United States
Failure to comply can result in civil and criminal penalties, including seizure of the currency or monetary instruments.
Natural disasters can occur at any time.
Plan Ahead for Disasters – U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Hurricanes usually occur from:
- May to November in the eastern Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii and Guam
- June to November in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico
These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.
If you decide to travel to these regions during the hurricane season:
- know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
- be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
- stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
- carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
- follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
- Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
- Large-scale emergencies abroad
- Latest advisories – U.S. National Hurricane Center
- US National Weather Service
Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.
- Stay away from flooded areas
- Follow the advice of local authorities
- Monitor local news to stay up-to-date on the current situation
Earthquakes
Earthquakes pose a risk in the following states:
- Washington State
If you're in an area prone to earthquakes, familiarize yourself with emergency procedures.
- Earthquake – Get prepared
- Earthquakes – Federal Emergency Management
Heat and humidity
Humidity and heat may be most severe during the hot season, from June to September, particularly in the South and South-West of the country.
Know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, which can both be fatal.
- Sun and heat safety tips for travellers – Government of Canada
- Heat & Health Tracker – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Bush and forest fires
Bush and forest fires are common and a risk across much of the United States, particularly during the summer months.
Wildfires can occur year-round but they are most common during periods of low rainfall and high temperatures.
The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. In case of a major fire:
- stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
- always follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel, including any evacuation order
- monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation
- Forest fire information – National Interagency Fire Centre
- National Wildfire Risk Index – Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Latest wildfire information – United States National Wildfire Coordinating Group
- Map of wildfires – Fire weather & Avalanche Center
- California forest fires – California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Tornadoes pose a risk across much of the United States, particularly in central, mid-west and southern states. Tornadoes may occur with little warning.
- Monitor local news and weather reports
Useful links:
- National tornado risk index – Federal Emergency Management Agency
- U.S. National Weather Service
There are several active volcanoes in the United States.
In the event of a volcanic eruption, ash could lead to air travel disruptions. The air quality may deteriorate and affect you, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments.
- Monitor local media for the latest updates
- Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation order
- Be prepared to modify your travel arrangements or even evacuate the area on short notice
- Volcanic eruptions – U.S. National Park Service
- Vog – Government of Hawaii
The state of Hawaii is prone to tsunamis. A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor.
If you're staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region's evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.
Tsunami Evacuation Zones – Government of Hawaii
Local services
Dial 911 for emergency assistance.
Consular assistance
Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.
Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee.
Illinois, Indiana (Jasper, Lake, Laporte, Newton, and Porter counties), Kansas City, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin.
Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Utah, Wyoming.
Indiana (excluding Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Newton and Porter counties), Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio.
Arizona, Nevada, Southern California
Florida, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands
Bermuda, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York State and Pennsylvania.
Northern California, Hawaii.
Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington.
For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to the United States, in Washington, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
You may call the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa toll-free at 1-888-949-9993.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services .
Risk Levels
take normal security precautions.
Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.
Exercise a high degree of caution
There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.
Avoid non-essential travel
Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.
Avoid all travel
You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.
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U.S.-Canada Border Crossing: What You Need to Know
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Table of Contents
Who can travel from the U.S. to Canada?
How many border crossings are there between the u.s. and canada, checklist for a u.s.-canada border crossing, special cases for alaska residents, if you want to cross the u.s.-canada border ….
Borders between the U.S. and Canada recently reopened to travelers more than a year after having closed due to COVID-19. Now, many who are eager to explore our neighbor to the north are left wondering what’s involved in a border crossing and what guidelines they’ll need to adhere to for a successful journey.
If you’re anxious to visit Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver or Calgary, here’s what to know to plan your U.S.-Canada border crossing, whether by land, air or sea.
Currently, Canadian borders are open to all U.S. citizens wishing to enter regardless of vaccination status. However, the requirements for entry will vary based on your vaccination status.
Fully vaccinated travelers no longer need to provide a negative COVID test for entry, but must still use the ArriveCAN app to submit mandatory entry information, including proof of vaccination, at least 72 hours prior to arrival and/or before boarding a cruise ship destined for Canada.
