The IRCC ‘Come to Canada’ wizard is a free, official online questionnaire that tells you exactly which document you need-an eTA, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), or a Study/Work Permit. By answering a few simple questions, it generates a Personal Reference Code that you use to seamlessly link your answers to your official IRCC secure account.
Planning a trip to Canada can be thrilling, but navigating the federal immigration website is often overwhelming. Whether you are coming to ski in Alberta, visit family in Toronto, or start a college degree in Nova Scotia, arriving at a Canadian port of entry without the correct travel document is a guaranteed way to be sent home. Many travellers are confused about whether they need a traditional visa or just a quick electronic authorization.
To solve this, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) created the “Come to Canada” wizard. 💻 This interactive tool removes the guesswork by analyzing your specific passport, travel history, and reason for visiting. It is completely free to use and ensures you apply for the exact document the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will demand when you step off the plane.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Using the tool is straightforward, but accuracy is paramount. A single wrong answer can lead you to apply for the wrong document, wasting your time and money. Here is how to use the wizard correctly.
Step 1: Access the Official IRCC Website
Always ensure you are on the official Government of Canada website (canada.ca). There are numerous scam websites that charge hundreds of dollars to evaluate your visa needs. The official Come to Canada tool is 100% free. Navigate to the immigration section and find the “Find out if you need a visa” link.
Step 2: Answer the Initial Questions
The wizard will begin by asking what you want to do in Canada (visit, study, work, or move permanently). 📜 It will also ask for the country code that matches your passport, your current country of residence, and your date of birth. Be sure to select the passport you will actually travel with if you hold dual citizenship.
Step 3: Provide Specific Background Details
Depending on your first answers, the tool will dynamically ask follow-up questions. It may ask if you hold a US Green Card, if you have a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident family member, or if you have previously provided biometrics (fingerprints) to IRCC in the past 10 years.
Step 4: Review Your Results
Once you finish the questionnaire, the tool will instantly tell you what you are eligible for. 🎉 It will clearly state, “You need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)” or “You need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).” It will also provide a list of exactly which documents you need to gather to complete the application, such as proof of funds or an invitation letter.
Step 5: Save Your Personal Reference Code
If you are directed to apply online, the final screen will display a Personal Reference Code (e.g., JM1234567890). Write this code down immediately. When you log into your IRCC secure account (via GCKey or Sign-In Partner), you will enter this code. The system will automatically pull all your wizard answers and populate the correct application forms for you.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
While the “Come to Canada” wizard is completely free, the actual immigration document it tells you to apply for will come with mandatory federal processing fees.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): If you are from a visa-exempt country, applying for an eTA costs just $7 CAD.
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): If you need a standard visitor visa, the application fee is $100 CAD.
- Study or Work Permits: A study permit costs $150 CAD, while an open work permit typically costs $255 CAD.
- Biometrics Fee: If the tool determines you need to provide fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre, you will pay an additional $85 CAD.
| Document Type | Estimated Processing Fee (CAD) | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| eTA | $7 | Visa-exempt citizens flying to Canada. |
| Visitor Visa (TRV) | $100 | Citizens of visa-required countries. |
| Study Permit | $150 | Programs longer than 6 months. |
| Biometrics | $85 | Most TRV and Permit applicants. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Completing the questionnaire takes less than 10 minutes. Once you use your reference code and submit the actual application, processing times vary heavily. An eTA is often approved within minutes via email. A Visitor Visa or Study Permit can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the backlog at the Canadian visa office responsible for your region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I lose my Personal Reference Code?
If you lose the code, you cannot retrieve it. You will simply need to go through the ‘Come to Canada’ wizard again and answer the questions to generate a brand new code.
Does the tool save my personal information?
No. The wizard is anonymous and does not ask for your name or passport number. It only links your answers to your application once you manually enter the reference code inside your secure IRCC account.
Can I apply for a visa without using the wizard?
Yes, but it is not recommended for beginners. If you log directly into your IRCC account, you can start an application from scratch, but using the wizard ensures you are guided to the exact correct form.
Does getting an eTA guarantee I can enter Canada?
No document guarantees entry. An eTA or a TRV only allows you to travel to a Canadian port of entry. The final decision is always made by a CBSA border services officer when you arrive.
What if I made a mistake in the questionnaire?
If you realize you answered a question incorrectly before submitting your final application and paying the fee, simply abandon that reference code, redo the wizard, and use the new code to start over.
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