Depending on where you live, you will need to meet certain entry requirements to visit Canada. Detailed information on travel to Canada, including visa information, can be found on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Web site. We recommend that you apply for your visa as early as possible.

Depending on your nationality, you may need to give your biometrics. You may check through this website.

The roll out of the biometric expansion is as follows:

• Starting July 31, 2018 – applicants from Europe, Middle East and Africa
• Starting December 31, 2018 – applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas

This is a mandatory requirement and you must appear in person at a Visa Application Centre in order to provide your fingerprints and photograph. Find the Visa Application Centre closest to you.

Application Processing Times

Canada does not have a visa office in every country so it is important that delegates visit the website of the Canadian visa office responsible for processing their visa application. Information is available on the website on how to submit a visa application and the documentation required.

Processing times for visa applications vary depending on the visa office and the time of the year. Participants are encouraged to apply approximately 12 weeks in advance of their departure date to ensure they receive the visa in time.

ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid visa. Read about the changes and how they may affect you.

For more information, please read here.

If you are a dual Canadian citizen used to travelling to or transiting through Canada by air with a non-Canadian passport, you are no longer able to do so as of November 10, 2016. You will need a valid Canadian passport to board your flight.

We encourage participants from countries that require a visa to apply as early as possible. Visa processing times vary by country. Please consult this website.

Official Letters of Invitation for Visa Purposes

Official letters of invitation for visa applications are available to REGISTERED and PAID participants only. These letters do not and cannot commit the Organizing Committee to any financial obligation. Upon successful completion of your online registration and after having made full payment, please contact icrareg@ieee.org to request your visa invitation letter.