Can I enter Canada with a United States visa?

Thinking about visiting Canada on your trip to the United States? If you're wondering whether you can visit Canada with a US Visa, such as a B1/B2 Visa, the short answer is no.

However, other options enable you to see this beautiful country.

Whether you hold a tourist, business, student, or work visa, we’ll help you by explaining the possibilities and limitations of crossing the Canadian border with your US Visa, in this article.

Is it possible to travel to Canada with a US Visa?

No, most travelers can’t visit Canada with only a US visa.

• Depending on your nationality, you might need other documents like a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a Canada Visitor Visa (TRV).

• If you’re arriving by air at one of Canada’s participating international airports, you can submit your customs and immigration declaration online using Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before you arrive in Canada.

• Citizens of the United States, including lawful permanent residents, are visa-exempt under the Canadian visa waiver program, so they don’t need a visa to travel to Canada.

• However, you still need to complete the Advance CBSA Declaration (AdvanceCAN), which is an electronic customs declaration form, before you enter the country.

Read more about the AdvanceCAN Declaration.

Cynthia Oliwa, iVisa travel expert: "Pre-book a security screening time at some Canadian airports like Toronto Pearson. It’s a great way to skip the long lines and breeze through security. Reserving your spot ahead of time helps make your airport experience much smoother."

Canadian immigration policies to enter from the United States

Canadian immigration policies are known for being easy to understand and flexible, even with foreign citizens looking for job opportunities.

However, it’s essential to always do your research to avoid issues before visiting the country. The last thing you want is to be denied entry because you have the wrong travel document for your purposes.

Here's an overview of key aspects of Canadian immigration policies for those holding a US Visa:

• Tourist Visa: If you have a US Tourist Visa (B1/B2 Visa), you might still need to apply for a Canada eTA or Visitor Visa to enter the country, depending on your country of citizenship.

The eTA is usually the option for travelers from visa-exempt countries, while a Visitor Visa is required for most others.

• Work Visa: If you hold a US Work Visa, such as an H-1B or L-1 Visa, and you have a job offer or business-related reason to visit Canada, you may be able to enter with specific documentation and permissions.

If you’re only attending meetings, you might still need a valid Canadian Visitor Visa.

• Student Visa: Students with valid US student visas (F-1 or M-1) still need to check if they require a Visitor Visa or eTA to enter Canada.

• Other visas: Different rules apply to other types of US visas, such as exchange visitor visas (J-1), diplomatic visas (A), or temporary worker visas (H-2).

In all cases, you should carefully plan your trip and meet Canada's entry requirements, including having a valid passport and a customs declaration.

What US Visa holders should know to transit through Canada

Transiting through Canada as a US Visa holder requires careful planning and understanding of the rules and requirements. Let’s take a look at some key points that you should be aware of when transiting through Canada:

• Visa requirements: Depending on the nationality, you may still need a Canada eTA or Visitor Visa, as these can also be used for transit purposes, even if you’re not staying in the country.

• Direct transit vs. connecting flights: If you’re taking a connecting flight through a Canadian airport to a third country e.g., United States to Europe via Canada), you may be eligible for transit without a visa (TWOV).

Transiting through Canada can be smooth if you have the necessary visas and documentation. However, it's crucial to research the specific requirements for your nationality and travel itinerary well in advance to avoid any unexpected delays or issues during your transit.

Is there any US Visa type that allows entry to Canada?

No specific type of US Visa automatically allows entry into Canada. As mentioned before, each country maintains its own immigration and entry requirements. Therefore, Canadian immigration authorities assess travelers independently of US Visa status.

While having a US Visa can be beneficial and may demonstrate qualifications or travel history, it doesn’t exempt you from meeting Canada's entry requirements.

How to get the Canada eTA and AdvanceCAN declaration with us

We've simplified the online application process to make it quick and hassle-free. Just follow these steps using our mobile app or online platform:

• Step 1: Select the right travel document and start your application by filling out your personal and travel details. Take a moment to double-check all the information for accuracy.

• Step 2: Pay the fees using your credit/debit card or PayPal. After payment, we'll send you a comprehensive PDF guide via email to guide you through the rest of the application process.

• Step 3: Complete any additional required information and upload the necessary documentation.

Once your eTA is approved, we'll send your document within the chose timeframe by email.

Why use iVisa for your travel documents

There are many reasons why iVisa is awesome:

• We simplify the process of obtaining your travel documents.
• We prioritize the security of your data, ensuring your credit card details are kept confidential.
• Our application method is easy to follow and often less cumbersome than those found on some government websites.
• We've successfully assisted over 1 million customers.

"I wasn’t sure if I should use a third-party service like iVisa for my Canada eTA, but I’m so glad I did. The process was quick, and their support team answered my questions when I wasn’t sure about some of the details on the form. I'd use them again just for the peace of mind." – Sarah W., United Kingdom

Contact us for more info about traveling to Canada

If you have more questions about applying for a Canada eTA, don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team. We’ll be happy to help via iVisa chat or WhatsApp.