Q & A: Canadian Permanent Resident Visiting the USA

CIC News
Published: June 1, 2000

Q. I am a citizen of India and recently I settled in Canada as a Permanent Resident. I have a good full time job in Software with a Canadian Company. I need to go to USA for four days to attend a conference. The question is, do I need to obtain any kind of VISA to enter USA?

Answer: Citizens of a commonwealth country (I.e., India) with PR status in Canada are not required to obtain a passport visa to appear at the US port of entry. At the port of entry, an immigration official will determine your eligibility to enter the USA, and the duration of your allowed stay.

When you appear at the port of entry, you should be in possession of documentation regarding the conference, your ties to Canada, and a return ticket, if possible.

[Comment: Exemption from the requirement to obtain a passport visa does not mean automatic admissibility to the USA. As is the case with any applicant for temporary admission, with or without a visa, an immigration official at the port of entry to the USA is subject to determine admissibility and the duration of such.

Permanent Residents of Canada who are not citizens of a Commonwealth country, and who are not otherwise exempt from obtaining a passport visa, should arrange a visitor visa in advance of appearing at the US port of entry.]

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Top Stories
How long will my PGWP be valid for if I have completed more than one program of study?
February 2025: State of the Express Entry pool
New Brunswick begins reopening immigration programs
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Provinces
New Brunswick begins reopening immigration programs
The world's longest wood covered bridge, located in New Brunswick and a common touchstone for New Brunswick culture.
Ontario eases immigration requirements for self-employed physicians
Sitting man in physician's coat showing a patient in a yellow blouse sitting on a hospital bed her health chart.
Newfoundland and Labrador receives increased allocation of nominations, pauses application intake
A picturesque view of Trinity, a city along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador
Prince Edward Island holds first PNP draw in 2025
A red and white lighthouse standing along a coastline in the winter with a handful of homes behind it.
Link copied to clipboard