Unveiling the New Visa-Free Travel Policy to Canada: Requirements and Procedural Insights

Canada has introduced a visa-free travel policy for air travelers from 13 countries, including the Philippines, Morocco, and Argentina, provided they have held a Canadian visa in the last decade or possess a valid US non-immigrant visa. This initiative, which streamlines the pretravel screening process, follows the success of a similar pilot program in Brazil. However, nationals from non-exempt countries still require a Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) for travel to Canada. 

 

1. Eligibility Based on Past Visa History or US Non-Immigrant Visa 

In a recent development, passport holders from 13 countries are now able to travel to Canada by air without requiring a Temporary Residence Visa (TRV). This privilege, however, is limited to travellers who have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa. The eligible countries for this visa-free travel include the Philippines, Morocco, Panama, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Seychelles, and Thailand. 

2. Impact on Pretravel Screening Process 

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, highlighted that the change aims to make the pretravel screening process more streamlined and efficient. This new policy is expected to significantly reduce the visa application volume, leading to faster and more efficient processing of remaining visa applications. 

3. Evidence from Similar Pilot Program 

A similar pilot program was launched in Brazil in 2017, and its success was a key factor in extending this policy to other countries. The program led to a 40% increase in visitors from Brazil and reduced the visa processing load in IRCC’s Sao Paulo office by 60%, allowing IRCC officers to focus on more complex applications. 

4. Situation for United States Citizens 

It's important to note that United States citizens are not required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa to enter Canada unless they are relocating for work or study. 

5. TRV Requirements for Non-Exempt Countries 

Nationals of countries that are not included in the exemption list must apply for a Temporary Residence Visa, also known as a visitor visa. This visa allows individuals to visit Canada for a period of up to six months, although this duration may vary for some foreign nationals.

6. Limitations of the TRV 

Holding a TRV does not provide the individual the right to work or study in Canada. Individuals may be asked at the port of entry to demonstrate that the purpose of their visit to Canada is strictly temporary, such as tourism or visiting family.

  7. Backlog of TRV Applications 

The recent strike by the Public Service Alliance of Canada significantly impacted TRV applications, resulting in a backlog. As per the latest data, 50% of TRV applications are not being processed within the standard 14-day service period. Minister Fraser expects the IRCC to catch up to pre-pandemic processing standards within the coming weeks or months.

 

This visa-free policy is seen as a positive development and a step towards improving the efficiency of visa application processing by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It reflects Canada's commitment to making international travel to the country more accessible and hassle-free.