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Assistance outside Canada

Contact information for Canadian embassies and consulates abroad, what to do and how to get help in case of emergency when you are travelling in a foreign country, and how to ask us questions and give us feedback.

Services and information

Travelling and need answers? Try our interactive tool.

About consular services

How Canadian consular officials may be able to help you.

Embassies and consulates

Find the location of, and contact information for, Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates abroad.

Request emergency assistance

Contact information for Canadians requiring emergency consular assistance.

Canadian Consular Services Charter

This charter outlines the consular services the Government of Canada may provide to Canadians.

Consular officers in action

Meet some of Canada’s dedicated consular officers who help thousands of Canadians travelling and living abroad each year.

What we are doing

Policies, acts and regulations.

• Canadian Passport Order
• Citizenship Act
• Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act
• Foreign Missions and International Organizations Act

Publications

• Bon voyage, but… Essential information for Canadian travellers
• A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Well on Your Way: a Canadian's Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad

All related publications

• Emergency contact form
• Registration of Canadians Abroad
• Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

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Travel Advisory July 17, 2023

Canada - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Canada.

Read the Country Information page for additional information on travel to Canada.

If you decide to travel to Canada: 

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Canada.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.  Exercise normal precautions in Canada.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Valid at time of entry

One page required.

Not required for stays under 180 days

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Ottawa

490 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8 Canada Telephone:  +1 (613) 688-5335 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (613) 238-5335 Fax:  +1 (613) 688-3082 Email:   [email protected]

The Ottawa consular district includes the counties of Kingston, Lanark, Leeds, Prescott, Refrew, Russell, and Stormont in Eastern Ontario, and those parts of the Québec regions of Outaouais and Abitibi-Témiscamingue near Ottawa.

U.S. Consulate General Montreal

1134 Rue Ste- Catherine West Montréal, Quebec H3B 1H4 Canada Telephone:  +1 (514) 398-9695 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (416) 645-9124 Fax:  +1 (514) 398-9748 Email:  [email protected]

The Montreal consular district includes Greater Montreal and the regions of Southern Quebec Province (Laurentides, Lanaudiere, Laval, Montreal, Montregie, Estrie, and the southern parts of Centre-du-Quebec), including Joliete, Drummondville, and Sherbrooke.

U.S. Consulate General Toronto

360 University Ave Toronto, Ontario M5G 1S4 Canada Telephone:  +1 (416) 595-1700 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (416) 201-4056 Fax:  +1 (416) 595-5466 Email:  [email protected]

The consular district includes the province of Ontario except for the counties of Kingston, Lanark, Leeds, Prescott, Refrew, Russell, and Stormont, which are served by the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa.

U.S. Consulate General Vancouver

1075 West Pender Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 2M6 Canada Telephone:  +1 (604) 685-4311 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (604) 685-4311 Fax:  +1 (604) 685-7175 Email:  [email protected]

The consular district includes British Columbia and the Yukon Territory.

U.S. Consulate General Halifax

Purdy's Wharf Tower II 1969 Upper Water Street, Suite 904 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3R7 Canada Telephone:  +1 (902) 429-2480 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (902) 429-2480, Press 1 Email:  [email protected]

The Halifax consular district includes New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the French islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

U.S. Consulate Winnipeg

201 Portage Avenue, Suite 860 Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 3K6 Canada Telephone:  +1 (204) 940-1800 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (403) 266-8962 and press "0" for assistance (Consulate General Calgary) Fax:  +1 (204) 940-1809

The Consulate in Winnipeg provides only emergency services for U.S. citizens. Routine services such as visas, passports and notarials are handled at other U.S. Consulates General, primarily Calgary.

U.S. Consulate General Quebec  2, rue de la Terrasse Dufferin (Vieux Quebec, behind Chateau Frontenac) Quebec, Quebec G1R 4T9 Canada Telephone:  +1 (418) 692-2095 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (418) 692-2096 Fax:  +1 (418) 692-4640 Email:   [email protected]

The consular district includes Quebec City and those regions of Quebec Province to the North and East of the Montreal and Ottawa Districts (indicated above) – to include the area around Saguenay/Lac Saint-Jean, Rimouski and the Gaspé Peninsula – as well as the Territory of Nunavut.

