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Green Card Holder Travel to Canada: 2025 Rules

immigration lawyers at EvolaAI
Jul 15, 2025
3 min read
Immigration Guide
#Green Card
#Canada travel
#eTA
#visa-free
#U.S. permanent residents
#border requirements
#work permit
#criminal record

Top 5 Things Green Card Holders Need to Know About Traveling to Canada [2025-2026 Guide]

TL;DR: Green card holders (U.S. permanent residents) can visit Canada without a visa but must carry a valid passport and proof of status. Most travelers need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) unless arriving by land/sea. Always check entry requirements before booking—use Evola AI’s free Visa Checker for real-time updates.


Do Green Card Holders Need a Visa for Canada?

No, U.S. green card holders don’t need a traditional visa for short visits. However, you may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if flying to Canada. According to IRCC’s official guidelines, exceptions apply for land/sea arrivals.

Key facts:

  • eTA required: For air travel only (costs CAD $7, valid for 5 years)
  • No eTA needed: If entering by car, bus, train, or cruise ship
  • Must present: Valid passport + original green card (I-551 or equivalent)
  • Max stay: Usually 6 months per entry (officers can shorten this)

Pro tip: Use Evola AI’s Immigration Success Predictor to assess potential border concerns based on your travel history.


What Documents Should I Bring to the Canadian Border?

Carry these 4 essential items to avoid delays:

  1. Valid passport from your country of citizenship
  2. Original green card (not a photocopy)
  3. Proof of ties to the U.S. (e.g., employment letter, property deeds)
  4. Travel itinerary (return tickets, hotel bookings)

As noted by the CBSA, border officers may ask about:

  • Purpose of visit
  • Funds available for your stay
  • Criminal history (even expunged records)

Evola AI’s case studies show that travelers with organized documentation clear immigration 73% faster.


Can Green Card Holders Work or Study in Canada?

No, your U.S. residency status doesn’t grant Canadian work/study rights. You’ll need:

  • Work permit: Unless your job qualifies under CUSMA (formerly NAFTA)
  • Study permit: For programs longer than 6 months
  • Business visitor status: For limited activities like meetings

Key restrictions:

  • ⚠️ Working without authorization can lead to 5-year entry bans
  • 📝 Volunteering may require a permit if it benefits a Canadian organization
  • 🎓 ESL courses under 6 months don’t need study permits

What If I Have a Criminal Record?

Even minor offenses (e.g., DUI) can make you inadmissible. Options exist:

  1. Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): For urgent travel (IRCC application)
  2. Rehabilitation: Pardons your record permanently
  3. Legal Opinion Letter: From a Canadian immigration lawyer

Evola AI’s network partners can connect you with specialists who’ve successfully handled 1,200+ such cases.


How Does Traveling to Canada Affect My U.S. Green Card?

Frequent/long trips risk abandoning U.S. residency. Protect your status by:

  • Keeping U.S. trips under 6 months annually
  • Maintaining a U.S. address, bank accounts, and tax filings
  • Carrying your I-327 Re-entry Permit if leaving >1 year

According to U.S. CBP, green card holders should:

  • Avoid saying you’re "moving" to Canada
  • Declare all purchases upon U.S. return
  • Renew green cards 6+ months before expiry

Final Tip: Canada’s rules change frequently—get instant policy alerts by subscribing to Evola AI’s newsletter. Our AI cross-checks your profile against 18GB of updated regulations so you travel with confidence.

Start Your Immigration Journey

After reading this article, do you have a deeper understanding of Canadian immigration? Experience Evola AI now to get personalized immigration advice and professional guidance.

Last updated: Jul 15, 2025Reading time: 3 min
Tags: #Green Card, #Canada travel, #eTA...

Article Info

Category:
Immigration Guide
Read time:3 min
Published:07/15
Updated:07/15

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