We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the information below before submitting an application to IRCC:
Application Types
Most foreign nationals need a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization to travel to Canada. To find out if you need a TRV or eTA to travel to Canada, see: Find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada.
For more information about the TRV and eTA application processes, see: Visit Canada. Submit a TRV Application
If you need a visa, apply online through the IRCC Portal (TReApp).
You are invited to apply through the IRCC Portal because you meet at least one of the following criteria:
• The organizer of your event is located in Canada and has a Canadian address.
• You are not attending an event hosted by the Government of Canada and therefore do not
qualify for fee exemptions.
2. If you are required to complete biometrics you will be issued a Biometrics Instructions Letter (BIL). Please schedule your appointment as soon as you receive your BIL.
You must complete your biometrics before IRCC can start to process your application.
For information on whether or not you must provide biometrics, please refer to our fast facts about Biometrics.
Check your application status by visiting: Check your application status – Immigration and citizenship - Canada.ca
If your visa application is approved you will receive a letter instructing you to submit your passport to the closest Visa Application Centre (VAC) through mail or courier.
Note you will not be able to enter Canada without having your visa affixed to your passport.
Refer to the guide for information on how to complete your application. For further assistance, see the Help Centre or complete the web form.
You are invited to submit a paper application only if you meet one of the following criteria:
• You cannot apply online because of a disability.
• You are travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless
person, or a non-citizen.
If you need an eTA, apply on the official Government of Canada website.
Refer to the guides in the ‘Help with the form or other eTA questions’ drop down for information on how to complete your eTA application.
For further assistance, use the eTA Help Guide, or see the Help Centre.
The Processing times for visa applications posted online are historical, meaning they're measured based on how long it took to process 80% of applications in the past 6-8 weeks. As a result, processing times maybe different than those posted online at the time of application submission. Participants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible ahead of their departure date in order to allow sufficient time for their application to be processed and if approved, subsequent visa issuance in their passport.
It is important that international invitees are familiar with the TRV and eTA application processes. Understanding the different processes will contribute to ensuring that invitees to events in Canada have a smooth application experience. Thank you for reading the above mentioned messages.
