Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has published a travel preparation checklist aimed at Kenyans planning to visit the country. Canada said Kenyan visitors must plan before visiting the country. Photo: University of Toronto. Source: Facebook It outlined the key steps prospective travellers must complete before departure. The IRCC shared the list on X on Friday, September 11, offering a structured guide to help Kenyans navigate the country’s entry requirements. “If you’re planning to visit Canada, these resources can help you prepare,” it stated. What does the Canadian travel checklist cover? The checklist begins by advising travellers to determine whether they require an electronic travel authorisation (eTA), a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying into Canada. For those who do not qualify for an eTA, the IRCC directed prospective visitors to apply for a visitor visa, the standard travel document required for entry into Canada for tourism, family visits, or short-term stays. The checklist also addresses travellers with specific purposes. Kenyans intending to pursue education in Canada are advised to check whether they need a study permit, while those planning to take up employment are directed to find out if a work permit applies to their situation. The IRCC further encouraged Kenyans to review current processing times for whichever document applies to their situation, a step considered critical given that processing durations can vary significantly depending on application volumes and individual circumstances. The checklist serves as a practical resource for Kenyans at various stages of planning a trip to Canada, whether for leisure, academic purposes, or work opportunities. What else did Canada announce? In other news, Canada announced a temporary policy allowing eligible work permit holders to study for up to six months without a study permit. The measure applies to workers in sectors including trades, nursing and laboratory technology and remains in effect until December 31, 2027. The policy could help temporary workers gain essential skills and complete licensing training without facing additional administrative delays. However, it does not create a new immigration pathway, while Kenyan students applying for study permits must now show proof of at least CAD 23,448 for living expenses.
