Those who have a US green card (permanent resident card) and want to travel to Canada need to know what your entry requirements are to make sure you have a smooth travel experience. While there are several requirements you have to meet, it’s generally pretty easy for green card holders to visit Canada.
More often than not, you won’t need a visa to enter Canada with a green card as long as it’s for a short-term visit. Longer visits might require one, and even if you don’t, there are still strict requirements you need to meet.
Visa Requirements
With a valid green card, you get a more simple entry into Canada. Here are some of the visa requirements you need to consider:
- Land or Sea Travel: You don’t need to have an eTA when entering the country by land or sea. All you need is a valid passport and green card.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): For those flying into Canada, you’ll need an eTA plus your passport and green card. If you’re approved, it’ll link to your passport electronically and be valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Documents Required
Before you travel to Canada, you need to make sure that you have all your documents in order. You’ll need:
- A valid passport from the country where you have citizenship, and that is valid for the duration of your time in Canada.
- A valid green card that proves your status in the US.
- An eTA if you plan on flying into Canada.
Applying for an eTA
If you plan to enter Canada by flying, you need to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). You can apply for an eTA by:
- Going to Canada’s government website.
- Clicking “apply for an eTA.”
- Fill out all the online application forms with your personal information passport information, and then answer some questions about your background.
- Pay the application fee, which is CAD 7.
- Submit your application.
Most eTA applications are approved in only a few minutes after submitting your application. In some cases, it might take a few days and they might request additional information or documentation from you to make the decision.
Length of Stay
On average, you’ll be able to stay in Canada as a green card holder for about six months at a time. While this is the average approved length of stay, the final decision can be shorter or longer depending on the decision that the border agent makes at your port of entry.
When you arrive, the officer will stamp your passport with the date on which you have to leave Canada. If you don’t have a stamp with a date on it, it’s best to abide by the six-month rule. Always double-check your passport after going through immigration to make sure you’re allowed to stay for as long as you want to.
If you want to stay in Canada for more than six months, you need to apply for an extension at least 30 days before you’re supposed to return.
Re-Entry into the U.S.
When you’re arriving back in the United States from Canada as a green card holder, it’s usually a straightforward process. Some things to keep in mind as you re-enter are:
- Make sure that your green card is valid and not close to its expiration date since an expired or soon-to-expire green card can pose issues for you.
- If you’ve only been in Canada for less than a year, you can re-enter the country with your green card and passport.
- If you’ve been in Canada for more than one year, you’ll need to get a re-entry permit before your trip to ensure you keep your permanent resident status.
The best thing you can do is to renew your green card six months before traveling ot help prevent any expiration issues when you head back to the US.
Customs and Declarations
When you arrive at your port of entry in Canada, you’ll go through customs. You’ll likely have to declare items that you’re bringing into the country. Being aware of how customs work will help you feel more prepared and hopefully make the process go as smoothly as possible. Some helpful information about going through customs is:
- You’ll declare any goods you’re bringing into the country, including gifts and things you plan on leaving in Canada.
- Have receipts on hand for any high-value items that you’re bringing.
- Learn about Canadian customs regulations to know your restrictions regarding animals, food, plants, and other controlled or prohibited items.
- Always be honest and accurate when making declarations at the Canadian border so you can avoid fines or legal problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my eTA application is delayed?
The best thing you can do is not finalize any nonrefundable travel plans until your eTA application isn’t approved yet. Sometimes, it’s delayed because you need to submit more documentation or there’s a high volume, so it’s best to air on the side of caution when planning a trip and waiting for eTA approval.
Can I travel to Canada with an expired Green Card?
You might be allowed to enter Canada if your green card is expired, but you might have a very hard time getting back into the United States. Always make sure that your green card is valid for the entire time that you plan on being in Canada.
What should I do if my passport or Green Card is lost while in Canada?
If you lose your green card or passport when you’re in Canada, you can report the loss to the police and file a police report, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for help replacing your passport, or file a form I-90 for a lost green card and contact the Canadian authorities to get the right documents to return to the US.