U.S. Consulate General Calgary  615 Macleod Trail S.E., 10th Floor Calgary, Alberta T2G 4T8 Canada Telephone:  +1 (403) 266-8962 Fax:  +1 (403) 264-6630 Email:   [email protected] The consular district includes Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories, excluding Nunavut.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

For tourist visits to Canada of less than 180 days, U.S. citizens do not need visas. Other types of travel generally require visas. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for current information.

If you have a criminal record, you may be unable to enter Canada. To determine whether you are criminally inadmissible and get information about how to overcome this finding, refer to the  IRCC website .  Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials determine if you can enter Canada in accordance with Canadian law.  

Travel Programs:  Both the U.S. and Canadian governments urge frequent travelers to join the  NEXUS trusted traveler program .

Entry into Canada:  Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens.

Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.

Entry into the United States:  When traveling by air from Canada, U.S. citizens must present a U.S. passport book or other approved identification document. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website provides a full list of allowable documents.

Travel with Minors:  If you plan to travel to Canada with a minor for whom you do not have full legal custody, CBSA may require a letter of authorization from the minor’s parents or legal guardian(s). Please refer to the  CBSA website  for more details.

Private Boaters Entering Canada:  Canadian law requires all foreign private boaters, including recreational vessels, to present themselves upon their arrival in Canada to the CBSA. See the  CBSA website  for relevant reporting requirements.

Private Boaters Exiting Canada: Boaters may report their arrival to the United States or apply for a registered boater program using the CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile (CBP ROAM) app. Please visit the  CBP ROAM webpage for more information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to Canada. For information on restrictions for HIV positive foreign residents of Canada visit the IRCC website .

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

911 is the emergency telephone number in Canada.

Crime: Although Canada generally has a lower crime rate than the United States, violent crimes occur throughout the country, especially in urban areas. Criminals may target parked cars, especially in large cities and popular tourist destination, for opportunistic smash-and-grab thefts. Do not leave unattended possessions in a vehicle, even in the trunk. Some jurisdictions such as Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver may fine you for leaving your car doors unlocked or for leaving valuables in view. Pickpockets may target you, especially in popular tourist areas. Exercise caution. Safeguard yourself and your property.

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

While there is a very small likelihood of violence at a political gathering in Canada, we strongly encourage U.S. citizens to avoid all protests and demonstrations and maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness when traveling abroad.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.  Report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +1(613) 688-5335. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

•    Help you find appropriate medical care

•    Assist you in reporting a crime to the police

•    Contact relatives or friends with your written consent

•    Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion

•    Provide a list of local attorneys

•    Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.

•    Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution

•    Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home

•    Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulates for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. 

Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. If you are considering travel outside of populated areas, particularly in the northern Arctic territories, you need to know that search and rescue capabilities are limited because of extreme isolation and the harsh climate. You must be prepared for significant delays in receiving emergency assistance in these areas and plan accordingly.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .  

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Controlled Substances:  Canadian law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. Canada has legalized the personal consumption of recreational cannabis, but Canadian law prohibits taking cannabis across Canada’s national borders . Drug smugglers risk substantial fines, a permanent bar from Canada, and imprisonment.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

Firearms : Canada controls firearms more strictly than the United States. Violation of firearms restrictions may result in prosecution and imprisonment.

Visitors bringing any firearms or ammunition into Canada must declare the firearms in writing using a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. If you plan to borrow and use a firearm in Canada, you must obtain a Temporary Firearms Borrowing License in advance. You must present these forms in triplicate and sign them in front of a CBSA officer at the border. (It is not possible to make photocopies at the border). Full details and downloadable forms are available at the Canadian Firearms Program website .

Canadian law requires officials to confiscate firearms, ammunition, and other weapons from persons crossing the border who do not declare having the items in their possession. Officials will not return confiscated firearms, ammunition, and weapons and possession of any of these items may result in your arrest and imprisonment. You should inspect all belongings thoroughly before traveling to Canada to avoid the accidentally importing firearms, ammunition, or other weapons.

