As the holidays approach, it is important that you have valid immigration or citizenship documents to re-enter Canada.
Travellers, who are neither a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident, from all countries (except citizens & permanent residents from the US) will require either a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to re-enter Canada.
If your are not already a holder of an eTA, it can be applied through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The cost is $7 CAD. It is typically processed within a few minutes. (However, there are a few exceptions).
You can find out if you are eligible for an eTA HERE.
If you are not eligible for an eTA, you will be required to be the holder-of a valid TRV. If your TRV is expired, and are outside of Canada, an application for a TRV can be submitted electronically and will be processed by the designated Canadian Embassy; High-Commission or Consulate. The processing times are variable. Alternatively, if your TRV is expired and you are in Canada, you may be able to apply for the counterfoil and have it processed of out the Case Processing Centre in Ottawa (CPC-O). It is recommended to apply to CPC-O at least two (2) months prior to the expiration of your TRV.
If you are a permanent resident of Canada, you will require a valid permanent resident card when re-entering.
Canadian citizens will need to present proof of Canadian citizenship upon re-entry. Canadian citizens who have more then one citizenship, will not be eligible to obtain an eTA or TRV.
Status Indians, registered under the Indian Act, can present their status card on entry to Canada. However, it is in their best interests to hold a Canadian passport or American passport to facilitate travel with an airline for their return to Canada.
Know Before You Go! Don’t leave Canada this holiday season without the proper documentation to re-enter.