Visa Information

Visa processing times can vary, and we recommend starting the application process well in advance to avoid any delays.

Travel & Entry Requirements

Passports

The Government of Canada requires that all people travelling to Canada hold a valid passport.

The less expensive passport card (for land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry from the United States only) are also accepted. Visit Travel identification when entering Canada for the most up-to-date information concerning passport regulations.

Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada or U.S citizens travelling with a valid Canadian passport or a permanent resident card or a U.S passport can use Automated Border Clearance (ABC) self-serve kiosks when they arrive at major airports in Canada to avoid long lines. Visit Canada Border Services Agency for a list of airports that offer self-serve kiosks and for more information.

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is mandatory for visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to Canada except U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid visa. The eTA is electronically linked to one’s passport and is valid for five years or until your passport expires. Applying for an eTA is a simple and inexpensive online process that will take just a few minutes. For more information or to see if you need to obtain an eTA, visit Electronic Travel Authorization – Canada.

Guidelines for applying for a visa are available at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.

  • Apply for a visa as soon as you decide to attend the conference.

  • Include ALL the requested documents and information in your application. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

  • Include a cover letter explaining the reasons why you are applying, information on your stay in Canada and any other information you think will help your application.

  • Follow-up on your application with the Canadian government agency where you applied for an entry visa.

In some cases, foreign delegates may require a Letter of Invitation to support their visa application. CIM will provide Letters of Invitation exclusively to registered, paying delegates attending the full conference. Letters of Invitation are not issued for one-day registrations. Please contact registration@cim.org to request a Letter of Invitation after completing your conference registration.