International Delegates

Registered attendees may request a letter of invitation if required for the visa application. Invitation letters can be requested once registration and payment have been received in full. Please email registration@criticalcarecanada.com, providing the following information:

• Full name as shown on passport
• Complete Mailing address
• Employer
• Brief description of why you wish to attend the conference and how this will enhance your practice
• Email address where to respond

Requests with missing information cannot be processed. Processing time for an invitation letter is 3-4 weeks.
When you receive the letter, please print it and use it to obtain your travel documents. Please note, CCCF cannot assist with the Visa application process, funding for the conference, travel expenses, accommodation expenses or expenses for travel documents.

Review the information below prior to making a request for a letter of invitation.

The Special Events Unit of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has provided the following information to assist International Delegates with their Visa applications.

Submission of Applications

• Canada does not have a visa office in every country so it is important that delegates visit the website of the visa office responsible for processing their visa applications. Information is available on the website on how to submit a visa application and the documentation required.
• Delegates are encouraged to submit their visa applications well in advance of the date of the event at a Visa Application Centre or on-line E-applications (e-Apps).

e-Apps

• This system allows clients to submit applications online.
• Delegates that need a visa but require their passport for other travel purposes are strongly encouraged to submit their visa applications on-line (e-Apps).
• Delegates that choose to apply on-line will not have to submit their passport until a decision has been taken on their applications.
• If required, the visa office will send the applicant instructions on how and where to send their passports to finalize the visa process.

Visa Application Centres (VACs)

• VACs are commercial service providers authorized by Canada to provide specific services to applicants.
• VACs provide a number of services including help applicants fill out forms, answer questions and ensure that applications are complete, thereby reducing unnecessary delays or refusals due to incomplete applications.
• Applicants that are required to provide biometrics information as part of the visa application process can do so at a VAC. Additional information on the biometrics requirements is available at the CIC website.
• VACs send applications to Visa Offices and transmit decisions to applicants in a secure and confidential manner. VACs do not process visa applications and play no role in the decision-making process

Visa Applications Processing Times

• Processing time for visa applications vary depending on the office and the time of the year. Participants should be encouraged to apply early for their visas, and to submit complete applications including all supporting documents.
• Please visit the CIC website for information on processing times for visa applications at the various visa offices.
• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – effective since fall of 2015
  eTA is now a requirement for travellers who were previously able to travel to Canada without prior authorization. We invite you to consult the CIC website regularly for information updates on eTA.