Can I Visit Canada with a B-1/B-2 Visa?

As a holder of a US B-1/B-2 visa, you may be wondering if your travel opportunities extend beyond the United States. Can you use your visa to explore the stunning landscapes and vibrant cities of Canada? In this blog post, we’ll clarify the cross-border travel rules for B-1/B-2 visa holders, helping you understand your eligibility and the steps required to visit Canada legally and hassle-free.

Understanding B-1 and B-2 Visas

The B-1 and B-2 visas are types of nonimmigrant visas granted by the United States to individuals entering temporarily for business (B-1) or tourism, pleasure, or medical treatment (B-2). The visas are issued for up to 10 years. Your visa generally allows for a stay of up to six months at a time. With a B-1/B-2 visa, you’re allowed multiple entries into the U.S., which could influence your eligibility for visiting nearby countries such as Canada.

Eligibility and Requirements for B-1/B-2 Visa Holders to Visit Canada

In this section, you’ll discover the specific criteria and procedures that apply to you as a B-1/B-2 visa holder when considering a visit to Canada.

Visa-Exempt Countries and ETA

Canada has a list of visa-exempt countries whose citizens can enter Canada for short stays without obtaining a visa. As a B-1/B-2 U.S. visa holder, you are not automatically visa-exempt for entry into Canada. The visa exemption depends on your nationality and the type of passport you hold. You may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for short visits, typically if you’re flying into Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for US Visa Holders

To visit Canada with a U.S. B-1/B-2 visa, your eligibility is primarily determined by your nationality and the validity of your passport.

• You must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period you intend to stay in Canada.
• If you are a national of one of the countries under Visa Required Travellers, you will need a visa to visit Canada.

You can use this quiz from the Canadian government to determine if you need a visa for your travel.

Application Process and Documentation

Before you plan your visit to Canada on B-1/B-2 visa, know whether you need a Canadian entry visa or just eTA. Depending on what you need, gather all the documents and adhere to additional steps if you come from certain countries.

Documents Required to Visit as a Tourist

• a valid passport (regular, official, or diplomatic) from most countries (there are some exceptions)
• alien’s passport for stateless persons
• US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
• US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
• other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

• Form IMM 5476 – For family members who are applying on behalf of the visitor
• Form IMM 5645 – All applicants above 18 years old.
• Additional documents for Minors – Depending on whether the minor is traveling alone, with parents, or with someone else, additional travel authorization letters could be needed.

Required Documentation for Entry into Canada with a Visa

To enter Canada on a B-1/B-2 visa, you’ll need to provide certain documents that verify your identity and reason for your visit. These include:

• A valid passport or travel document.
• Proof of financial support for the duration of your stay.
• A letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada, if applicable.
• Documentation proving you will leave Canada after your visit.

This list is not exhaustive, and depending on your situation, additional documents like medical exam results or a police certificate may be required.

Applying for Electronic Travel Authorization

If you are from a visa-exempt country, instead of a visa, you’ll apply for an eTA. This is a much simpler process which you can complete online. You will need:

• A valid passport.
• A credit or debit card to pay the small fee.
• An email address.

The eTA is electronically linked to your passport and valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Travelers with a valid US B-1/B-2 visa also need an eTA to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. More detailed information can be found on how to apply for a visitor visa.

Additional Steps for Certain Nationalities

Nationals from countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya, among others, face additional scrutiny and may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). The application process includes submitting biometrics (photograph and fingerprints) and may involve an in-person interview at a Visa Application Center. For these individuals, starting the application process well in advance of travel is crucial to ensure all necessary steps are completed. When preparing your visa application, ensure that all your documentation is complete to avoid delays or rejections. For extensive and country-specific requirements, you can find step-by-step guidance on the official steps to apply for a visitor visa page.

Guidance for Traveling to Canada on a B-2 Visa

Below, you’ll find some key guidance on entering Canada with a B-1/B-2 visa, based on real visa holders’ experiences at the border:

1. A U.S. visa alone does not grant entry into Canada. As one user succinctly stated, “US visas are to enter the US…not canada.”
2. The U.S. government website quoted in the original post pertains to re-entering the U.S. from Canada or Mexico, not entering those countries from the U.S. As a commenter clarified, “Read that page again. It’s talking about coming back into the United States after departing to Canada or Mexico, not getting into either of those countries from the United States.”
3. Depending on your nationality, holding a valid U.S. B-1/B-2 visa may exempt you from needing a Canadian tourist visa for air travel to Canada. However, as one user explained, this “does NOT exempt you from applying for and getting an eTA (electronic travel authorization) online before traveling to Canada.”
4. To determine the specific entry requirements for your situation, consult the official Canadian government website. A helpful link was provided: “Answer the questions on the following site to determine what you need to enter Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html.”
5. Some nationalities, such as Mexicans, can enter Canada without a separate Canadian visa if they hold a valid U.S. visa, but they still need to obtain an eTA. As a commenter noted, “Mexicans only need an eTA visa to enter Canada which takes like 5 mins to complete, regardless if they have USA visa or not.”

In summary, while holding a U.S. B-1/B-2 visa may streamline the process of entering Canada for some nationalities, it does not automatically grant entry. Travelers must still meet the specific requirements for their situation, which may include obtaining an eTA or other documentation. Always consult official Canadian government resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information on entry requirements.

Read Next

Learn about the B-2 Visa Requirements

Learn about the B-2 Visa Application

Learn about the B-2 Visa Interview

Learn about the B-2 Visa Duration

Start here to learn about the B-2 visa

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

See author's posts