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I am visiting the U.S. and I want to come to Canada. Do I need an eTA?

Most travellers need a visitor visa or an eTA to travel to, or transit through, Canada.

What you need depends on:

• the type of travel document you will travel with;
• the country that issued your travel document;
• your nationality; and
• how you will travel to Canada.

Before you apply , find out what you need .

New entry requirement now in effect

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

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Answers others found useful

• Do I need a visa to visit Canada?
• Do I need a Canadian visa if I have a United States visa?
• How do I apply for an eTA for travel to Canada?
• Do I need a visa if I am travelling through Canada without stopping or visiting?
• How do I help a family member or friend apply to visit Canada?
• I am travelling with my minor child without my spouse. What documents must I present?
• What’s the difference between a visitor visa and a visitor record?
• Do I need to apply for both a visitor visa and an eTA?

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• Admissibility

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Airport arrival kiosks and eGates

Verify your identity and make a customs declaration at Canada’s major international airports

Directory of CBSA border offices and services across Canada

List of designated CBSA offices and service locations across Canada

Examining digital devices at the Canadian border

Your cell phones, tablets, laptops and any other digital device you are carrying can be examined when you when cross the border

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Options, exceptions, consequences for failing to report and more.

Reporting requirements for non-commercial aircraft

Landing private, company-owned or charter aircraft in Canada

Advance Declaration: Save time at the border

Use Advance Declaration in ArriveCAN to submit your customs and immigration declaration before flying into Canada

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Can I enter Canada with a US Visa?

• In short, you can't use a US visa (like B1/B2) to enter Canada, you might need a Canadian eTA or Visitor Visa depending on your nationality
• US citizens and lawful residents don't need a visa for Canada, but are still required to fill out the Advance CBSA Declaration form
• Planning and understanding Canadian immigration rules are key, whether you're transiting or visiting for work, study, or tourism

Thinking about visiting Canada on your trip to the United States? If you're wondering whether you can visit Canada with the U.S.Visa, such as a B1/B2 Visa, the short answer is no . However, other options enable you to see this beautiful country.

Whether you hold a tourist, business, student, or work visa, we’ll help you by explaining the possibilities and limitations of crossing the Canadian border with your US Visa , in this article.

While Canada and the United States share the longest international border, they have distinct immigration systems. Knowing how these rules connect is super important when considering visiting both countries.

Is it possible to travel to Canada with a US Visa?

No, most travelers can’t visit Canada with only a US Visa .

Depending on your nationality, you might need other documents like the Canadian eTA or Canada Visitor Visa .

On the other hand, citizens of the United States, including lawful permanent residents, are visa-exempt under the Canadian visa waiver program , so they don’t need a visa to travel to Canada . Remember that you may still need to complete the Advance CBSA Declaration , a simple customs registration form, before you enter the country.

Canadian immigration policies to enter from the United States

Canadian immigration policies are known for being easy to understand and flexible, even with foreign citizens looking for job opportunities.

However, it’s essential always to do your research to avoid issues before visiting the country. The last thing you want is to be denied entry due to having the wrong travel document for your travel purposes.

Here's an overview of key aspects of Canadian immigration policies for those holding a US Visa:

Tourist Visa: If you have a US Tourist Visa (B1/B2 Visa) , you might still need to apply for a Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Visitor Visa (TRV) to enter the country, depending on your country of citizenship. The eTA is usually the option for travelers from visa-exempt countries, while a TRV is required for most others.

Work Visa: If you hold a US Work Visa , such as an H1B or L1 visa , and you have a job offer or business-related reason to visit Canada, you may be able to enter with specific documentation and permissions. If you’re only attending meetings, you might still need a valid Canadian Visitor Visa .

Student Visa: Students with valid US student visas (F1 or M1) still need to check if they need a Visitor Visa or eTA to enter Canada.

Other visas: Different rules apply to other types of US visas, such as exchange visitor visas (J1) , diplomatic visas (A) , or temporary worker visas (H-2) .

In all cases, you should carefully plan your trip and meet Canada's entry requirements, including having a valid passport.

What US Visa holders should know to transit through Canada

Transiting through Canada as a US Visa holder requires careful planning and understanding of the rules and requirements. Let’s take a look at some key points that you should be aware of when transiting through Canada:

• Visa requirements: Depending on the nationality, you may need a Canadian visa for transit ( Valid Visitor in Transit Visa - TRV ) to pass through Canada, even if you’re not staying in the country.
• Direct transit vs. connecting flights: If you’re taking a connecting flight through a Canadian airport to a third country (e.g., United States to Europe via Canada), you may be eligible for a transit without a visa ( TWOV ) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a full transit visa. This typically applies to travelers with a US Visa.

