Canada does not have a visa office in every country so it is important that delegates visit the website of the Canadian visa office responsible for processing their visa application. Information is available on the website on how to submit a visa application and the documentation required.

Please be advised that the Secretariat requires 3-4 business days to process visa invitation letters.

It is recommended you start your visa application at least 12 weeks before the event you wish to attend. Visa invitation letters will only be issued to attendees who have paid their registration fee in full. In the case of payment not made with a credit card, the Secretariat needs to verify the registration payment has been received before providing a letter. Please note that cancellations after the preregistration cutoff may result in a partial or full cancellation fee.

A visa invitation letter is no guarantee to receive a visa and it is the sole responsibility of the attendee to contact the embassy or consulate to obtain the necessary paperwork for entry into the country.

The Secretariat reserves the right to refuse requests for visa invitation letters submitted 8 weeks prior to the event.

For Canadian visa applications, please visit the link below for processing times:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html 

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

As of November 10, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals are expected to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens, and travelers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents are not eligible to apply for an eTA.