Entering Canada (2024)

Topic:
VITAL STATISTICS; INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS;
Location:
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS;

February 25, 1998 98-R-0213

FROM: Chelsea Turner, Legislative Fellow

RE: Entering Canada

You asked what is the source of the rule that a birth certificate is required to enter Canada and who could be approached to request a change to that policy.

SUMMARY

Canada requires proof of citizenship or resident status to enter the country under §§14(3) and 14(4) of the Passport and Travel Documents section of the Immigration Regulations of Canada (enclosed). A birth certificate is one form of proof. A request to change this policy should be directed to either the Prime Minister of Canada or the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

VISITOR REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONS FROM THE UNITED STATES

The requirements for entry into Canada are laid out in the Immigration Regulations of Canada's Immigration Act. §§ 14(3) and 14(4) of the Passport and Travel documents section address the entry requirements (enclosed). A complete version of these regulations may be accessed from the following website: http://canada.justice.gc.ca/cgi-bin/folioisa.dll/eregs.nfo/query%3Dentering+canada/doc/%7B113025%7D.

According to Sue Lopez of the Canadian Consulate, while the specific documents needed for entry into Canada are not clearly laid out in the Regulations, the documents required are implicit within the language. The U.S. Visitors Travel Information Guide prepared by the Canadian Tourism Commission states that United States citizens and permanent residents entering Canada must have proof of their citizenship or residence status. For U.S. citizens, a passport or visa is not required. Instead, a birth certificate and one photo identification card may be used; however, a photo identification card by itself is not enough. For permanent residents of the United States, “Green Cards” may be used in lieu of their passports.

CONTACTS TO CHANGE IMMIGRATION POLICY

A request to change the immigration policy should be directed to either the Prime Minister of Canada or the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. Their contact information is as follows:

The Right Honourable Jean Chretien