You cannot visit Canada with a US B1/B2 visa. While the United States and Canada share a long border, they are separate countries with different immigration laws. A US visa does not grant you the right to enter Canada.
If you are planning to visit Canada, starting the visa application process well before your travel date is important. If you require assistance with the Canadian ETA processing, Visas for Future offers such services. To apply for Canada ETA click here.
What We’re Offering
We offer a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) processing service which will give you your Canada eTA within 24 hours after your application and will allow you to enter Canada.
- Multiple Entry
- $46.70
- Valid for five years
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Our order forms are easy and simple.
We validate your application.
We answer your questions.
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Entry rules for Canada from the United States
If you have a valid US B1/B2 visa and plan to visit Canada as a tourist or for casual business, keep in mind that you will need to get a separate Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) unless you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country. The eTA is required even if your stay in Canada is less than six months.
Documents:
- Valid US passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.1
Additional requirements:
- Proof of funds: Show evidence of enough money to support yourself during your stay (bank statements, credit cards, etc.).
- Documentation for your visit: Bring relevant documents like travel bookings or business invitations.
- Admissibility: You must be admissible to Canada, meaning no criminal record or factors making you ineligible.
Can any U.S. Visa be used for entry to Canada?
No, not any type of U.S. visa can be used for entry to Canada. Although having a valid U.S. visa can help demonstrate your ability to travel and meet certain financial requirements, it doesn’t automatically guarantee entry into Canada. Here’s a breakdown:
- For stays under six months:
- U.S. citizens with valid passports don’t need a visa but they need to complete the Advance CBSA Declaration.
- Holders of other U.S. visas (e.g., B1/B2, student visas) can visit as tourists for up to six months without a separate Canadian visa, but they still need an eTA (if applicable). They must meet immigration requirements like proof of funds and ties to their home country.
- For stays longer than six months:
- Regardless of U.S. visa status, everyone must apply for a separate Canadian visitor visa for stays exceeding 6 months.
US B1/B2 Visa holder’s requirements to visit Canada
US B1/B2 visa holders can visit Canada as tourists for up to six months without needing a separate visa, but there are some important requirements you’ll need to meet:
1. Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Canada.
2. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Unless you’re from a visa-exempt country, you’ll need an eTA.
3. Proof of sufficient funds: You’ll need proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada. This could include bank statements, credit cards, or cash.
4. Proof of ties to your home country: You’ll need to show that you have ties to your home country and intend to return after visiting Canada. This could include employment documents, property ownership, or family ties.
5. Not seeking employment or study in Canada: Your visit to Canada must be for tourism purposes only. You cannot work or study in Canada on a B1/B2 visa.
How do you Check if you need a visa or ETA to visit Canada?
The visa requirements for Canada depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, and mode of travel. If you are a citizen of the listed countries below, you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
Countries eligible for Canada eTA:2 3
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- British citizen
- British National (Overseas)
- British overseas citizen (eligible for readmission to the UK)
- British overseas territory citizen (Anguilla, Bermuda, BVI, Cayman, Falklands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, St Helena, Turks & Caicos)
- British Subject with right of abode in the UK
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong SAR (passport issued by HK SAR)
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel (national passport)
- Italy
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Papua New Guinea
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania (electronic passport holders)
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan (ordinary passport with ID number)
- United Arab Emirates
- Vatican City State (passport or travel document)
Countries requiring a visa for visiting or transiting Canada: 4
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Angola
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- China
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Congo (Democratic Republic)
- Congo (Republic)
- Cuba
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel (specific passport requirement)
- Ivory Coast
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- North Korea
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Macao
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Nicaragua
- Niger
- Nigeria
- North Macedonia
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Palestinian Authority
- Qatar
- Romania (certain passport types)
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Surinam
- Syria
- Taiwan (specific passport requirement)
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Timor-Leste
- Togo
- Tonga
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- Turkmenistan
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Here are the categories of travelers who are exempt from the eTA requirement for Canada: 5
1. Citizens of the United States
- U.S. citizens can enter Canada by air, land, or sea without an eTA, but they need to complete the Advance CBSA Declaration.
2. Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States (Green Card Holders)
- As of April 26, 2022, Green Card holders are also exempt from the eTA requirement, regardless of their nationality. However, they must carry the following documents when traveling to Canada:
- A valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document).
- A valid Green Card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States).
- An Advance CBSA Declaration.
3. Travelers with a Valid Canadian Visa
- If you already hold a valid Canadian visa (such as a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit), you do not need an eTA to enter Canada. Your visa will serve as your authorization to travel.
4. Travelers with Valid Status in Canada
- If you are currently in Canada with valid status (such as a visitor, student, or worker), you do not need an eTA to re-enter Canada if you are only visiting the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon and are returning directly to Canada.
5. Other Exemptions
- Her Majesty the Queen of Canada and any member of the Royal Family.
- Citizens of France who are residents of St. Pierre and Miquelon and are seeking to enter Canada directly from St. Pierre and Miquelon.
- Members of a flight crew who are in transit through Canada.