Not fully vaccinated? You won’t be able to visit Canada if you’re traveling for discretionary or leisure purposes. If you don't qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler but still need to travel to Canada for reasons other than leisure, you’ll be required to quarantine for 14 days, take a molecular COVID test, and register for a COVID test upon your arrival in the country, which you can do in advance to save time.
» Learn more: What COVID test is required for travel?
There are more than 100 land border crossings between the U.S. and Canada, and wait time to cross can vary widely.
At most crossings, how long you wait depends on the time of day and the day of the week. Some crossings have little to no delay at off-peak travel times, and others, like Buffalo, New York, can log wait times around 40 minutes.
If you want to set appropriate expectations for how long it takes to cross the U.S.-Canada border, check the Government of Canada website , which is updated hourly.
» Learn more: Need a passport for a trip? Give yourself a big time cushion
If you're fully vaccinated and traveling to Canada, whether by car, plane or boat, you still have to follow certain protocols. To meet entry requirements, you must:
Have no symptoms of COVID-19.
Have received all doses of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 full days before you enter Canada.
Upload your proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN , an app that provides border crossing info and stores important documentation.
Have your required entry documents.
NOTE: As of April 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers no longer need to provide a negative test for entry.
» Learn more: 4 differences between a passport book and card
If you don’t meet all the requirements of a fully vaccinated traveler, you’ll have to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. You may also be selected for a random arrival test at some airports and land crossings. These may take place at the airport or a designated testing site, or you may be provided with a do-it-yourself kit that you can send in once you arrive at your final destination.
If you live in Alaska, you may sometimes have to drive through Canada to get to certain regions of the state. Unvaccinated Alaska residents who must pass through Canada for necessary purposes (i.e. not for leisure or recreation) may do so without pre-entry and arrival COVID tests, but they must remain in their vehicle while driving through Canada. They'll also likely be given a specimen collection kit when they cross a land border into Canada.
If you're leaving Alaska to travel to the lower forty-eight, or if you're returning to Alaska after being in another state, you may also be granted special permission to pass through Canada. However, if you’re not fully vaccinated you will need a negative COVID molecular test result to enter. You'll also need proof that you live in Alaska if you’re driving north, or proof of residence or employment in the lower forty-eight if driving south.
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Canada ends temporary public policy allowing visitors to apply for work permits from within the country
Ottawa, August 28, 2024— Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has ended a temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for a work permit from within Canada, effective immediately.
IRCC introduced the policy in August 2020 to help visitors who were unable to leave the country due to COVID-19 pandemic–related travel restrictions. Under the policy, visitors in Canada could apply for a work permit without having to leave the country. In addition, foreign nationals who had held a work permit in the previous 12 months but who changed their status in Canada to “visitor” could apply to work legally in Canada while waiting for a decision on their new work permit application.
While the temporary policy was set to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC is ending the policy as part of our overall efforts to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system. IRCC is also aware that some bad actors were using the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without authorization.
IRCC will continue to process applications submitted before August 28, 2024 under the policy.
Please visit our website for information on how to apply for a work permit .
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![Feature Image (21) A billboard at a visa immigration agency in Ludhiana | Photo: Shubhangi Misra, ThePrint](https://static.theprint.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Feature-Image-21-696x392.jpg)
Ludhiana: Dilbagh Singh’s IELTS coaching business in Faridkot, Punjab, began with a bang but ended with a whimper. He blames Canada for this.
“We have completely collapsed,” he said.
Even a year ago, there was a clamour among aspirants going abroad to be tutored by him, but he would take no more than 30 students. The English language standardised test is a stepping stone to the Canadian dream. But this year, only 15 students signed up—and most of them dropped out of the course midway. Singh finally had to shut down his decade-old coaching centre, English Birds.
Nobody is flying to Canada in a hurry.
Increasing tension between Canada and India, rising visa rejections, and a slew of immigration policies by the Justin Trudeau-led government to curb the inflow of migrants has soured the Punjab-Canada dream. Hundreds of businesses – from coaching centres to visa consultants and agents – have had to shut shop.
