Traveling To Canada For A Wedding: What You Need To Know

If you are planning to travel to Canada for a wedding, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, make sure you have all the necessary travel and identification documents, such as a valid passport and any required visas or travel authorizations. If you have a criminal record, you may need to obtain a temporary waiver, called a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), to be allowed entry into Canada. In addition, if you are planning to get married in Canada, you should contact the nearest Canadian government office to find out the required documents, as these may vary depending on your circumstances and country of origin. It is also important to be cautious when travelling abroad to meet a marriage partner, especially if the relationship began online, as there have been cases of marriage-related fraud.

Visa requirements for entry to Canada

The visa requirements for entry to Canada depend on several factors, including your country of origin, mode of travel, and the purpose of your visit. Here is a detailed overview of the visa requirements for travelling to Canada:

Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport when travelling abroad and returning to Canada. American-Canadians can travel with either a valid Canadian or U.S. passport. Canadian permanent residents require a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document.

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

U.S. citizens must carry proper identification when travelling to Canada, such as a valid U.S. passport. As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States must present specific documents when travelling to Canada, including a valid passport from their country of nationality and a valid green card or equivalent proof of status.

Visa-Exempt Travellers

Certain travellers are exempt from obtaining a visa to enter Canada and instead require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This includes British Nationals (Overseas), British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territory Citizens of specific territories, British Subjects with the right of abode in the United Kingdom, and citizens of Hong Kong, Israel, Romania, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, and Vatican City State.

Visa-Required Travellers

Citizens of specific countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Brazil, Cameroon, China, Costa Rica, Mexico, Morocco, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Trinidad and Tobago, require a visa to enter Canada, regardless of their mode of travel.

Workers and Students

Workers and students must meet Canada's entry requirements and may need a valid visitor visa or eTA in addition to their work or study permit. When travelling to Canada, they must carry their permit, a valid passport, and any necessary travel authorization.

Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents may be eligible for a super visa, which allows them to visit their family in Canada for up to five years at a time, with multiple entries, and the visa is valid for up to ten years.

Biometric Requirements

In most cases, travellers are required to provide their fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after applying for entry to Canada. This is an additional security measure to confirm identity and citizenship.

Identification Requirements

All international travellers must carry acceptable identification when entering Canada, with a passport being the most universally accepted form. Additional documents may be required, such as a travel authorization, visa, or eTA, depending on the traveller's country of origin and purpose of visit.

Documents required for travel to Canada

When travelling to Canada, you must carry a valid passport. If you are a Canadian permanent resident or landed immigrant, you must also carry a valid Canadian Permanent Resident Card (PR Card).

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident planning to marry abroad, local authorities may ask for documents such as a valid Canadian passport, a marriage search letter, a single status affidavit, a certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad, a premarital blood test certificate, a statement of parental consent, a divorce certificate (if you were previously married), and a death certificate (if you are widowed).

If you are a student or temporary worker in Canada and a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter Canada, you must hold a valid visa to return to Canada from abroad (even if you have a valid study or work permit).

If you are travelling to Canada with a child, you may need the following documents:

• The child's birth certificate showing the names of both parents.
• Any legal documents pertaining to custody, such as a court order or letter of special circumstances.
• A parental consent letter or affidavit authorizing travel (if the child is travelling with one parent, the letter must be signed and dated by the other parent; if the child is travelling without their parents, the letter must be signed and dated by both parents).
• A death certificate if one of the parents is deceased.

Please note that the documents required for travel to Canada may vary depending on your country of origin and specific circumstances. It is always recommended to check with the appropriate embassy, high commission, or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the required travel documents.

Canadian citizenship and travel

Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and persons registered under the Indian Act can enter Canada by right. However, all residents must demonstrate to a border services officer that they meet the requirements for entering Canada. The officer will confirm your identity and your right to enter Canada through questioning and/or by verifying your documents.

