Visa
International Visitors to Canada
For Non-Canadian Citizens/Residents
Please note that this content is for general information purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date, regulations may change. The only authoritative sources on Canadian visas are Canadian government websites.
NOTE: The EPR workshop organizers cannot intervene with Canadian embassies or consulates abroad, or with the Canadian Immigration Department on behalf of any workshop attendee.
Visa Application Process
What type of visa?
Generally, non-Canadian citizens/residents must obtain a visitor visa to enter Canada for a business event.
Visa-exempt foreign nationals will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air.
Find out here if you need a visa or eTA
Applying for a visa
If you are required to travel with a visitor visa, you may need to appear at a Canadian consulate or embassy for an in-person interview prior to visa approval. There may be long waits to schedule an interview, so start the application process as early as possible.
View visa processing times
Find out how to apply
Letter of Invitation
You may be required to present a Letter of Invitation from the workshop organizers as part of your visa application process.
Letters of Invitation can only be issued to:
Speakers/presenters
Committee members
- Attendees who have paid their registration fee in full
The Letter of Invitation should state these facts:
Workshop title, dates, and location
That the requester has paid the required registration fee in full
- The requester’s role at the workshop
To request a Letter of Invitation, please email the workshop organizers with the following information
Your full name and title
Email address
Conference name and dates
Whether you are speaking or presenting at the conference (yes/no)
If you are speaking/presenting, the name of your topic
- The mailing address you wish to have your Letter of Introduction sent to (including street address, city, state/province, country and zip code)
Further information
For further information about Canadian visas, please visit the Canadian Immigration Department website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/