Depending on your citizenship, you may require a visa to visit Canada. A visa is required for citizens of countries that do not have visa-exempt agreements with Canada. It is each participant’s responsibility to ensure all necessary documentation is in place such that they can travel to Canada. The following document is based on the information posted on the Government of Canada’s website and is only intended to provide an overview of the process to obtain a visa. Please ensure you have also read the Government of Canada’s website for complete information. If you have any questions about the process required to obtain a visa please contact the Government of Canada.

Temporary Resident Visa
The visa that is required to visit Canada for a short period of time (such as for a conference) is referred to as a Temporary Resident Visa. Countries and territories whose citizens require visas in order to enter Canada as visitors can be found at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

A visa exemption does not guarantee you automatic entry into Canada. You must satisfy an immigration officer that you are admissible as per the requirements that were set out on the Who is Eligible webpage.

How to apply for your Temporary Resident Visa
1. Obtain a Temporary Resident Visa application package: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visa.asp.
2. Read the guide.
3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents.
4. Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.
The fee per person is $75 for a single entry visa, $150 for a multiple entry visa or $400 for a family (multiple or single entry).
5. Mail the application form and necessary documents.
When you have completed the application form, make sure you sign and date it, and that all required documents and fees are included in the envelope. In most countries, application fees must be paid in Canadian dollars. You must send your application to the Canadian visa office in the country or region where you live. Check the guide in your application package for instructions.

Processing time
Application processing times will vary. You can find out more about application processing times here.

The Statistical information for Temporary Resident Visa applications processed at Canadian visa offices in 2007 is available here as a guideline.

Letter of Invitation
If you are asked to submit a Letter of Invitation from someone in Canada when applying for a Temporary Resident Visa, you must complete the following steps. For more information please visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/letter.asp

1. Register and pay the registration fee for participation in Summit 09 (http://www.summit09.ca/registration).

2. Reserve a Hotel
A list of hotels is available here. Please check the cancellation policy of the hotel you reserve to ensure that you will not be charged if your visa application is unsuccessful.

3. Email summit09@cybera.ca with the following information:
-Complete name
-Date of birth
-Your address and telephone number
-The institution/organization which you are employed by (please include name, URL and mailing address)
-How long you intend to stay in Canada
-The hotel name for which you have a reservation
-Confirmation that you have the necessary funds to cover miscellaneous expenses while in Canada
-The date you intend to leave Canada

4. Staff will ensure you have registered for the conference and confirm you have included all necessary information. A letter will be drafted as per the instructions on the Government of Canada website. If the letter must be notarized you will be required to cover the cost of notarizing.