By Parvinder Sandhu

Anybody who wants to come to Canada as a tourist, to visit a family in Canada, business traveler, students and temporary workers is described as visitor according to the statute books. The Canadians believe that visitors bring important economic, social and cultural benefits to Canada, contribute to Global Trade and Cooperation and promote international understanding.

Some business visitors may enter Canada more easily under the provisions of trade agreements signed by Canada. The prominent agreements are as follows: 1) Temporary Entry to Canada under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) 2) Temporary Entry to Canada under the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement 3)Temporary Entry to Canada under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).

Visitors to Canada must satisfy an immigration officer that: They would return to their home country and will not try to stay in Canada; they are in good health (some visitors may be asked to undergo a medical examination at their own expense); they do not have a criminal record or are a security risk; they have sufficient funds to cover travel costs and support themselves in Canada.

Usually visitors may stay for six months. If they wish to stay longer, they must apply for a visitor extension. Generally visitors are not allowed to work or study while in Canada without authorization. Visitors to Canada are not eligible for provincial health coverage and are advised to obtain medical insurance for the period of their stay. While nationals of more than 130 countries need visitor visas to enter Canada, nationals of 60 countries are exempted from the requirement of a visitor visa.

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