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Canada. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Pornography: Canada has strict laws concerning child pornography, and in recent years there has been an increase in random checks of electronic media of travelers entering Canada.

Canadian officials may search your computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices without a warrant at the border and illegal content can result in the seizure of the device as well as detention, arrest, and prosecution of the bearer.

Tax Issues:  For information on U.S. Federal tax issues, please refer to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website for international taxpayers .

• Refer to this link for reporting requirements regarding Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) .
• Refer to this link for information on the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) .
• Refer to this link for information about the Voluntary Disclosure Practice .

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Canada prohibitsdiscrimination against persons with physical or mental disabilities and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. For more information, visit the Accessibility Standards Canada website .

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Canada, dial 911 . Ambulance services are widely available.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with Health Canada to ensure the medication is legal in Canada.

Healthcare in Canada : The level of public health and sanitation in Canada is high. Adequate health facilities are available throughout Canada.  Canada’s medical care is of a high standard but is government controlled. Access to ongoing medical care is difficult for temporary visitors who are not members of a Canadian province’s government-run health care plan. Many physicians will not take new patients. Specialist care is only by referral and may take months to obtain. Although trauma-care is on par with that in the United States, emergency room waits for non-life threatening problems can be very long. Some health care professionals in the Quebec may only speak French.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all CDC-recommended vaccinations .

Further health information:

World Health Organization U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Air Quality:  Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery: We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Pharmaceuticals:  U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:  If you are considering traveling to Canada to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  As in the United States, all emergency assistance in Canada can be reached by dialing 911.

For detailed information on road conditions throughout Canada, as well as links to provincial government websites, please see the Transport Canada website or the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) website. The CAA honors American Automobile Association memberships. Automobile warranties of vehicles purchased in the United States may not be valid in Canada.

Winter travel can be dangerous due to heavy snowfalls and hazardous icy conditions. Some provinces require snow tires. CAA has tips for winter driving . Both winter conditions and wildfires may prompt the sudden closure of highways. Provincial ministries of transport typically post closures and other alerts about road conditions on their websites.

Traffic Laws:  Driving in Canada is similar to driving in many parts of the United States. Distances and speeds, however, are posted in kilometers per hour and some signs, particularly in Québec, may only be in French. U.S. driver’s licenses are valid for visitors in Canada. Proof of auto insurance is required. U.S. auto insurance is accepted  for tourists in Canada. For specific information concerning Canadian driving permits, mandatory insurance, and entry regulations, please contact the Canadian National Tourist Organization .

Some provinces require drivers to keep their vehicles’ headlights on during the day and some have banned driving while using a hand-held cell phone. Motorcycles cannot share a lane, and safety helmets for motorcycle riders and passengers are mandatory.

It is illegal to take automobile radar detectors into Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, the Yukon, or the Northwest Territories, regardless of whether they are used. Police may confiscate radar detectors and impose substantial fines.

Drivers approaching border crossings into the United States may encounter traffic backups. Drivers should be alert, as lane restrictions at border approaches exist for drivers in NEXUS and FAST expedited inspection programs.

Public Transportation: Public transportation options vary across Canada, but all cities and most major towns have a public transit system .

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Canada’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Canada’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Canada should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Canada .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

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Official travel: Passports for people travelling on Government of Canada business

This section contains information for

• representatives of the Government of Canada, and
• people travelling on Government of Canada-related business

Find out how to get a special or diplomatic passport (official passport) and a visa if you need to travel on official government business or are representing the Government of Canada abroad. If you need to travel  urgently , contact us .

Most requested

• Find a form
• Check processing times
• Contact Official Travel
• Get help with your application

Services and information

Apply for a special or diplomatic passport for an adult or renew one.

Who can apply, who can renew, how to apply, forms, fees and processing times for special or diplomatic passports for adults.

Apply for a special or diplomatic passport for a child

Who can apply, how to apply, forms, fees and processing times for special or diplomatic passports for children.

Apply for a foreign visa

Find out if you need a visa for your destination and how to apply.

Return your passport or get your passport from safekeeping

How to return a passport after a trip or get your passport for an upcoming official business trip.

