Canada visa requirements for Chinese citizens

Are you a Chinese citizen planning a visit to Canada? Understanding the Canadian visa requirements for Chinese citizens might seem daunting at first. However, this is critical information for a smooth voyage. This detailed guide seeks to clarify the procedure, including the type of visa required, how to apply, what evidence is required, how much it costs, and the importance of certified translation.
Chinese citizens need a visa to enter Canada because they are not eligible for the eTA program.

Do Chinese Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Canada?

Yes, if you are a Chinese citizen, you need a visa to enter Canada, regardless of the reason. To do this, you will need to fill out an online application, provide supporting documents, and attend an interview if required.

Can Chinese go to Canada with a US visa?

The most common question among Chinese tourists is about whether they can get into Canada with a valid U.S. visa without seeking a Canadian visa. The answer to that is in the negative, a U.S visa does not confer an entry right to Chinese passport holders in Canada. Canada and the United States have different immigration policies, and being allowed to access the U.S. does not necessarily ensure one access to Canada.

The Chinese citizens do not generally have access to Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). But one particular exception applies to the eTA expansion policy in Canada:

Chinese citizens with valid U.S. non-immigrant visa AND that come to the country by air may be eligible to hold an eTA rather than a visa.

This exemption is not provided to all Chinese nationals and is only given to some of them as they depart. The travelers still have to comply with Canadian admissibility requirements, and it is the Canadian border officers who make the final decision.

A Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) remains, nevertheless, a compulsory document of most Chinese travelers, whether they hold a U.S. visa or not, entering the country either by land or sea.

When a U.S. Visa Helps Chinese Travelers Enter Canada

Despite the fact that a U.S. visa is not a substitute of a Canadian visa, it may be useful in the following cases:

1. eTA Eligibility (Air Travel Only)

Some Chinese citizens may apply for an eTA using their valid U.S. visa if they qualify under the eTA expansion program.

2. U.S. Transit to Canada

Chinese tourists can fly to a U.S. airport and travel further to Canada, although they are also required to have either an eTA (when eligible) or a Canadian TRV.

3. Stronger Travel History

A valid U.S. visa can support a TRV application by demonstrating reliable travel history.

What Type of Visa Do Chinese Citizens Need to Visit Canada?

Chinese citizens traveling to Canada for tourism, business, or short-term visits must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Those who plan to study need a valid Study Permit instead. Processing times vary, but Canada Visitor Visa applications from China typically take several weeks or more, depending on IRCC workload

It is important to remember that having a visa does not guarantee entry into Canada; it only allows you to travel to a port of entry where an immigration officer will determine whether you are eligible to enter Canada.

If you plan to stay in Canada for a longer period, you may want to consider applying for a Canadian work permit or a permanent resident visa. Before applying for a visa, you should always check the specific requirements for your visit on the official Canadian government page. If you want to visit Canada for a short period, here are some of the reasons why they may issue a visa or permit:

• To visit family or friends.
• To visit Canada for business.
• To visit Canada for work.
• Visiting Canada for study.
• Visiting Canada to travel to another destination (transit).
• Visit the Canadian border to gather immigration information.
• Travelling to Canada for medical care.

This list is not exhaustive, if you want to know more about all the circumstances under which you can visit the Government of Canada website for full details on entry categories for Chinese citizens

Check Canada visa requirements for Chinese citizens 

China passport holders are NOT ELIGIBLE for eTA. If you plan to go from China to Canada, you must complete certain requirements before applying for a visa, such as:

• You must be at least 18 years of age to apply as a principal visa applicant.
• If you are applying as a minor, you must submit a letter of authorisation and a birth certificate.
• You must assure the visa officer that you will leave Canada after the designated period of stay (for temporary visas).
• You must be able to demonstrate that you are financially capable of supporting yourself and any dependent family members during your stay in Canada (applies to temporary visas).
• You must agree not to work or study in Canada without proper authorisation (applies to temporary visas).
• You must demonstrate to the visa officer that you do not pose a security risk to Canada.
• You must not have a criminal record.
• You must demonstrate that you are in good health.
• You must provide all documents requested by the visa officer.
• Any document not in English or French must be translated by a certified translator