Transiting through Canada can be smooth if you have the necessary visas and documentation in order. It's crucial to research the specific requirements for your nationality and travel itinerary well in advance to avoid any unexpected delays or issues during your transit.

Is there any US Visa type that allows entry to Canada?

No specific type of US Visa automatically allows entry into Canada. As mentioned before, each country maintains its own immigration and entry requirements. Therefore, Canadian immigration authorities assess travelers independently of U.S. Visa status.

While having a US Visa can be beneficial and may demonstrate qualifications or travel history, it doesn’t exempt you from meeting Canada's entry requirements .

How do I check if I need a visa to visit Canada?

Find out if you require a visa or eTA for Canada by using our Visa Tool and entering your country of origin. Be sure to select Canada as your desired destination for recommendations on the next steps.

Visa requirements to travel to Canada can vary based on factors such as your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay. Additionally, visa requirements can change, so it's a good idea to check this information well before your planned travel dates.

How to get the Canada Visitor Visa or eTA with us

We've simplified the online application process to make it quick and hassle-free. Just follow these steps using our mobile app or online platform:

Step 1: Select the right travel document and start your application by filling out your personal and travel details. Take a moment to double-check all the information for accuracy.

Step 2: Pay the fees using your credit/debit card or PayPal. After payment, we'll send you a comprehensive PDF guide via email to guide you through the rest of the application process.

Step 3: Complete any additional required information and documentation.

Once we have reviewed the application, we'll arrange your appointment (if applicable). In case of an eTA, we'll send you your approved document within the chose timeframe by email.

Why choose iVisa? There are many reasons why iVisa is awesome . We simplify the process of obtaining your travel documents. We prioritize the security of your data, ensuring your credit card details are kept confidential. Our application method is easy to follow and often less cumbersome than those found on some government websites. Plus, we've successfully assisted over 1 million customers. You could be our next satisfied client.

Contact us for more info about traveling to Canada

If you have more questions about a visa to enter Canada or the United States, don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team! We’ll be happy to help via online chat or WhatsApp .

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Re-entering the United States with a Valid I-94 Form and Expired Visa is Limited

What is automatic revalidation.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority and the responsibility over the admission of travelers to the United States. Under the automatic revalidation provision of immigration law, certain temporary visitors holding expired nonimmigrant visas who seek to return to the U.S. may be admitted at a U.S. port-of-entry by CBP, if they meet certain requirements, including, but not limited to the following:

• Nonimmigrants who departed the United States for brief travel to Canada, Mexico, or an  adjacent island  (for F and J nonimmigrants) for thirty days or less;
• Nonimmigrants with a valid (unexpired) admission stamp or paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, endorsed by DHS.

For more information about automatic revalidation provisions and reentry to the United States, visit  Automatic Revalidation for Certain Temporary Visitors on the CBP Webpage .

Automatic revalidation is not the same as applying for a new visa. If you apply for a new nonimmigrant visa you cannot take advantage of automatic revalidation.

Who Must Reapply for and Be Reissued a Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate?

This webpage explains which travelers must reapply and be reissued visas when their existing visas have expired, even if they are in possession of valid admission stamp or paper Form I-94, in order to gain admission to reenter the United States.

Many nonimmigrants will need to reapply and be reissued visas to reenter the U.S. when their existing visas have expired, even if they are in possession of valid admission stamp or paper Form I-94, because automatic revalidation applies to limited categories of travelers. Refer to the  Automatic Revalidation Fact Sheet  on the CBP website. The following temporary visitors whose nonimmigrant visas have expired, but who have a valid admission stamp or paper Form I-94, must reapply for and be issued nonimmigrant visas prior to their reentry to the United States, if one or more of the following situations exists (this is not a complete listing): 

The nonimmigrant traveler with an expired nonimmigrant visa (but valid admission stamp or paper Form I-94):

• Applied for a new visa which has not yet been issued;
• Applied for a new visa and was denied;
• Has been outside of the United States for more than thirty days;
• Has traveled to a country other than Canada, Mexico, or an adjacent island which is not included in the automatic revalidation provisions;
• Is a national of a State Sponsor of Terrorism designated country, including Iran, Syria, and Sudan. Review more about  State Sponsors of Terrorism  and  FAQs  on this website;
• Is in possession of an F student visa or J exchange visitor visa and has traveled to Cuba;
• Is in possession of an M student visa and has traveled to a location outside the United States, other than Canada and Mexico.

Additional Resources – Laws

The automatic revalidation provision of U.S. immigration law is described in both 8 CFR 214.1(b) and 22 CFR 41.112(d).

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