Maple News reports that as in-person conferences and conventions make a steady return to Canada, it’s important for international attendees and presenters to understand what documentation is needed to enter the country. If you’re planning a business trip or attending a professional event in Canada, your visa requirements will depend on your country of residency and your role at the event.
Tourist entry to Canada is currently open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and fully vaccinated travelers from around the world are permitted entry. However, those who are unvaccinated and plan to enter for non-essential reasons may face extended restrictions, as suggested by Canadian authorities. Public health measures at both the federal and provincial levels should be reviewed prior to your travel.
If you’re attending a conference as a guest and not presenting, you’ll generally need either an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), depending on your nationality. U.S. citizens can typically receive authorization directly at the border. For others, the eTA—available for around 60 countries including the UK, France, and Australia—can be obtained online for $7 CAD and is valid for up to five years. Those from countries not on the eTA list must apply for a TRV online, which typically provides six-month stay access.
Individuals traveling to Canada to present at a professional conference are categorized as business visitors. If the presentation lasts five days or less, they will not need a work permit but will still need a visa or eTA. For speaking commitments exceeding five days, a valid work permit in addition to a visa or eTA is necessary.
Travelers with a criminal record should be aware that past convictions can impact admissibility to Canada. Factors such as the nature and number of offenses, sentencing, and the time elapsed since sentence completion are taken into account. There are three main pathways to overcome inadmissibility: a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), criminal rehabilitation (including deemed and individual options), and a legal opinion letter authored by a lawyer.
A TRP may be viable for those needing urgent entry to Canada within five years of completing their sentence. Meanwhile, criminal rehabilitation provides a permanent solution for those who are eligible and have completed their sentence at least five or ten years ago, depending on the circumstances. A legal opinion letter can clarify one’s criminal history and assist with border questioning or application decisions.
As conference activity resumes, keeping informed of the latest travel and immigration rules is essential. Maple News encourages travelers to consult official Canadian government sources or a licensed immigration expert before booking their trip.