Contributors

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

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Information by country and territory.

Canada's presence abroad includes embassies, consulates, high commissions and trade offices . Canada also maintains a number of permanent missions to international organizations.

The information below offers a comprehensive view of Canada's travel advice and advisories, basic country information, the name of Canada's representative at the relevant Canadian government office abroad, the location of relevant trade offices and information for Canadians abroad requiring assistance, and information about Canada's international development assistance in that country.

Countries and territories starting with the letter A

• Doing business in Afghanistan
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Afghanistan
• Doing business in Albania (served by Rome, Italy)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Albania
• Doing business in Algeria
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Algeria
• Doing business in American Samoa (served by Auckland, New Zealand)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - American Samoa
• Doing business in Andorra (served by Madrid, Spain)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Andorra
• Doing business in Angola (served by Maputo, Mozambique)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Angola
• Doing business in Anguilla (served by Bridgetown, Barbados)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Anguilla
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Antarctica
• Doing business in Antigua and Barbuda (served by Bridgetown, Barbados)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Antigua and Barbuda
• Doing business in Argentina
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Argentina
• Doing business in Armenia (served by Moscow, Russia)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Armenia
• Doing business in Aruba (served by Bogota, Colombia)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Aruba
• Doing business in Australia
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Australia
• Doing business in Austria
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Austria
• Doing business in Azerbaijan (served by Ankara, Türkiye)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Azerbaijan
• Doing business in Azores (served by Lisbon, Portugal)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Azores

Countries and territories starting with the letter B

• Doing business in Bahamas (served by Kingston, Jamaica)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Bahamas
• Doing business in Bahrain (served by Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Bahrain
• Doing business in Bangladesh
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Bangladesh
• Doing business in Barbados
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Barbados
• Doing business in Belarus (served by Warsaw, Poland)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Belarus
• Doing business in Belgium
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Belgium
• Doing business in Belize (served by Guatemala City, Guatemala)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Belize
• Doing business in Benin (served by Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Benin
• Doing business in Bermuda (served by New York, U.S.A)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Bermuda
• Doing business in Bhutan (served by New Delhi, India)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Bhutan
• Doing business in Bolivia (served by Lima, Peru)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Bolivia
• Doing business in Bonaire (served by Bogota, Colombia)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Bonaire
• Doing business in Bosnia and Herzegovina (served by Budapest, Hungary)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Doing business in Botswana (served by Harare, Zimbabwe)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Botswana
• Doing business in Brazil
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Brazil
• Doing business in British Virgin Islands (served by Bridgetown, Barbados)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - British Virgin Islands
• Doing business in Brunei Darussalam
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Brunei Darussalam
• Doing business in Bulgaria (served by Bucharest, Romania)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Bulgaria
• Doing business in Burkina Faso
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Burkina Faso
• Doing business in Burundi (served by Nairobi, Kenya)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Burundi

Countries and territories starting with the letter C

• Doing business in Cabo Verde (served by Dakar, Senegal)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Cabo Verde
• Doing business in Cambodia
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Cambodia
• Doing business in Cameroon
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Cameroon
• Doing business in Canary Islands (served by Madrid, Spain)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Canary Islands
• Doing business in Cayman Islands (served by Kingston, Jamaica)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Cayman Islands
• Doing business in Central African Republic (served by Yaoundé, Cameroon)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Central African Republic
• Doing business in Chad (served by Yaoundé, Cameroon)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Chad
• Doing business in Chile
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Chile
• Doing business in China
• Travel Advice and Advisories - China
• Doing business in Colombia
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Colombia
• Doing business in Comoros (served by Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Comoros
• Doing business in Cook Islands (served by Auckland, New Zealand)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Cook Islands
• Doing business in Costa Rica
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Costa Rica
• Doing business in Côte d'Ivoire
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Côte d'Ivoire
• Doing business in Croatia
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Croatia
• Doing business in Cuba
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Cuba
• Doing business in Curaçao (served by Bogota, Colombia)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Curaçao
• Doing business in Cyprus (served by Athens, Greece)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Cyprus
• Doing business in Czechia (Czech Republic)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Czechia

