As of March 1, 2008, it is not necessary for citizens of Poland, Slovakia, Lithuania and Hungary to obtain visitor visas before travelling to Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada has removed the visitor visa requirement from these EU countries, with a view to some day removing visitor visa requirements from the last two EU countries that still require a visitor visa: Bulgaria and Romania. In order to obtain a visitor visa, one requires a letter of invitation from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada that establishes the Canadian’s source of income and ability to support the visitor for the duration of his visit. The visitor should also be able to confirm that he/she has ties to his/her country of citizenship including employment, to return to following the visit. Notwithstanding evidence submitted in support of the visitor visa application, it is a discretionary application and is often refused citing the intended visitor’s lack of ties to his/her country of citizenship.
Immigrating to Canada? Visit www.akcanada.com for more information or a free assessment.