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TRAVELLING TO CANADA WITH A U.S. REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT (FORM I-571)

OVERVIEW OF CANADA 
Canada is a country in the northern part of North America.Its capital is Ottawa, and its three largest metropolitan areas are Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. 

Canada is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II being the head of state. 

LBGT RIGHTS IN CANADA 
Lesbian, gays, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in Canada are some of the most advanced in the Americas and in the world. Same-sex sexual activities has been lawful in Canada since June 27, 1969, when the Criminal Law Amendment Act came into force upon royal assent. 

Canada has frequently been referred to as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, with its largest cities featuring their own gay areas and communities, and being named among the most gay-friendly cities in the world. 


REQUIREMENTS FOR ASYLEES TRAVELLING TO CANADA

If you possess a U.S. Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571) and you are an asylee. Please mind in mind that a visa is required to travel to Canada. Canada accepts Passengers with the U.S. Refugee Travel Document Form I-571 issued to refugees and it must be valid for the period of intended stay. 

To apply for a Canadian Visa, You will need to visit the Consulate General of Canada in New York located at 466 Lexington Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10017.

You will need a visitor visa to travel to Canada. You don't need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Please note: The visa is an official document stamped in your U.S. Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571). It costs a $100 Canadian Dollars.  You may need to give biometrics with your application. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR ASYLEES WITH A GREEN CARD (U.S. PERMANENT RESIDENCY) TRAVELLING TO CANADA

If you possess a U.S. Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571) and you are an asylee with a Green Card (U.S. Permanent Residency) you have visa-free access to Canada. Canada accepts passengers with U.S. Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571) issued to refugees and it must valid for the period of intended stay. 

Please bear in mind although you have visa-free access to Canada. If you are flying or transiting through Canadian airport. You will need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). YOU DON'T NEED A VISITORS VISA. 

An eTA costs $7 Canadian Dollars, It is electronically linked to your U.S. Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571). Most applicants get their eTA approval (via an email) within minutes. However, some requests can take several days to process if you're asked to submit supporting documents. To apply for an eTA to travel to Canada, Visit https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html

THIS IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE,CANADA & CRIMINAL RECORD: A Canadian Immigration Officer will decide if you can enter Canada when you apply for a visa, or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or when you arrive at a port of entry. Under Canada's Immigration law, if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada. In other words, you may be "criminally inadmissible". This includes both minor and serious crimes, such as: theft, assault, manslaughter, dangerous driving, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and possession of or trafficking in drugs or controlled substances. You can find a list of criminal offenses in the Criminal Code of Canada and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Also, note, If you were convicted of a crime when you were under the age of 18, you may still be able to enter Canada. 

Depending on the crime, how long ago it was and how you have behaved since, you may still be allowed to visit Canada, if you can : convince an immigration officer that you meet the legal terms to be deemed rehabilitated or applied for rehabilitation and were approved or were granted a record suspension or have a temporary resident permit. For further information, Visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility/overcome-criminal-convictions.html



Complied By: Tennyson Watson-Joyner, The Professional's Asylee Travel Guide 

Tennyson Watson-Joyner is a foreign born U.S. Legal Asylee, read for a Bachelors of Science Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a major in Travel, Tourism and Entertainment Management. Future aspirations to work in the Travel/Airline Industry. I successfully navigated the U.S. immigration system. 

The information contained in "The Professional Asylee Travel Guide" is provided for informational purposes only. Opinions expressed are the authors alone, for International Travel with a U.S. Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571) , use links attached for visa free destinations as listed by the consulate of each country that offers the same to asylees and permanent residence whose was granted the same as a result of asylum. If you have a criminal record, Speak to an attorney-at-law prior to your departure. 

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