Visa Information

Depending on where you live, you will need to meet certain entry requirements to visit Canada. Detailed information on travel to Canada, including visa information, can be found on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Web site. We recommend that you apply for your visa as early as possible.

Depending on your nationality, you may need to give your biometrics. The roll out of the biometric expansion is as follows:

Starting July 31, 2018 – applicants from Europe, Middle East and Africa
Starting December 31, 2018 – applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas

This is a mandatory requirement and you must appear in person at a Visa Application Centre in order to provide your fingerprints and photograph. Find the Visa Application Centre closest to you.

Application Processing Times

The official language of the Congress is English.

Canada does not have a visa office in every country so it is important that delegates visit the website of the Canadian visa office responsible for processing their visa application. Information is available on the website on how to submit a visa application and the documentation required.

Processing times for visa applications vary depending on the visa office and the time of the year. Participants are encouraged to apply approximately 12 weeks in advance of their departure date to ensure they receive the visa in time.

ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid visa. Read about the changes and how they may affect you.

For more information, please read here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/

Visa Invitation Letters

Please note that invitation letters for Visa purposes can only be issued to delegates who have successfully paid their registration fees. You will be able to print your invitation letter from your profile dashboard once you successfully registered and paid your registration fees.

We strongly recommend to allow sufficient time to apply for the visa. IPTA 2019 Secretariat will not be held liable for any failed visa applications. Should your Visa be declined, we will refund you the registration fees you have paid (less US$50 administration charge) when submitting document proof of visa denial. The deadline to submit a written refund request due to visa refusal is April 30, 2019. Official paperwork must be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or faxed to +1-514-874-1716.