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The B1 and B2 visas are non-immigrant visas permitting entry to the U.S. The B1 visa is issued for people visiting America for business purposes. The B2 visa is generally issued to visitors, allowing them to enter the country to spend a vacation, access medical services and more. The validity of these visas spans less than 180 days.
Travellers most often opt to roam around the country and plan to visit the nearest and most sought-after country, Canada. However, holding a B1 B2 visa does not mean they get free entry. This blog will discuss the Canada Visitors Visa and the means of entering Canada with a B1 B2 visa.
Everything You Need to Know about the Canada Visitor’s Visa
The Canada Visitor Visa also called the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is a mandatory requirement for many foreign nationals planning to visit the country for short-stay purposes, such as tourists, visiting relatives, or for business purposes. The visitor visa allows one to be in Canada for up to six months. However, the actual duration of the stay depends on several factors. All documents will be run through a border security officer at the point of entry. The traveller might need to prove they are financially capable, state their purpose of visit and intended date of return, and possess no criminal records.
It usually requires one to fill out an online application, produce supportive documents as mentioned in the form and pay a non-refundable fee. The supporting documents provided by the applicant must prove their ties with their home country and match their biometric data. Some may not need the TRV but require an eTA, especially if arriving by air. However, it is worth noting that a foreigner with a U.S. visitor visa will not be admitted to Canada; such a decision is made only by the border security officer based on specific documents provided by the traveller and their purpose of visit. Individuals must ensure they have met all requirements and portray all facts accordingly when entering Canada.
Who Needs a Canada Visitor Visa?
Certain countries are visa-exempt, while others require a visa to enter Canada. As of current records, countries like the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia are visa-exempt. Travellers from these countries only require an eTA to enter Canada. On the contrary, countries like India, China, and the Philippines do not have visa-free entry. Travelling to Canada from these countries requires applying for a visitor’s visa.
To answer the essential question, if the traveller holds a valid B1 or B2 visa, they’d still be required to apply for a Canada Visitors Visa or an eTA, depending on their country of origin.
Documents Needed to Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa
The process of applying for a Canada Visitors Visa isn’t complicated. However, one must be prepared with appropriate documents to fill out the form carefully. The required documents include:
- A valid passport
- A duly filled and signed visa application form (IMM 5257)
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Proof of financial support (e.g., bank statements)
- Documents proving your ties with your home country (e.g. employment letter or property ownership)
- Travel itinerary stating your purpose of visit
- Certified copy of the B1/B2 visa and proof of your legal status in the U.S.
Steps to Successfully Fill Out IMM 5257
When completing a Canada Visitors Visa application form (IMM 5257), various sections demand that applicants be precise to complete the application process effectively. Here are the steps to follow:
The application process is usually online. As mentioned above, ensure you have soft and hard copies of all the necessary documents before filling out the IMM 5257.
- The applicant must visit the IRCC’s official website to access the form. The IMM 5257 is available in PDF format. Ensure you have the latest version of Adobe Reader installed on your system.
- Open the form and start filling in the information in the blank fields. It will request basic demographics, travel history, family data, and the intent to visit the country. You should be truthful and give correct answers to those questions. Ensure to fill out all required fields.
- Once you’ve filled in the form, there is a “Validate” button at the top and bottom. This action will highlight areas that have not been completed and create the barcodes towards the end, which is necessary for submission.
- Once validated, save a copy of the form and then take a hard copy. Depending on the application method, you might be required to send a hard copy and other documents.
- Applicants may apply for the visa online or in any VAC (Visa Application Centre). If using online, they must create an IRCC account, fill out the IMM 5257 form, attach other necessary documents, and pay the fee.
- Sometimes, the applicant must submit biometric data or attend an interview. If appropriate, these steps are described in the application package instructions for you to follow.
Following the instructions above, you can ensure your application is correctly filled and submitted.
How Much Time Does It Take to Process?
The processing time of the IMM 5257 varies for different countries. It may take a few weeks or even months for the visa office to grant you a visitor visa. Sometimes, it also depends on the visa office’s workload if your application is processed as soon as possible. This is why applying before you plan your visit is often wise.
After processing your application, you will be informed of the decision made. You will be granted the Canada Visitors Visa if the application is approved. If the application is rejected, you will receive a letter detailing the reasons for rejection.
Entering Canada with a Visitors Visa
Once you have secured your Canada Visitors Visa, you can travel to Canada from the U.S. A visa only grants permission for the applicant to enter the country, and the final authority still rests with the border services officer on duty at the port of entry. Once in Canada, you will be required to produce the following documents: your passport, Canada Visitors Visa, and supporting documents regarding your trip.
The officer may ask you questions about the purpose of your visit, relations with your home country, and return plans. It’s crucial to answer those questions honestly and, if required, provide the requested documents.
Alternatives to a Canada Visitors Visa
There are some alternatives to a Canada Visitors Visa, which is applicable only for select travellers. These include:
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Citizens of countries that do not require visas to enter Canada may only need an eTA to travel to this country. This process is more straightforward than the visa application and can be done online. It will only take a few minutes to process.
NEXUS Card: If you often cross the border between the United States and Canada, you should consider applying for a NEXUS card. This programme is designed to enable pre-approved people to enter the border quickly. However, this program comes with standards that may only favour some and not everyone.
Conclusion
Any individual travelling to experience Canada’s vibrant culture must understand its travelling policies and rules. It is not uncommon that people visiting the U.S. with a B1 B2 visa often look to see its neighbouring countries. Holding a B1 B2 visa is insufficient for a document to penetrate the border check into Canada. Most travellers must apply for a Canada Visitors Visa or the Temporary Resident Visa.
However, some nationals may only require an eTA to visit the country. Other alternatives include the NEXUS card, which benefits people who frequently fly in and out of Canada. Travellers must understand and follow Canada’s visa requirements to avoid problems during their stay.
Planning a short trip to Canada? Let our Visa Immigration lawyers help you get through the process. Consult with our experts to guarantee a memorable experience in Canada.