It is a question that many legal permanent residents of the United States often put forward whether or not having a U.S. Green Card is sufficient to cross over the border in Canada. The question is widespread and significant because of the very good travel associations between the U.S. and Canada. Knowing the rules will help you to avoid time wastes, rejections or inconveniences during last minute travels. Although a Green Card has some benefits in terms of travel, it does not necessarily ensure that a person gets access to Canada.
This paper will inform you of the requirements to know, the eligible people and the documents to carry when entering Canada with a green card.
What Does it Mean to be a Green Card Holder?
Green Card owner A green card holder is a legal permanent resident (LPR) of the United States who is not a U.S. citizen. In the case of Canada, even the holders of Green Cards are regarded as foreign nationals. This difference is quite important since the entry regulations in Canada are founded on nationality rather than on the U.S. status of living.
Because of this, it is not the Green Card, but to a great extent, your country of passage and the Canadian visa policy towards that country, that will determine whether you will be accepted to entering Canada with a green card. Just like this informative article, we at 2M Immigration, the best immigration consultant in Canada have shared earlier that who can visit Canada with felony? and this helped our readers ending their queries.
Is the Visa-Free Entry to Canada with a Green Card?
Yes–but not always in many instances. Canada permits some foreigners who possess a valid U.S. Green Card to travel to Canada without having a visitor visa provided that they travel by air and possess certain requirements. They only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a visa depending on their nationality.
But, when you are in a citizenship that usually needs a visa when you are entering Canada with a green card does not necessarily eliminate the need to have one in all circumstances when you are traveling to Canada and more so by land or sea.
That is why the travelers should never reckon that being a green card holder is a universally visa-free entry to Canada.
Mode of Travel Matters
Your entry plan to Canada is a very important factor in determining what you require in the form of documents.
Air: Visitors: the Green Card holder of a visa-required country is usually not required to possess a visitor visa, although he or she is required to obtain an eTA prior to the flight.
Overland, by sea: You may need a visitor visa, despite being a Green Card holder.
Air travel exemptions are a confusing factor and thus it is important to be sure of your particular mode of travel before making arrangements.
Minimum Conditions of entry
Although you may be a qualified traveler, you do not need a visa, the border officers will still check whether you satisfy the general requirements to enter Canada. These are possession of a valid passport, demonstration of legal U.S. permanent residence and open demonstration of your purpose of travel.
You will also have to persuade the officer that:
- Your stay is temporary
- You have sufficient funds
- And you shall depart Canada at the close of your visit.
- You are not a security, criminals and/or health threat.
Any failure to meet any of them may lead to rejection, irrespective of whether you have a Green Card or not.
Criminal and Medical Admissibility Are Still Relevant.
In Canada the admissibility is strict. The fact that you have been convicted of a crime, even a minor one, previously, can render you inadmissible. This is both in the case of tourists, students and business visitors.
Also medicine inadmissibility might be applicable under some circumstances and especially in case of long stay. The admissibility is considered by the border officials themselves, which is to say that a Green Card does not supersede the Canadian law.
Thus, a green card is still prone to background checks and the will of the officers upon arrival in Canada.
Length and Purpose of Stay
The vast majority of the Green Card holders are admitted as visitors within a period of six months. At this period, you are not allowed to work or study without authorization. The operations should be in line with visitor status i.e. tourism, family visit or brief business meetings.
In case you want to work, to study or to spend more time, it is necessary to apply to have the corresponding permit in advance. Trying to come as a visitor, but with an intention to work, one may be refused or banned in the future.
Canadian Authorities of Immigration.
Officers of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada make all final entry decisions. You can never be sure of acceptance even with the documented requirements.The law enforcers may interrogate the passengers, scan documents, and state the intent.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many tourists believe that entering Canada with a green card is enough. Others are not researching eTA eligibility or misunderstand the rules for land border crossings. The other mistake made is in not carrying any documentation showing US residency or intentions of returning.
You are supposed to confirm the most recent travel regulations before traveling to avoid inconvenience. It should not escape your memory that immigration policy may change all of a sudden and any misunderstanding of what they used to be will eventually become a reason for denial either of embarkation or admission.