UPDATE, 3/14: We’re still working to make sure your travel to RightsCon Toronto is as smooth as possible. To that end, we’re holding a second Visa Info Session on March 28, 2018 at 9AM EST. Interested in attending this call? Register here and share your questions about the visa process beforehand. (And remember, we are not your lawyers and can’t give you legal advice. If you anticipate any legal issues, please don’t rely on these tips alone. Your safety and security are vitally important!)
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So you’re joining us for the world’s leading summit on human rights in the digital age? Fantastic — we’re looking forward to seeing you! (Haven’t bought your ticket to RightsCon yet? No problem, you can still take advantage of early bird pricing for a short while longer.)
Now, what’s next?
With only a few months to go, we’re here to help you gear up for Toronto with a rundown on key questions you’ve asked about the visa process. Keep in mind, the visa process can take months, so we encourage you to begin your application as soon as possible. Also, remember that we aren’t your lawyers, and we can’t give you legal advice. If you anticipate any legal issues, please don’t rely on these tips alone — your well being and security are important!
- How do I know if I need a visa?
The Canadian government website has a brief and helpful quiz, which explains what you need to travel to the country.
- I’m traveling from a visa-exempt country. I don’t need to prepare anything, do I?
Actually, even if you don’t need a visa, you may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to Canada. This is a new requirement as of November 10, 2016. You can learn more about the process and apply for an eTA here.
- Preparing your visa application
It’s important to ensure you have all of the information and documentation you need before applying for your visa. You can check out this guide on the Canadian government website, which details the visa process, step by step.
- Getting a personalized visa letter
If you’re applying for a visa, you’ll need a personalized invitation letter to RightsCon Toronto. Just fill out this form and we’ll send the letter your way. Be sure to have handy your passport number, travel dates, and information on the embassy or consulate you’ll sending your application to.
- Where do I apply for a visa?
That depends on your location. You’ll need to find out which visa office is responsible for processing your visa application. There’s a complete list of Canadian visa offices available here.
Once you’ve determined which visa office you’ll be submitting to, there are two ways to submit your visa: online through an Electronic Application (e-Apps) or in person through submission at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). You can find information about requirements, timing, and more by visiting the links above.
Didn’t get the answer you need? Attend our Visa Application Info Session.
Our priority is making sure your arrival to RightsCon Toronto is hassle free. That’s why we’re working with a Canadian lawyer to host a Visa Application Info session next Thursday, February 15, 2018 at 9:00AM EST.
Interested in attending this call? Register here and share your questions about the visa process beforehand. In order to ensure the call is as helpful as possible, we’ll be containing the discussion to questions submitted by participants by February 13, 2018 at 11:59PM EST.
Please note that questions pertaining to travel support and sessions proposals will be communicated to you in an alternative forum. Please do not reveal any personally identifying information in your questions, and again, don’t rely solely on this general advice for your particular needs.
Can’t make the call? No problem. Afterwards, we’ll post all questions and answers on our travel and visa guide.
P.S. Looking for information on flights and accommodation? Check out our in-depth travel and visa guide, with a full list of frequently asked questions, available on our website here.