![canadian us travel visa A visa immigration agency in Ludhiana | Photo: Shubhangi Misra, ThePrint](https://static.theprint.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1000211541.jpg)
The industry’s IELTS coaching volume has taken a hit of almost 80 per cent, while visa processing service requirements have reduced by 60-70 per cent over the last few months, office bearers of the Study Abroad Consultants Association (SACA) said. Industry experts such as Mitesh Malhotra, the national president of SACA, estimate that around 35 per cent of visa immigration centres have folded in Punjab since December 2023.
The cost of moving to Canada has increased from Rs 22-23 lakh to Rs 37 lakh since the revision in policies earlier this year. Students have simply dropped plans to study abroad now,” Singh claimed – Dilbagh Singh, IELTS coaching business owner
On 24 January 2024, Canada dropped a bombshell by limiting its foreign student intake to 3.6 lakh— a sharp decrease of 35 per cent from 2023—in addition to capping undergraduate students in each province. Ottawa also declared that international students enrolled in private colleges offering licensed curriculum will not be eligible for work permits after completing their degrees , and revoked visas of the spouses of undergraduate students.
Just last week, the Trudeau government announced that it is reversing its expansion of the low-wage temporary foreign worker programme. And the potential deportation of more than 70,000 students has set off alarm bells in Punjab.
The Canada bubble has soured. It’s now a saga of dreams deferred if not destroyed. Increasing visa rejections and the rising cost of living have had a role to play as well.
“The cost of moving to Canada has increased from Rs 22-23 lakh to Rs 37 lakh since the revision in policies earlier this year. Students have simply dropped plans to study abroad now,” Singh claimed.
On the flip side, the ‘dunki’ route adopted by Indians to enter countries illegally is thriving. Since December 2023, more than 5,000 Indians illegally entered the United States from the Canadian border, exceeding the number of people who cross over to the country from the notorious Mexico border. The number of Indians seeking asylum ‘at port’ in the United Kingdom has also been sky-rocketing.
Industry leaders say the current situation is volatile and unpredictable but not unprecedented. Karan Makhija, the president of Sethi Study Circle and Saviour Education likens it to what happened in the United Kingdom in 2012.
![canadian us travel visa Karan Makhija of Sethi Study Circle. His centres are now down from nine to six | Photo: Shubhangi Misra, ThePrint](https://static.theprint.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1000211442-1-scaled.jpg)
“The UK had put out a blanket ban on immigration, which was a shocker for us because it was then the preferred destination for Punjabis. But overnight we pivoted our business towards Canada,” said Makhija.
Braving visa rejections
Twenty-year-old Nisha, a BA student from Ludhiana, was devastated when her visa application to Canada was rejected a few weeks ago. It was her second rejection. Now, all her friends have left, while her future is in limbo.
“My visa file didn’t get approved because of a technical issue,” she said. Her family has invested more than Rs 20 lakh — Rs 12 lakh for the mandatory guaranteed investment certificate and another Rs 11 lakh toward college fees.
“I know how my parents have managed to arrange this money. There’s no looking back for me now, I have to go and send remittances back so we can start recovering this money,” she said.
![canadian us travel visa These students want to go to Canada, but have either delayed plans or chosen another country to go to since immigration there has become extremely expensive | Photo: Shubhangi Misra, ThePrint](https://static.theprint.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1000211256-scaled.jpg)
Nisha is preparing to try again. She goes to college every day but dreams of what her classroom in Canada would look like. She constantly stays in touch with her cousins there, to get a feel of the living conditions. Now she looks at the aircraft that fly over her, dreaming of the day she’d be on one of them.
The UK had put out a blanket ban on immigration, which was a shocker for us because it was then the preferred destination for Punjabis. But overnight we pivoted our business towards Canada – Karan Makhija, president of Sethi Study Circle and Saviour Education
On the other hand, Kulbir Singh (24) has decided against Canada. However, it still consumes his thoughts as he labours on the family farm in Mansa’s Joga village.
He, or rather his father, has decided against going there now.