- Accredited diplomats consular officials, and their immediate family members.
- Members of the Armed Forces of a country that is a designated state for the Visiting Forces Act.
What is Canada Electronic Travel Authorization?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals who want to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. It’s like a visa but electronically linked to your passport and valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
How long can I stay in Canada with an ETA?
You can stay in Canada for six months with a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). However, remember that the final decision on how long you can stay rests with the border officer upon arrival. They may grant you a shorter stay based on various factors, like your purpose of visit, travel documents, and proof of funds.
Here are some things to remember:
- Six months is the maximum: Even if your eTA is valid for five years, your authorized stay in Canada cannot exceed six months per visit.
- Be prepared to explain your plans: During your immigration interview at the border, be ready to answer questions about your trip, including its purpose, duration, and financial support. Clear and honest communication can help ensure a smooth entry process.
- Extension may be possible: If you must stay longer than six months for legitimate reasons, you can apply for a visitor visa extension within Canada before your authorized stay expires.
What are the requirements for Canada ETA?
Here are the key requirements for obtaining a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA):6
Citizenship
- You must be a citizen of a country eligible for an eTA.
Passport:
- You must have a valid passport from your eTA-exempt country. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Canada.
Travel documents
- You need a return ticket or onward travel documents confirming you will leave Canada before your authorized stay expires.
Eligibility factors
- You must not be considered inadmissible to Canada due to criminal record, health concerns, or security reasons.
How much is the Canada ETA?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Canada costs $46.70. You can pay it online using a valid credit or debit card.
How to obtain an ETA for Canada?
Application process:
- Go to Visas for Future
- Click on “GET CANADA ETA NOW”
- Create an account or sign in by providing your Name, email, phone number, and nationality.
- Pay the application fee.
- Complete the intake form by providing your personal, passport, and travel information.
- Upload the required documents
- Carefully review your information, then submit your application.
Our team will validate your application and obtain your Canada eTA on your behalf. You will receive your Canada eTA in 24 hours after your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel from the USA to Canada on a visitor visa?
You can travel from the USA to Canada on a visitor visa! However, whether you need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) depends on a couple of factors:
1. Your nationality:
US citizens: If you’re a US citizen, you don’t need a visa or an eTA to visit Canada for tourism or business purposes for up to 6 months. However, you must still have a valid US passport.
Non-US citizens: If you’re not a US citizen, you may need an eTA or a visitor visa to travel to Canada, depending on your nationality.
2. Your purpose of visit:
Tourism or business for up to 6 months: You can use a visitor visa or an eTA if your purpose of visit is tourism or business and your stay is less than six months.
Work, study, or stay longer than six months: You will need a visitor visa (TRV) if you plan to work, study, or stay in Canada for longer than six months.
How often can I travel to the USA on a B1 B2 visa?
A US B1 B2 visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows you to visit the US for business or tourism purposes.
Can a B1/B2 visa be converted to a green card?
No, a B1/B2 visa cannot directly be converted to a green card.
Do I need a Canadian visa if I have a U.S. F1 visa?
Yes, you would need a separate visa to visit Canada even if you have a valid U.S. F-1 visa.
Can I travel to Canada with a U.S. H-1B visa?
No, having a valid U.S. H-1B visa doesn’t automatically grant you entry to Canada. While it allows you to live and work in the US, Canada has its separate entry requirements for foreign nationals.
- Canada,. (2023). Travel and identification documents for entering Canada. Cbsa-Asfc.gc.ca. <https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/td-dv-eng.html> [↩]
- Electronic travel authorization (eTA): Who can apply. (2020, October 6). Www.canada.ca; Government of Canada. <https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/eligibility.html> [↩]
- Entry requirements by country/territory – Canada.ca. (2023, September 14). Canada.ca; Government of Canada. <https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/entry-requirements-country.html> [↩]
- Electronic travel authorization (eTA): Citizens from some visa-required countries. (2023). Canada.ca. <https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/eligibility/eta-x.html> [↩]
- Entry requirements by country or territory – Canada.ca. Canada.ca. (2022). <https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/entry-requirements-country.html#eta-exemptions> [↩]
- Canada International Travel Information. (2019). State.gov. <https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Canada.html> [↩]
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Written by
Apple Gajes 
Apple is a skilled content writer of Visas For Future who had a bachelor's degree in Education. She does well at producing high-quality visa articles and continuously upgrading her skills by actively engaging herself to various courses and training opportunities. She also contributes to travel forms and visa fulfillment in Turkey and India. Committed to writing exceptional visa articles, she performs real visa orders and provides customer support quarterly to stay abreast of the visa processing process.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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MLA Style
Gajes, Apple. "Can I Visit Canada With US B1/B2 Visa?." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/can-i-visit-canada-with-us-b1-b2-visa/. Accessed on 23 October 2023.
Chicago Style
Gajes, Apple. "Can I Visit Canada With US B1/B2 Visa?." Visas For Future. October 23, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/can-i-visit-canada-with-us-b1-b2-visa/.