VISAs, Work Permits and Visitor Records
Initial Entry into Canada
As Commonwealth citizens, Service Personnel (SP) and their accompanying dependants do not require a visa to enter Canada. However, to obtain authority to remain in Canada for the full duration of the posting, specific documentation should be presented to Canadian Immigration Officials at the first point of entry.
The following documents should be available for inspection:
- UK passport(s) valid for the duration of the posting
- Letter of Acceptance from OUTCAN
- Assignment Order
- UK Military ID
- NATO Travel Order (optional)
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
- Dependant Approval‑in‑Principle letter from OUTCAN (for dependants)
Immigration processing times vary considerably. SP and families should expect wait times of approximately 45 minutes to 4 hours to be seen and issued with the appropriate documentation. Families travelling with young children may wish to bring quiet activities to help pass the time.
Work Permits and Visitor Records
Upon entry, Canadian Immigration Officials will issue the SP with either a Work Permit or a Visitor Record, normally valid until the end date of the Assignment Order (AO). If a passport expires during the posting, immigration documentation will only be issued up to the passport expiry date. SP are therefore strongly advised to ensure all passports are valid for the full duration of the posting.
All Work Permits and Visitor Records issued under this arrangement are fee‑exempt. SP and dependants must not pay any fees at the point of issue, as these cannot be reclaimed.
Dependants and Children
Dependants / Spouses
Dependants intending to work in Canada must complete the Dependant Work Permit Application provided by BDLS. This application is forwarded to OUTCAN, who will issue an approval‑in‑principle letter. This letter must be shown to Immigration Officials upon arrival and confirms that the dependant is entitled to a fee‑exempt Work Permit. Under no circumstances should payment be made.
Children
Dependent children will normally be issued with either a Visitor Record or, where applicable, a Study Permit, valid until the end of the posting.