“The situation in Canada is really bad. Gangster culture is on the rise. Punjabis are shot at and thrown in rivers and nobody even gets to know. Punjab is safer than that,” his father Kuldeep Singh said. He’s of the view that the “growing Khalistani activity” in Canada is not suitable for a young man.
“Kulbir is fine here, close to me,” he said, as his obedient son smiled in agreement.
Like Nisha, Kulbir has also lost all his friends to Canada. His visa was rejected this year, and he has already asked for a refund of his college fees.
For now, he is completing his BCom at a college in Barnala, and working on his father’s farms. He is interested in upgrading the technology used there. He’s also busy decorating a truck that will carry parali (stubble) to a nearby processing centre instead of burning it.
“I don’t think I’d have led a better life in Canada anyway. My sisters are both MBAs from Punjabi University in Patiala. But now they work at Burger King in Canada. I am not even an MBA,” he said.
Also read: The Great Punjabi Dream is going beyond Canada. Even Cyprus, Croatia, Malta will do
Disappearing students, closing shops
Up until December, Amritsar’s Ranjit Avenue — the hub of travel agents, consultants and IELTS coaching centres — was so packed with students’ scooters and bikes that there was no place to walk. Now, empty parking spaces tell the story of a suffering business industry.
“The street outside used to be flooded with Activas and bikes of students seeking IELTS coaching. Only half of that parking space is occupied now. Classrooms are empty, and every other day there’s a new exit from the street. It’s scary,” said a former visa consultant who recently shut down his business. The consultant specialised in processing visa applications for Canada.
The situation in Canada is really bad. Gangster culture is on the rise. Punjabis are shot at and thrown in rivers and nobody even gets to know. Punjab is safer than that – Kuldeep Singh, Kulbir Singh’s father
Even established consultancy firms are being forced to close IELTS coaching outlets where enrollment has dropped to almost zero. Malhotra, who is also the founder of Saviour Education Abroad, had to downsize from nine coaching centres and 2,000 students to three centres and barely a hundred students.
![canadian us travel visa Students at an IELTS class in Punjab. But these coaching businesses are quickly folding up | Photo: Shubhangi Misra, ThePrint](https://static.theprint.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1000211238-scaled.jpg)
Meanwhile, Makhija, who had earlier planned an expansion, is down to six centres from nine. Thanks to dwindling enrollment, he has had to shut down three centres since December 2023.
“It was a very tough call. Opening a centre needs a lot of aspiration and manpower. Back in 2023, we were thinking we would open more centres but unfortunately, the reverse has happened,” said Makhija. He estimates that the downsizing started seven to eight months ago, and is now gathering speed. “Every day, so many veterans in our association are shutting down centres, putting up their shops for rent.”
Increasing complications in immigration have also led to internal protests against visa agencies, who are accused by ‘farmer groups’ of fleecing children if their visas don’t come through. They’re sandwiched between terrorism from Canada and hooliganism in Punjab. Business owners frequently receive ransom calls from gangsters sitting in Canada, while farmer groups intimidate and create pressure back home if a candidate is unable to get their dream visa.
“It is extremely difficult to do business in Punjab. I know a lot of veterans who have either exited the business or shifted base to Chandigarh or another state,” said Malhotra.
Makhija, on the other hand, is more optimistic and pegs the uncertainty to the 2025 Canadian elections.
“These changes are because of internal politics and nothing else. After the Canadian elections, things should look better. Till then, we weather the storm.”
Much like every sector, immigration too has its crests and troughs. Immediately after the Covid-19 pandemic, a dearth of blue-collar labour in countries like Canada and Australia opened the gates of immigration. The eligibility to secure a visa was reduced. There was a 90 per cent success rate in visa approvals according to Malhotra. Punjabis knew that was the right time to get their ticket to Canada, and business boomed.
I don’t think I’d have led a better life in Canada anyway. My sisters are both MBAs from Punjabi University in Patiala. But now they work at Burger King in Canada. I am not even an MBA – Kulbir Singh, 24
Students with less-than-desirable IELTS scores were also getting a chance to experience life in Canada. These were people whose English was so weak and lives so insular that they would find it difficult to adapt to another country’s culture, according to Malhotra.
