Effective November 22, 2010, holders of ordinary Taiwan passports that contain a personal identification number and are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan no longer require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada.

Visa Waiver FAQ – What you need to know about the visa waiver

1. Why was the TRV requirement lifted for Taiwan?

Visa requirements are regularly reviewed as part of Canada’s visa policy process. Visa policy decisions are made based on an evidence-based assessment and on the principle of balance between welcoming visitors to Canada, and protecting the safety, security and health of Canadians. Following a technical review, it was decided to lift the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) requirement for ordinary Taiwan passports that contain a personal identification number and are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan. This decision has both lowered the cost and increased the convenience for Taiwanese travellers who wish to visit Canada for tourism, to study, or to do business, and will boost Canada’s significant commercial, cultural and people-to-people links with Taiwan.

2. Who is eligible?

Holders of regular Taiwan passports that (a) contain a personal identification number and (b) are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan may visit Canada for a period of up to six months visa free for purposes other than working (see details below).

3. Who is not eligible?

Holders of travel documents that do not (a) contain a personal identification number and/or (b) are not issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan – such as “Compatriot Passports” or return certificates – are not eligible for the visa waiver and must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa.

4. Does this change anything when I arrive in Canada?

No. Visa-free access does not imply automatic entry to Canada – visitors must still meet Canada’s admission requirements with or without a visa. Permission to enter Canada is granted only at the port of entry and is at the sole discretion Canadian border officials. In order to avoid unnecessary inconvenience, it is therefore strongly recommended that questions from border officials be answered truthfully at all times. For more information, please refer to Visiting Canada: Visa exempt – Important information for travellers.

5. How long will I be allowed to remain in Canada as a visitor?

The period of time that a person is allowed to remain in Canada is determined by an Immigration Officer when you arrive at a Canadian port of entry (airport or land border). Unless otherwise indicated, this period is up to six months.

6. What can I do if I want to stay in Canada longer than six months?

After your arrival in Canada, you may apply for an extension of time. Details and application forms are available at Visiting Canada: Extending Your Stay.

7. Can I study visa-free?

Yes. If you wish to study six months or less a Study Permit is not required. The Visa Waiver will be particularly convenient and beneficial for individuals who are interested in language studies or other shorter-term educational opportunities. Studying for more than six months still requires a Study Permit.

NOTE: If your initial course of study is under six months, but you intend to continue your studies in Canada at another course immediately afterwards, you should apply for a Study Permit. Once you obtain a Study Permit abroad, you may extend it in Canada. You may not, however, obtain a Study Permit in Canada, if you enter Canada as a visitor.

8. Can I work visa free?

With a few exceptions, the answer is no. Most occupations in Canada will require that you first obtain a work permit. For more information on working in Canada, please refer to www.cic.gc.ca .

9. What if I already have a study or work permit?

If you have left Canada but hold a regular Taiwan passport (which includes a personal identification number) and (b) still have a valid study or work permit, you do not require a TRV to re-enter Canada.

If you are in Canada and hold a regular Taiwan passport (which includes a personal identification number) with a valid study or work permit, you may remain in Canada and continue to work or study according to the validity dates on the permit.

10. How does the visa waiver affect the International Experience Canada (IEC) program?

If you have already obtained a Letter of Introduction (LOI) for the 2010 program, you are not affected by the visa waiver. However, you must be sure to travel to Canada before the expiry of your letter of introduction.

If you have a 2010 IEC application in process, the visa waiver will change how the Visa Section will finalize your case. Most notably, you will not need to send in your passport to obtain a TRV.

Please consult the International Experience Canada site for more information.

11. I have deposited the application fee at the bank, but have not lodged a TRV application yet or am still awaiting a decision on my application from the Visa Section. Can I get a refund?

For information on who is eligible for a refund and how to request one, please contact the Visa Section at Taipei-im-enquiry@international.gc.ca.

12. My TRV application was processed last week. Can I get a refund?

No. If a TRV was affixed in your passport or if you application was refused prior to November 22, 2010, you are not eligible to obtain a refund.

13. I was refused a visa to Canada in the past. Can I travel to Canada without a visa now that the requirement has been lifted?

If you were previously refused a visa to Canada, it is recommended that you contact the Visa Section to discuss your situation as you may still be inadmissible to Canada.

Note: a visa exemption does not guarantee you automatic entry into Canada. At the port of entry, you must still satisfy an immigration officer that you are admissible to Canada. For more information, please refer to: Visiting Canada: Visa exempt-Important information for travelers.

14. I was subject to a removal order from Canada in the past. Can I travel to Canada now that the visa requirement has been lifted?

If you were previously subject to a deportation or departure order, you may be inadmissible to Canada and/or require Authorization to Return to Canada. Before planning to travel, please contact the Visa Section to discuss your situation.

15. I am a Permanent Resident of Canada, but have not resided in Canada in the last five years. I intend to visit Canada. Can I travel to Canada on my Taiwanese passport?

A determination will have to be made as to whether you have lost your Permanent Resident status before you are admitted to Canada as a visitor. This determination may either be made at a Canadian port of entry or at the Visa Section in Taipei. Given the volume of travellers arriving at ports of entry across Canada, you risk delays at the border if you decide to have your Permanent Resident status determination made upon your entry to Canada. A Permanent Resident status determination can be made at the Visa Section in Taipei. If it is determined that you have lost your Permanent Resident status, an appropriate decision will be issued to you in writing and you will be free to travel to Canada as a visitor. If, on the other hand, there are reasons due to which you have retained your Permanent Resident status, we may issue you a Permanent Resident Travel Document, which will enable you to resume your residence in Canada. Please refer to the Permanent Resident Travel Document page for more information.

16. I am a Permanent Resident of Canada, but have lost my Permanent Resident Card. I intend to return to Canada. Can I travel to Canada on my Taiwanese passport?

It is recommended that you apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document at the Visa Office in Taipei. After the determination is completed, we may issue you a Permanent Resident Travel Document, which will enable you to resume your residence in Canada.

You may elect to travel directly to Canada without a Permanent Resident Travel Document. However, a determination will have to be made at a Canadian port of entry that you are indeed a Permanent Resident before you are admitted to Canada. Given the volume of travellers arriving at ports of entry across Canada, you risk delays. Additionally, you may face difficulties boarding a flight or in transit.