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Visa

General Information

Participants from some foreign countries may require a Visitor Visa OR an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada. Please consult the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for information and a complete list of countries whose citizens require a visa to enter Canada. In addition, depending on citizenship, participants may also be required to provide biometrics information as part of their visa application. Biometrics information can be provided at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Participants are strongly encouraged to submit their visa applications well in advance of the event at a Visa Application Centre, on-line E-applications (e-Apps) or by mail (please consult the visa office in your country of residence to determine if this service is available to you). For complete information on the requirements and the process to obtain a visa visit the website of the visa office responsible for processing your visa application.

Find out if you need an eTA.

eTA is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. This entry requirement is mandatory. It will allow Canada to screen travelers before they arrive. The authorization is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

For information on the approximate time it will take to process your visa application visit the IRCC website.

Official letter of invitation

A letter of invitation from the host country is required for a Visitor Visa or an eTA. Those in need of official letters of invitation from the Government of Canada should send their:

  1. Name, as it appears on passport
  2. Date of birth (MM/DD/YYY)
  3. Nationality
  4. Passport number
Please provide a copy of a passport photo page (PDF or jpeg format) to speed up the process.

to Contact:

Ms. Mary Chan


Ocean Sciences Division
Institute of Ocean Sciences
9860 West Saanich Road
Sidney, B.C., Canada V8L 4B2
Email: mary.chan@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
(please include the Subject: PICES 2019 Annual Meeting: Invitation letter request if you are not using provided email link)
Phone: 1-250-363-6580

Important Dates
July 31, 2019
Abstract Notification Deadlines
  1. Abstract acceptance notification
    (Notifications have been sent)
TBA, 2019
Support Notification Deadlines
  1. Financial support grant notification
Aug 15, 2019
Confirmation Deadlines
  1. Confirm your presentations and attendance
  2. Confirm your financial support acceptance
TBA, 2019
2019
Hotel reservation at discounted rate ends...
Check "Accommodation" webpage for details.
TBA, 2019