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Visas and travel documents
General
Visas are not required for U.S. tourists entering Canada from
the U.S. for stays up to 180 days. You will, however, need (1)
proof of your U.S. citizenship such as (a) your U.S. passport
or (b) original or certified copy of your birth certificate and
photo identification. (For information on obtaining a U.S. passport,
check with the nearest passport agency located at 13 locations
throughout the U.S.) If you are a naturalized citizen and do not
have a passport, you should travel with your naturalization certificate.
A driver's license or Social Security card is not valid proof
of citizenship. All U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third
country must have a valid passport. Alien permanent residents
of the U.S. must present their Alien Registration Card, commonly
called the "Green Card." If you are a dual U.S./Canadian citizen
you should always present yourself as a Canadian citizen when
entering Canada. However, U.S. citizens should use their U.S.
passports when entering or leaving the United States.
Due to international concern over child abduction, single parents,
grandparents, or guardians traveling with children often need
proof of custody or notarized letters from the other parent authorizing
travel. (This is in addition to proof of citizenship as explained
above.) Any person under the age of 18 and traveling alone should
carry a letter from his/her parent or guardian authorizing the
trip. Travelers without such documentation may experience delays
at the port of entry.
For further information, including information on student or
business travel, visitors can contact the Embassy of Canada at
501 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 682-1740
or the nearest Canadian consulate.
NAFTA and Information For Business Travelers
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) facilitates
the cross border movement of business persons who are citizens
of member countries to the NAFTA. The provisions of NAFTA do not
replace Canada's provisions for temporary entry or for immigration.
A U.S. citizen can enter Canada under NAFTA provisions as a business
visitor, intra-company transferee, professional, or trader. Prior
to seeking entry into Canada under the NAFTA, it is advisable
to call Canada's Trade Info Line at 1-613-944-4000. Their fax
number is (613) 944-9500. The Canadian government publication,
Cross Border Movement of Business Persons and the North American
Free Trade Agreement, is available from the Info Centre, Department
of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
U.S. business people who are crossing into Canada for a meeting,
trade show, convention or exhibition may be eligible for special
treatment concerning the importation of advertising materials,
office materials and souvenirs. Revenue Canada and Canada Customs
have established criteria for duty-free and tax-free importing
of certain convention materials. Additional information is available
through the National Convention Services, Department of Revenue
Canada at (613) 941-3123 or the Remissions Policy Unit at (613)
954-6883.
NAFTA allows business persons to engage in certain business
activities without an employment authorization - provided they
otherwise comply with existing immigration requirements applicable
to temporary entry. Examples are conducting market research, marketing
products, negotiating contracts, or taking orders.
General Qualifying Criteria for Business Visitors
You may qualify as a business visitor if you are a citizen of
a member country; you are seeking entry for business purposes;
the proposed business activity is international in scope; you
have no intention of entering the labor market; and your primary
source of remuneration is outside of the country in which you
are seeking entry. In addition, the principal place of business
and the accrual of profits must remain outside of the country
you are seeking to enter.
U.S. Business Visitors Entering Canada
Business visitors seeking temporary entry into Canada must meet
the General Qualifying criteria listed above. A business visitor
may temporarily import certain goods duty-free. Goods that qualify
are professional equipment (tools of the trade), equipment for
the press or for radio or television broadcasters, cinematographic
equipment, goods for sports purposes, and goods for display.
Professionals
General Qualifying Criteria
Professionals are exempt from the job-validation process normally
required of individuals looking to enter a foreign country's labor
market. To qualify as a professional under the NAFTA you must
be a citizen of a member country. The occupation you are to be
engaged in must be listed in Appendix 1603.D.1 of the NAFTA; you
must be qualified to work in the occupation; and you must have
pre-arranged employment or a contracted agreement.
You will need to provide documentation indicating the professional
level activity to be carried out, your job title, a summary of
your job duties, the expected length of stay, and the arrangement
for remuneration.
U.S. professionals entering Canada may apply for an Employment
Authorization at any Canadian embassy, consulate, or port of entry.
When applying at the port of entry, no written application is
required and determination can be made at the time of application.
The processing fee for issuing employment authorization is C$125.
After admittance into Canada, a Social Insurance Number can be
obtained from a local Canada Employment Centre.
Intra Company Transferees
Intracompany transferees are business persons employed by an
enterprise who are seeking to render services to a branch, parent,
subsidiary, or affiliate of that enterprise, in a managerial or
executive capacity or in a manner that involves specialized knowledge.
The total period of stay for a person employed in an executive
or managerial capacity cannot exceed seven years. The total period
of stay for a person employed in a capacity that requires specialized
knowledge cannot exceed five years.
Traders and Investors
An Application for an Employment Authorization
Form (Form IMM1295) must be completed at a Canadian embassy or
consulate prior to seeking entry. You will also be required to
provide information on your business by completing an Application
for Trader/Investor Status. There is a $125 processing fee (payable
in Canadian currency) for issuing employment authorizations. Upon
arrival, traders and investors should obtain a Social Insurance
Number from a local Canada Employment Centre.
In the event that you take up permanent residence in Canada,
you should be advised that U.S. citizens residing abroad are required
to file taxes with the Internal Revenue Service. If you have any
questions on tax liability or the submission of tax forms, etc.
you should contact the IRS located at 60 Queen Street, Suite 201,
Ottawa, Canada, K1P 5Y7, telephone (613) 563-1834 or fax (613)
230-1376.
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