“Post Covid, business boomed. I opened new branches and had close to 2,000 students taking IELTS coaching at various locations in various batches,” Malhotra told ThePrint, insisting that this is more of a market correction.
“It had to happen.”
But not everyone can weather this storm. To-let signs on former IELTS centres, messages on the SACA WhatsApp group about centres closing down, job losses and disappearing students in newly built classrooms have defined the daily experiences of entrepreneurs. There just aren’t enough students who can be sent abroad, with the new cap. The Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) has also been doubled from Canadian $10,000 to $20,000, which has made the dream of flying to Ottawa even more unreachable.
![canadian us travel visa 'To-Let' sign at a visa immigration agency office that recently shut down in Bathinda | Photo: by special arrangement](https://static.theprint.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1000211430-768x1024.jpg)
With liberal work permits not on the horizon, the number of Indians seeking refugee status and asylum in Canada has also increased manifold. While more than 9,000 claims for refugee status were filed in 2023, more than 6,000 people had applied for asylum in Canada just between January and March this year.
“This year has been a roller coaster ride. Our industry is also a job creator in Punjab, it has affected lives in many ways,” said Makhija.
Also read: India can’t wait for Canadians to vote out Justin Trudeau next year. Act now
European pivot
The coaching centres that are still active have students who are willing to trade their Canadian dream for Europe instead. With Canada and even Australia, becoming more selective, some families are pivoting to the UK and Germany.
Opening a centre needs a lot of aspiration and manpower. Back in 2023, we were thinking we would open more centres but unfortunately, the reverse has happened – Karan Makhija, president of Sethi Study Circle and Saviour Education
A student from Barnala, whose visa got rejected, told ThePrint over the phone that he won’t stop trying to leave India.
“Canada rejected me and so did Australia, I am now trying for Europe. I have to go out of the country come what may. I don’t want to face joblessness here and get trapped with peers who do nasha [drugs] all day,” the student said.
But interest in Europe is nowhere near compared to the traffic Canada attracts.
“We tried to push for European countries, but there’s a language barrier. Students struggle to speak English, and learning a third language then becomes a Herculean task for them. For businesses with low volume, pushing for Europe has been beneficial, but it can’t replace Canada,” Makhija said.
Though the Scandinavian or Baltic countries are cheaper options (compared to the US and Canada) with more liberal immigration policies, they hold no interest in Punjab.
![canadian us travel visa Study abroad centres in Punjab are running near empty | Photo: Shubhangi Misra, ThePrint](https://static.theprint.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1000210540-1024x576.jpg)
“Winters last in those European countries for six months. It is too cold. I don’t want to go there,” said Puneet Kaur, 19, who wants to shift to Canada by next year.
Students were also aware and apprehensive of the rising housing cost in Canada. The average rent has increased by as much as nine per cent in the past year.
“There are no jobs for graduating students, and people are also living in basements. It doesn’t sound very nice,” said Puneet.
Malhotra maintains that migration to European countries is also not appealing to students because they generally don’t have relatives or friends there. “In the village, it is not that impressive to go to a European country. Many students just want to go to Canada and are waiting for the situation to change,” he said.
Also read: Life in India is easier than in Canada—because they respect their labour and we don’t
Internal and external pressures
January’s immigration changes led to a snowballing of negative content about migration to Canada. Indian students started flooding Instagram with reels that shattered the mirage of a perfect utopia. They spoke of no jobs and insufferable inflation.
“Don’t just apply on LinkedIn and Indeed, apply on other apps and you’ll get a response, maybe even a job,” one such reel boasts. In another video, an old man says students don’t even have proper clothing in Canada and should avoid immigrating. Another one very simply exhibits the absence of a fun life; the person in the reel has to leave for work before she can even hit the bed. That’s the struggle of moving abroad.
Winters last in those European countries for six months. It is too cold. I don’t want to go there – Puneet Kaur, 19
Businessmen like Malhotra sent staff to Canada to read the situation and counter the negative campaign.
