Canada is a gateway to the immigration into the United States, Europe and Caribbean Countries. The majority of people who apply for immigration to Canada prefer to immigrate via Quebec skilled worker program and express entry visa program. There are five immigration categories which offer best opportunity for foreign nationals from different countries to immigrate.

If you want to move to Canada, one of the first things you must do is apply for a Canadian visa. This can be done through Adjustment of Status – a process that allows you to stay and live in Canada once your application is approved. Holders of an immigrant visa or work permit can also use this method to obtain Canadian permanent residence, provided they have obtained all the required documents and meet certain criteria.

Canada Visa For Green Card Holders

Canadians seeking U.S. Permanent Residency through investment in the United States must invest $800,000 CAD for a single application or $1.3 million CAD for a family of four (husband, wife and two dependent children) as of May 2017. In addition, you must maintain legal residence status in Canada for at least six months prior to applying for a visa to the United States.

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Can Green Card Holders Travel to Canada?

U.S. green card holders are considered permanent residents and can travel to Canada without a visa. However, if you are a green card holder, you may need additional documentation depending on how you travel to or through Canada. Flying has the most restrictions.

If you’re wondering what you need to do as a green card holder to travel to Canada or pass through it on your way to another country, we’ll give you all the details. Depending on what documents you have, your travel to or through Canada may be easier than you think.

Travel Between the U.S. and Canada Is Relatively Easy

The U.S. has a close and extensive relationship with Canada. They share the world’s longest international border, trade $1.8 billion in goods and services daily, and 380,000 people cross between the countries every day.

This unique relationship has resulted in special immigration provisions for Canadian and U.S. citizens and permanent residents. However, if you are a green card holder, you will still need valid travel documents (like your green card and passport) to cross the border.

Traveling to Canada by Land or Sea Directly From the U.S.

If you are traveling by land or sea, the only documents you’ll need are your proof of U.S. permanent resident status (like a green card). You do not need a travel visa, nor be part of a tour group. This is the easiest way to get into Canada and get a taste of the travel advantages of full citizenship.

Flying Into or Through Canada Requires a U.S. Passport

Canada is a foreign country, and like all foreign countries, you will need a valid passport to travel through the air internationally. Since you are not an American citizen yet, you will need to have a valid passport from your home country to use Canadian airports. Green card holders cannot obtain U.S. passports.

Once you become a full U.S. citizen through naturalization, you can apply for a U.S. passport and use that instead of your current one. You also need one more piece of documentation. You must file an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) with the Canadian government.

Do I Need a Visa to Go to Canada If I Have a Green Card?

No visa is required to simply travel to Canada if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a green card. Generally, permanent residents are allowed to travel to Canada freely and remain for a 6-month stay. You can also apply for an extension if you want to stay longer.

Entering the country as a visitor does not allow you to work in Canada or study for an extended period of time. To work or study, you may be required to get a special immigration permit.

What Is an Electronic Travel Authorization?

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is similar to a visa but for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling by air to Canada. Similar to how other travel documents work, the eTA is linked to your passport and is valid for up to five years or when your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Once you have an eTA, you can travel to Canada as often as you want and stay up to six months. The cost of getting an eTA is CAD $7 and you can apply online. You will need your passport, an email address, and a credit or debit card.

Note that eTA approval does not mean you can get into Canada! Green hard holders must still present their green card and passport to the border officer and answer their questions.

A Common eTA Mistake

One mistake that can get you turned away at the border is to have an incorrect passport number on your eTA form. The number you need to use is at the top of the main passport information page. This is the page that has your photo on it. Use the eTA help guide for more information.

What Else Do I Need To Do to Travel to Canada?

The Canadian Government has an app and website called ArriveCAN. This tool gives you information about the current travel restrictions and requirements to enter and stay in Canada. You can also get informed on the latest pandemic travel restrictions.

As of this writing, Canada is requiring all travelers to enter their travel plans into ArriveCAN within 72 hours before they enter the country. This is likely to help with tracing any coronavirus cases. Please look at ArriveCAN for the latest information for green card holders traveling to Canada.