Citizenship and Immigration Canada
www.cic.gc.ca
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Visiting Canada: Arriving
When you arrive in Canada, you will be greeted by an officer of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The CBSA is responsible for protecting the borders and points of entry to Canada. You can find more information about the CBSA in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
The officer will ask to see your passport or travel documents. Make sure that you have them with you, and that they are not packed in your luggage. This will speed up your entry to Canada.
Even if you do not need a visa to enter Canada, the officer will ask you a few questions. The officer will confirm that you meet the requirements for admission to Canada. This should only take a few minutes.
You will not be allowed into Canada if you give false or incomplete information, or if you do not satisfy the officer that you are eligible for entry into Canada. You will also have to satisfy the officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay in Canada.
The Government of Canada will never ask you to deposit money into a personal bank account or to transfer money through a specific company. However, in some cases, an immigration officer at the Canadian port of entry can require you to post a bond in form of a cash deposit to ensure that you comply with certain terms and conditions during your visit to Canada (i.e. leaving Canada when your approved period of stay is over).
If a bond in the form of a cash deposit is required, the officer fixes the deposit amount based on your financial resources and other conditions set out in Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
Children under the age of 18 should have valid identification with them. If you are travelling with a child and you are not the child’s parent or guardian, you should have a letter from the child’s parent or guardian authorizing entry into Canada. If you are the child’s only guardian, you should have documents to show there is no other guardian. For example, a birth certificate that does not identify the father would be suitable.
The officer will stamp your passport or let you know how long you can stay in Canada. The period is usually six months. In some cases, the officer may limit this period to cover only the intended purpose of your visit. Ask questions if you are unsure about anything.
Working or going to school in Canada
You cannot work or go to school in Canada without the proper permit. You will be asked to leave Canada if you work or study without a permit, or if you violate the conditions of your visa.
Most people asked to leave Canada have the right to an impartial hearing to review the decision. For more information, see the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
What you can bring to Canada
For customs and border information, see the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