Acceptable Documents for Canadian Citizens

• A valid Canadian passport is the only universally accepted identification document and it proves your right to return to Canada.
• Other acceptable documents include a Canadian emergency travel document, Canadian temporary passport, CANPASS authorization, commercial driver registration program card, FAST card, or NEXUS card.
• Citizenship and immigration documents such as a Canadian citizenship card, certificate of Canadian citizenship, certificate of retention, certificate of naturalization, or registration of birth abroad certificate.
• Provincial or territorial documents such as a birth certificate, enhanced driver's license, enhanced identification/photo card, health insurance card, or vehicle registration.
• Other valid documents such as Canadian Forces identification, employment or student card with photo and signature, police identification, firearms acquisition certificate, or Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card.

Travel to Canada for a Wedding

If you are planning to travel to Canada for a wedding or other important family events, such as a funeral, there are some things you should keep in mind. While Canadian border officials are generally understanding of these situations, entry is not guaranteed and the onus is on the applicant to provide relevant information to the border agent. If you have a criminal record or conviction, such as a DUI, you will generally be barred from entering Canada unless you obtain a temporary waiver called a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP). This can be requested at the border or from a consulate.

When travelling to Canada for a wedding or other events, it is important to carry proper identification and any necessary travel documents, such as a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may need to provide additional documentation such as proof of financial support and strong ties to your home country to ensure your entry to Canada. It is recommended to carefully review the entry requirements before making travel plans.

Criminal record and entry to Canada

Canadian immigration law states that if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into the country. This means that you may be "criminally inadmissible". This applies to both minor and serious crimes, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and possession of or trafficking in drugs or controlled substances.

If you have a criminal record and wish to travel to Canada, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, you can apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP). The TRP is a temporary permit that allows individuals with criminal records to enter Canada for a limited time, usually up to three years. The TRP can be applied for at a Canadian consulate, or upon arrival in Canada for US citizens and residents. The TRP application must explain why the benefits of the individual entering Canada outweigh the health and safety risks to Canadian society.

The second option is Criminal Rehabilitation, which is a more permanent solution but takes longer to obtain. Criminal Rehabilitation can be granted in two ways: deemed rehabilitation and individual rehabilitation. Deemed rehabilitation means that enough time has passed since the conviction that the crime no longer bars the individual from entering Canada. This is only applicable if the crime was committed outside Canada and has a maximum prison term of less than 10 years if committed in Canada. Individual rehabilitation, on the other hand, must be applied for and requires the individual to demonstrate that they are not likely to commit new crimes. This can be granted if at least five years have passed since the end of the criminal sentence and the day the inadmissible act was committed.

It is important to note that even a single misdemeanor, such as a DUI, can be a major issue when trying to enter Canada. The Canadian border has access to American criminal databases, making it very easy to flag individuals with criminal records. Therefore, it is advisable to plan ahead and carefully consider the options available for entry to Canada with a criminal record.

Marriage in Canada and citizenship

If you are planning to travel to Canada to get married, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially if you are not a Canadian citizen. Here is some information on the topic of marriage in Canada and citizenship:

Marrying in Canada as a Non-Citizen

If you are planning to marry in Canada and are not a Canadian citizen, you should contact the Canadian embassy, high commission, or consulate in your country of residence. They will inform you of the necessary documents and whether they need to be authenticated. Canadian government offices abroad can also provide information about local laws and regulations. Marriages that are legally performed in a foreign country are typically valid in Canada and do not need to be registered. However, it is important to note that same-sex marriages, while legal in Canada, may not be recognised in certain countries.

Citizenship through Marriage

Marrying a Canadian citizen does not automatically grant you Canadian citizenship. If you wish to become a Canadian citizen, you must follow the standard process and meet the same requirements as everyone else. You must be physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the 5 years before applying for citizenship. Additionally, you must be a permanent resident, have filed your taxes, prove your language skills, and pass a citizenship test. Your Canadian spouse can sponsor you to become a permanent resident if you don't live in Canada or are not already a permanent resident. After becoming a permanent resident, you can then apply for citizenship.

Sponsoring Your Spouse

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you have the right to sponsor your spouse to become a permanent resident of Canada. Sponsorship allows married people and common-law couples to live together in Canada. The sponsorship process involves filing an application, which can be either a "Family Class" or "Spouse in Canada" application, depending on whether the sponsor is living in Canada or not. Canada will evaluate the legality and authenticity of the marriage, conduct criminal and security checks, and require a medical exam for the sponsored person.

Frequently asked questions