2. How to Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa (TRV) for Chinese Citizens

Citizens of China need to apply for a visa at the Canada Embassy in China

• Choose the visa program that's right for you: learn about the various immigration programs available and determine which one meets your goals, whether it's to work temporarily in Canada or to obtain permanent residency.
• Check if you are eligible to apply: Ensure that you meet the specific criteria outlined in your chosen immigration program or visa.
• Undertake the necessary assessments: Undertake a medical examination as required by the visa programme. Depending on the programme, you may be required to take a language proficiency test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for obtaining a foreign qualification.
• Gather the necessary documents: Gather all the required documents that we have previously listed for the programme you have chosen, including general documents such as a passport and specific documents such as proof of acceptance for a Canadian student visa.
• Create a secure IRCC account: Creating an account on the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship (IRCC) platform will allow you to access all the forms and information you need regarding your application. You will need a GCKey username and password to register.
• Fill out a visa application form: You can fill out and submit a Canadian visa application form online on the IRCC system. You must apply online through IRCC, and complete biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Chin

If a supporting document is missing, include a Letter of Explanation (LoE)

• Pay the required fees: Depending on your circumstances, you may be allowed to pay the visa fee online, otherwise you will be asked to pay at the embassy or consulate. Make sure you pay all the required fees and keep the receipts.
• Attend the interview: After submitting your application and paying the required fees. Interviews are not commonly required for a Canada Visitor Visa, unless the visa officer requests one. Arrive on time for the interview, answer all questions correctly and honestly, and be willing to provide biometric information that will be requested, such as your fingerprints and photograph.
• Waiting for your visa: After your interview, wait patiently for a response regarding your visa status. If the Canadian government is satisfied with your application, you will be granted a visa within 15-30 days, but if not, you will receive a refusal letter. You can pick up your passport in person from the visa embassy or have it delivered to you by courier.

3. How to travel to Canada from China?

Traveling from China to Canada is a straightforward journey once you understand the required documents, available flight routes, and the arrival procedures in Canada. Whether you are visiting for tourism, business, study, or to see family, planning ahead will make the trip smooth and stress-free. Below is a complete guide on how to get to Canada from China.

1. Prepare Your Travel Documents

Before booking your ticket, ensure that your documents are ready:

• Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Canada.
• Canadian Tourism Visa (TRV): Chinese passport bearers are not eligible to apply for Canadian eTA, therefore a temporary residence visa is required. Apply online on the IRCC portal and complete biometric at the Center for Acceptance of Visa Records (VAC) in China.
• Study or Work Permit: If you go to Canada to study abroad or work, you need to apply for the right type of license before entering the country.
• Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended, especially for long trips or family travel.

Once your visa is approved and your passport returned with the visa sticker, you can move to the next step.

2. Book Your Flight from China to Canada

There are several direct and connecting flights from major Chinese cities to Canada. Popular departure airports include:

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
• Many airlines operate routes to Canada, such as Air China, China Southern, China Eastern, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, and Korean Air.

Direct flights are available to cities like:

• Vancouver (YVR)
• Toronto (YYZ)

If direct flights are unavailable, you can connect through Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, or Singapore.

3. Arrival Procedures in Canada

After landing in Canada, travelers must:

Go through immigration

Present your passport, visa, and any supporting documents. Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers may ask about your travel purpose and length of stay.

Provide biometrics confirmation

If required (usually already done at a VAC), officers may verify your biometrics.

Declare goods

Complete an arrival declaration form (electronic or paper). Declare food, cash over CAD 10,000, and other restricted items.

Collect luggage and exit

Once cleared, proceed to baggage claim and exit the airport.

4. Transportation After Arrival

Canada has reliable transportation from airports to cities:

• SkyTrain or Canada Line in Vancouver
• UP Express in Toronto
• Taxis, ride-hailing apps (Uber, Lyft), airport buses, and car rentals

Choose depending on your destination and budget.

Final Tips for Traveling from China to Canada

• Book flights early to get better prices.
• Check weather conditions- Canadian winters are very cold. Bring more important things like prescription drugs and travel adapters.
• Carry the copy of your visa approval letter and accommodation.