The CPMA Annual Convention and Trade Show welcomes international exhibitors, delegates, and visitors from all over the world each year. Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to enter Canada. Please consult the information below, provided by the Government of Canada, to determine entry requirements.
We recognize that your time in Canada is valuable and therefore, we offer the following steps to facilitate your application process to attend our event.
Application types
Most foreign nationals need a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization to travel to Canada. Find out if you need a TRV or eTA to travel to Canada here.
Learn more about the TRV and eTA application processes.
Submit a TRV Application
Participants may be automatically directed to apply via the IRCC Portal. However, all participants applying for a visa to attend an event which is registered with IRCC, should apply for their visitor visa via the IRCC Secure Network by clicking on this this link: IRCC Secure Network.
IMPORTANT: Tag your application with the Special Event Code. In the ‘Special event information’ section, you are asked if we gave your organization or conference a special event code. Select ‘Yes’ and then enter the special event code into the open text field. This event code can be obtained by contacting CPMA.
Biometrics
If you are required to complete biometrics you will be issued a Biometrics Instructions Letter (BIL). Please schedule your appointment as soon as you receive your BIL.
You must complete your biometrics before IRCC can start to process your application.
For information on whether or not you must provide biometrics, please refer to our fast facts about Biometrics.
Submit an eTA application
If you need an eTA, apply on the official Government of Canada website.
- Use the online form to apply for your eTA.
- Pay the appropriate fee.
- Receive an email from IRCC about your eTA application.
- If there are any issues with your application, you will receive an email from IRCC requesting additional information.
Refer to the guides in the ‘Help with the form or other eTA questions’ drop down for information on how to complete your eTA application. For further assistance, use the eTA Help Guide, or see the Help Centre.
Visa processing times
The Processing times for visa applications posted online are historical, meaning they're measured based on how long it took to process 80% of applications in the past 6-8 weeks. As a result, processing times may be different than those posted online at the time of application submission. Participants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible ahead of their departure date to allow sufficient time for their application to be processed and if approved, subsequent visa issuance in their passport.