IEEE Smart World Congress 2025
Visa Information

IEEE SWC Visa Letter

If you require a Visa Letter of Invitation from IEEE Smart World Congress 2025 (IEEE SWC 2025), please complete the Visa Letter Request Form and select your conference.

DISCLAIMER

1. We strongly advise participants to personally check entry and visa requirements before making travel arrangements, as there might be country-specific conditions that you are not aware of. For the most accurate information, please contact the Canadian embassy/consulate in your home country.
2. IEEE SWC will NOT issue any Letter of Sponsorship or Letter of Guarantee if you are required to do so by the immigration department. It is the participants’ sole responsibility to obtain such documents. IEEE SWC will not refund anyone for cancellations due to visa rejections or participant’s inability to enter the country. IEEE SWC cannot change the decision of the Canadian Embassy or any other government departments, nor will we appeal to the embassy on behalf of the applicant.
3. All questions/concerns regarding the status of your visa should be directed to the Canadian Embassy in your home country. In no event will IEEE SWC be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the information provided on this page.

About Visa

1. Holders of a foreign passport will either require a Temporary resident visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization, to enter Canada.
2. To find out if you need a TRV or eTA to travel to Canada, see: Find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada.
3. Click here to learn which countries require travellers to have visas when entering Canada.

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 six to eight weeks. As a result, processing times maybe 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 in order to allow sufficient time for their application to be processed and if approved, subsequent visa issuance in their passport.

How to Apply

1. APPLY
   1. If you require an ETA, use the following link: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): How to apply - Canada.ca

   2. If you require a visa, you MUST apply online through the IRCC Secure Network.

      How to Apply:

      You will be prompted to either sign in using your GCKey user ID and password, or through a Signin partner. If you don't already have an account, you can create one by clicking "Register“ under the "Don't have an account?” section. Once you are signed in you will be prompted to answer a series of questions to determine your eligibility to apply for a visa. If you are eligible to apply for a visa, you will be prompted to the complete the visa application form (IMM 5257).

      Please take note of the following item when completing your visa application form:
      
      IMPORTANT: Tag your visa application (Form IMM 5257) with the special event code. In the "Details of Visit to Canada" section, select: "Other." For question 1a) Purpose of my visit," enter the special event code (Please check your visa letter) into the free text box in 1b) Other.

2. 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: Fast Facts About Biometrics.

3. PASSPORT

   Check your application status by visiting: Check your application status — Immigration and citizenship — Canada.ca
   
   If your visa application is approved you will receive a letter instructing you to submit your passport to the closest Visa Application Centre (VAC) through mail or courier.
   
   Note: You will not be able to enter Canada without having your visa affixed to your passport.

Need Help?

Refer to the visa guide for information on how to complete your application (IMM 5257).

For further assistance, see the Help Centre or complete the IRCC web form.