Travel

Visas

To enter Canada for World Council 2026, delegates will need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) - except for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are exempt from this requirement. Be sure to review this information in detail and apply early!

For those requiring a visa: Your YMCA World Council registration confirmation email includes your invitation letter.

Find out if you require a visa to enter Canada

Visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to find out if you require a visa to attend World Council 2026:

Find out if you require a visa

If you do need a visa,

Your first step is to register for World Council. You cannot apply for your visa without a confirmed registration for World Council.  See below for more information about what the process involves.

Register for World Council here

If you do not need a visa, apply for an eTA to enter Canada

Visit the IRCC website at the following link to apply for an eTA:

Apply for an eTA

Process for Registering to Attend World Council and Applying for a Visa

Step 1:    Register for World Council as a delegate

Step 2:     Receive a registration approval by your National General Secretary

Step 3:     Once your registration is approved, you will receive a confirmation email. This email includes your invitation letter.

Step 4:     Login to the World Council registration portal to access visa resources for delegates, which includes helpful tips from IRCC.

Step 5:     Apply for your visa with the invitation letter, following the steps outlined by the visa resources in the World Council delegate portal.

Step 6:     After you apply, return to the World Council registration portal with your visa application number, and modify your registration to include it in your registration details.

Resources available to you

Visa Information Webinar recordings

YMCA Canada’s Visa Information Webinars were recorded and are made available to registered YMCA World Council delegates via their Registration Confirmation page.

Register for World Council today to access them, and more helpful tools!

Visa ‘Office Hours’

YMCA Canada will host a series of Office Hours to support delegates and answer visa related questions.

World Council Visa Office Hours

Join an open Q&A session to get answers to your questions if you're just starting your visa application process

Get step-by-step guidance on topics such as:

  • Create the Government of Canada login accounts required for your visa application

  • Your Visa Application Forms: How to access and package them

  • Completing your visa application documents, including the IMM5257e and Family Information form.

    December 3, 2025
    9:00-10:00 AM EST (Toronto)

    Register here

Disclaimer: YMCA Canada staff and the people presenting visa webinars and ‘office hours’ are not immigration officials or representatives of the Government of Canada. We do not claim to be experts in immigration or visa processes. These sessions are offered solely as a support resource for YMCA World Council 2026 delegates. We aim to share helpful guidance and information, and we cannot guarantee the outcome or approval of any visa application. For official immigration advice or decisions, please refer directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

FAQs

  • Processing times depend on the visa office and if you need to take any extra steps.

    Go to this page to check the processing time for your country: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

    World YMCA and YMCA Canada recommend applying for your visa as early as possible. In some cases, visa applications can take up to 12 months to be processed. Early applications can ensure you receive an answer prior to World Council 2026.

  • Questions can be emailed to worldcouncil@ymca.int for additional support.

    • The visa application fee is $100 CAD.

    • If you need to give biometrics, the cost is $85 CAD.

    • You must pay these fees to submit your application.

    Other possible costs:

    • Travel to your local Visa Application Centre (VAC) to give biometrics.

    • A second trip to the VAC to have your visa placed in your passport.

    Important notes:

    • Make sure you are eligible for a Visitor Visabefore paying. Fees are not refundable, even if your visa is refused.

    • You may need to pay in your local currency.

    • Fees can change at any time.

    • No. The Canadian Government does not interview visa applicants.

    • Your application will be reviewed based on the documents you submit.

    • You may still need to go to an appointment to:

      • Give your biometrics

      • Have your visa placed in your passport

  • If your official documents are in a language other than French or English, you will need to have then translated.

    Learn more here: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=018&top=4

  • If your visa application was refused you will get the decision in your IRCC account. It will explain why your application was refused.

    It is not recommended that you reapply unless there are substantive changes in your circumstances.

    If your application is refused, do not transfer your World Council Registration to another delegate. Contact World YMCA at worldcouncil@ymca.int to let them know your visa application status, and to arrange for any registration transfers or cancellations.