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Do you need a visa to travel to Canada?
Currently, Canadian immigration regulations require Mexican citizens who only hold their original passport to visit the country with a visitor visa, which is valid for up to 6 months.
However, depending on other factors such as a U.S. Green Card or other changes in immigration status, you may only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
When is a visa required for Canada?
People who need a visitor visa to enter Canada are those coming from a country not included in the group eligible to travel with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). In this case, Mexicans need to travel with their passport and the visa.
However, if the Mexican citizen holds a Green Card or a U.S. non-immigrant visa, or held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, they may only require an eTA to enter by air.
Requirements for the visitor visa
To apply for a visitor visa to enter Canada, the following requirements must be met:
- Passport valid for more than 6 months,
- No criminal record or immigration-related offenses,
- Demonstrate strong ties to Mexico to immigration authorities,
- Demonstrate that you will return to your country of origin after the visit,
- Have financial support to demonstrate the ability to fund the trip.
What is the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a travel document that replaces the visitor visa for entering Canada by air, but only for certain countries and applicants who meet the eligibility requirements.
To obtain it, you must have a passport valid for more than 6 months, and once the Canadian government grants it, you will be able to stay in Canada for 6 months.
Who can apply for an eTA instead of a visa?
The Canadian government grants the eTA when citizens have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, or possess a U.S. non-immigrant visa.
Eligibility criteria for the eTA
The first requirement to apply for an eTA is to be from a country included in this program.
As previously stated, the applicant must also hold a U.S. non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years.
Documentation required for the eTA
To apply for the eTA, you must present a valid passport. You must also present documentation that can prove you obtained a Canadian visa in the past.
On the other hand, Canadian authorities will require a passport-sized photo of you, documents that can prove financial solvency, and your complete travel itinerary.
Canada visa application process
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) is the Canadian federal department responsible for processing visa applications to enter Canada.
If you want to apply for a temporary resident or visitor visa for Canada, you must register on the IRCC portal and start your application. You must be in good health, as you may be required to undergo a physical medical exam during the process.
How to process your visa through the IRCC Portal
To process a temporary resident visa through the IRCC portal, you need to obtain an invitation code and create an account. Once you log in, you must complete a form and answer some questions to determine which documents you need to submit.
Next, you will need to pay the processing fee with your credit card. In addition to the required documentation, you may need to undergo a medical exam to prove you are in good health.
Documents required for the visa application
For the visitor visa application, the following documents must be submitted:
- Visa application form, Passport valid for more than 6 months, Proof of payment of the application fee, Passport-sized photos, Proof of financial solvency, Proof of no criminal record, Accommodation and travel itinerary, Proof of ties to Mexico, Medical exam.
Canada visa costs
The cost of a Canada visa is 100 Canadian dollars. This application fee can be paid through the IRCC portal. After submitting all documents online, you must schedule an appointment to register your biometric data and fingerprints.
Fees associated with the visa and eTA
Anyone eligible to apply for an eTA instead of a standard tourist visa should know that the visa costs are around 7 Canadian dollars.
Additionally, a fee of 85 Canadian dollars must be paid to register biometric data and fingerprints.
Additional visa types for Mexico
To enter Canada, you can apply for various types of visas, depending on the purpose of your trip. These include:
- Work visa, Student visa, Super Visa, Business visa.
Work and student visas for Canada
To study in Canada, some countries do not need to apply for a student visa because they can enter with just a study permit. For this, you must have an approved eTA in advance and present the Port of Entry Letter.
To work legally in Canada, however, you must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a work visa. There are different categories for the LMIA, so you should understand the eligibility requirements before applying for the visa.
Remember to consult with immigration legal professionals before submitting any application to avoid errors that could jeopardize your case with the Canadian immigration department.
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