![canadian us travel visa Even as many IELTS coaching centres and visa consultants fold up, some students are still steadfast in their Canada resolve| Photo: Shubhangi Misra, ThePrint](https://static.theprint.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1000210538.jpg)
“The situation is not as bad as these people say. Only those who are not qualified to get a job are suffering, not diligent students. But when we posted videos, we got a lot of backlash and had to withdraw them,” Malhotra said. In the comments, students and Canadian residents accused them of whitewashing their problems and called them liars.
Villagers also often gather at the offices of visa and immigration agents to demand a refund.
A similar gherao unfolded in Amritsar in August, where a mob claiming to represent a farmer’s group targeted an agency for allegedly defrauding a youth from their village.
Villagers reached the agency with sticks and stones in their hands. “When they called the police, they were told that the farmers have defeated Modi and that we can’t stand in front of them,” Malhotra said.
But even in the face of these struggles, students like Puneet are steadfast in their resolve to move abroad.
“What does India have? Nothing. There are no jobs. It only makes sense to move out. There will be struggles but I’ll make something of myself.”
(Edited by Zoya Bhatti)
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The Visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the United States. (Note: U.S. citizens don't need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit.). Customer Service Statement. The Department of State manages the visa ...
Canadian citizens generally do not require a visa to enter the United States directly from Canada for the purposes of visiting or studying. However, all Canadians entering the U.S. by air require passports, and Canadians entering the U.S. by land or sea must have a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant travel document. Some Canadians, do r equire visas.
To apply for a visitor visa to join a vessel as a marine crew member (seafarer), you must. be travelling to Canada to join a ship's crew. hold a seafarer's identity document. hold a valid passport or travel document. have proof of employment on a vessel at a Canadian port.
Photo Requirements. To qualify for a non-immigrant visa, each applicant must present a color photo at the interview. Each photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must satisfy . If the presented photos do not meet State Department requirements, the application process will be suspended until the applicant has presented a ...
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny ...
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Visa Denied. If an applicant has been denied a visa, the consular officer will give the applicant a letter explaining why the visa was refused. If the refusal letter is marked 214(b), it will generally explain that the applicant does not qualify for a visa at this time under U.S. immigration laws.
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Visiting. I am visiting the U.S. and I want to come to Canada. Do I need an eTA? Most travellers need a visitor visa or an eTA to travel to, or transit through, Canada. What you need depends on: the type of travel document you will travel with; the country that issued your travel document; your nationality; and. how you will travel to Canada.
The Electronic Visa Update System EVUS is the mandatory online system that will be used by Chinese passport holders of a 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visa to periodically update basic biographic information to facilitate their travel to the United States, starting on November 29, 2016. Visit cbp.gov/evus to learn more.
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Visitor (tourist) visas and other travel documents for entering the U.S. The visitor visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories: B-1 for business travel; B-2 for tourism and medical treatment; Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas, including: Reasons you would need each type of visitor ...
Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States as a temporary visitor, please review the current wait time for an interview using the tool on the page.
Yes, most travellers need a visitor visa or an eTA to travel to, or transit through, Canada. What you need depends on: the type of travel document you will travel with; the country that issued your travel document; your nationality; and; how you will travel to Canada. Before you apply, find out what you need.
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Last updated October 26, 2021 at 3:20pm ET. NOTE: The following applies to border crossings only and not visa services. In response to the global pandemic COVID-19 and in line with the Canadian government's call to increase social distancing, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Canada are providing only limited immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services at this time.
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Ottawa, August 28, 2024— Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has ended a temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for a work permit from within Canada, effective immediately. IRCC introduced the policy in August 2020 to help visitors who were unable to leave the country due to COVID-19 pandemic-related travel restrictions.
Where mustard fields once displayed hoardings from travel consultants, and school children would dream of reaching Canada like their siblings, bitterness has set in. ... Since December 2023, more than 5,000 Indians illegally entered the United States from the Canadian border, ... "My visa file didn't get approved because of a technical ...
U.S. Citizens with emergencies, please call: 613-238-5335. Outside of Office Hours, contact: 613-238-5335. Outside of Canada: 613-238-5335