Visa & Entry Requirements
International participants are encouraged to check Canadian entry requirements and begin any required immigration procedure well in advance of META 2027.
Most foreign nationals travelling to Canada require either a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on their nationality, passport and method of travel.
Participants should use the official Government of Canada eligibility tool to determine which travel document applies to them.
Check what you need to travel to Canada
International delegates attending meetings and conferences in Canada may qualify as business visitors, provided that their stay is temporary, they do not enter the Canadian labour market, and their principal place of business and source of income remain outside Canada.
Official information for conference and event participants: canada.ca — visitors to events and conferences
Participants who require a visa must apply for a Canadian Visitor Visa / Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
There is no separate conference visa. A standard visitor visa is used for eligible short-term business and conference visits. Biometrics may be required. Processing times vary, so participants should apply as early as possible.
Visitor Visa Information & Application
Detailed application page: ircc.canada.ca — visitor visa application
Visa-exempt travellers arriving in Canada by air may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
The eTA is applied for online. The official Government of Canada fee is currently CAD 7. Most applications are approved within minutes, although some may require additional processing.
General eTA information: canada.ca — about the eTA
META 2027 intends to register the conference with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through the Special Events Liaison Unit (SELU).
For qualifying international events, IRCC can provide a unique Special Event Code for visa-required participants. This allows IRCC to identify visa applications associated with the conference and coordinate their processing.
The Special Event Code does not guarantee visa approval and does not provide expedited processing.
Registered participants who require supporting documentation for their immigration application will be able to request an official META 2027 Invitation Letter.
The letter will confirm the conference details and the participant’s registration. It does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. The procedure for requesting invitation letters will be announced when registration opens.
Official IRCC guidance on supporting documents: canada.ca — common supporting documents
Visa-required participants should submit their applications as early as possible and before making non-refundable travel arrangements. Application processing times depend on the country of application and individual circumstances.
Visa and entry decisions are made exclusively by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and Canadian border authorities.
META 2027 and its organisers cannot influence visa decisions, guarantee approval, expedite individual applications or overturn a refusal. Participants remain responsible for ensuring that they hold the documents required to enter Canada.
Official Resources
The official eligibility tool — start here.
canada.ca →Information and application for the Temporary Resident Visa.
canada.ca →Online application for visa-exempt air travellers.
canada.ca →Official guidance for event and conference participants.
canada.ca →