Countries and territories starting with the letter D

• Doing business in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (served by Seoul, Republic of Korea)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
• Doing business in Democratic Republic of Congo
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Democratic Republic of Congo
• Doing business in Denmark
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Denmark
• Doing business in Djibouti (served by Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Djibouti
• Doing business in Dominica (served by Bridgetown, Barbados)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Dominica
• Doing business in Dominican Republic
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Dominican Republic

Countries and territories starting with the letter E

• Doing business in Ecuador
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Ecuador
• Doing business in Egypt
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Egypt
• Doing business in El Salvador
• Travel Advice and Advisories - El Salvador
• Doing business in Equatorial Guinea (served by Lagos, Nigeria)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Equatorial Guinea
• Doing business in Eritrea (served by Nairobi, Kenya)
• Travel Advice and Advisories - Eritrea
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I am an American citizen. What do I need to enter Canada?

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New entry requirement now in effect

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• Canada – Changes to Temporary Foreign Worker Program

GMS Flash Alert 2024-091

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Jump to:  More Details |  Canada’s ‘Soft Cap’ on Temporary Residents    

On March 21, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced changes to its Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), including modifications to the validity period of Labour Market Impact Assessments and to the cap for low-wage temporary foreign workers employed by employers in certain sectors. 1   

The new measures were announced as Canada reviews its immigration policies.  Due to rising challenges in housing, health-care, and other labour market conditions, Canada’s government is adjusting the TFWP to help ensure the program continues to be used for positions where there are no available Canadians or permanent residents to fill the roles. 

WHY THIS MATTERS

The shorter duration for foreign nationals to apply for a work permit once they receive a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and the reduction in the cap for low-wage temporary foreign workers employed in certain sectors may mean less flexibility or convenience in terms of hiring foreign nationals.  

More Details

The TFWP is designed to issue work permits to foreign nationals who can help fill labour shortages in Canada.  Employers seeking to hire foreign nationals through the TFWP must support work permit applications with a LMIA, which demonstrates that there are no qualified Canadians or permanent residents to fill the role. 

During COVID-19, Canada released a series of temporary measures to help address labour market needs, including temporarily increasing the validity period of an LMIA to 12 months.

What’s Changing?

Effective May 1, 2024, LMIAs will be valid for a period of six months, resulting in a shorter duration for foreign nationals to apply for a work permit. 

Additionally, the cap for low-wage temporary foreign workers employed by employers in certain sectors will decrease from 30 percent to 20 percent. 

Canada’s ‘Soft Cap’ on Temporary Residents

Immigration Minister Marc Miller also announced that Canada is expected to reduce the population of temporary residents in Canada over the next three years. 2   Specifically, Canada is planning to reduce the temporary resident population in Canada from 6.2 percent to 5 percent by 2027 to help manage the recent increase in temporary residents in Canada.  In January, IRCC announced that it was setting an intake cap on international student applications for a period of two years (see GMS Flash Alert 2024-036 , February 6, 2024). 

KPMG INSIGHTS

Government’s Plans and Goals

The Canadian government is expected to include temporary residents in its annual immigration levels plan, which is expected to be released in the fall.  IRCC will be conducting a review of the government’s temporary worker permit programs, with the goal of better aligning with current labour market conditions. 

As Canada continues to review current immigration policies, KPMG will continue to monitor and report on important updates.

Employers’ Considerations

As Canada reviews its immigration policies, employers may need to proactively review and adjust their foreign workforce strategies.

Employers will need to assess and manage their labour needs as they may have less flexibility in hiring foreign nationals instead of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Employers in sectors with low-wage positions may need to fill more vacancies with Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or other residents.

*      *      *      *

Immigration legislation and practices continue to change frequently.  Individuals who have questions or concerns about the new measures are encouraged to contact their usual immigration counsel or KPMG Law LLP (see the Contacts section) for further guidance. 

1  Employment and Social Development Canada, " Government of Canada to adjust temporary measures under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program Workforce Solutions Road Map " (March 21, 2024).

2  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, " Speaking notes for the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship: Announcement related to Temporary Residents

Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Canada.

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