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Overview - FAQ Topics

Q & A

About Connect2Canada

Is Connect2Canada for Canadians only?

Connect2Canada is designed for Canadians living or working in the United States as well as Americans who have a Canadian connection, such as Canadian university alumni, people with relatives living in Canada, and people working for Canadian companies. Sign up to strengthen your connection with Canada!

Canada-U.S. Border

How can I get information about the Canada-U.S. Border?

For questions about the border, we suggest you refer to the Canadian Border Services Agency website. The CBSA provides a wealth of information, from border wait times (updated hourly) to documents on border initiatives, and information for general travellers to detailed policies for importers and exporters.

I am a Canadian moving back to Canada. How can I get information about this process?

The Canadian Border Services Agency provides useful information on moving back to Canada, including details on legislative requirements, on what you can and can't import to Canada, and on the necessary forms. We suggest you visit their website here.

Business

How can I locate Canadian businesses in the United States?

The website of the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. provides detailed information on Canadian businesses, as well as directories and other resources related to business. The Business Resources section of the website can be found here.

State Trade Fact Sheets are another useful resource. They detail Canada's economic importance to each of the U.S. states, and highlight success stories.

Citizenship

Where can I find information about Canadian citizenship and obtaining proof of citizenship?

Citizenship and Immigration Canada's website provides up-to-date information on citizenship and proof of citizenship issues. You can learn about how to apply for Canadian citizenship and find useful information about becoming a Canadian Citizen. The FAQ section of the site is a good resource.

Where can I get information about Dual Citizenship?

We suggest you visit the "Dual Citizenship" section of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.

Contacting a Canadian

I have a long-lost friend or relative in Canada. Can the Canadian Government help me find them?

The Government of Canada, through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, does provide a service of forwarding letters to the address the individual has on file with the Social Insurance Registry. However, there is no guarantee that this service will actually allow the letter to reach the person. Another avenue you may wish to pursue is to use the Canadian phone directory online.

Diplomatic Missions and Consular Services

How can I locate Canadian diplomatic missions? (Embassy, Consulate, High Commission, Trade Office)

Links to Canadian Consulates in the United States are available here. For a list of all Canadian diplomatic missions, please click here.

Can I visit the Canadian Embassy in Washington?

The Embassy is located at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. The Embassy courtyard, lobby, and art gallery are open to the public from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except holidays). If you do visit, please sign the Guest Book in the lobby.

How will the Canadian Embassy find me in the event of an emergency or disaster? How do I register with the Canadian Embassy?

Foreign Affairs Canada offers a voluntary registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. This service is provided in the event there is a need to contact Canadians to offer urgent advice during a natural disaster or civil unrest, or to inform them of a family emergency at home. Visit the Consular Affairs website to learn more and register online.

Where can I learn about consular and emergency services for Canadians?

The Consular Affairs Bureau provides information and assistance services to Canadians living and travelling abroad. Visit www.voyage.gc.ca for travel advisories, country information, and other resources for a successful trip.

Education

I am a student interested in attending university/college in Canada. Where can I get information?

The ConsiderCanada website provides information on Canadian universities. It features a blog, testimonials from current students, and links to Canadian universities, as well as information on tuition, visa requirements, financial aid, living expenses, study abroad opportunities, and admissions procedures. Canadian citizens in the U.S. are eligible for Canadian tuition rates in Canada. Americans are eligible for U.S. guaranteed student loans at most Canadian universities and will find Canadian tuition rates comparable to in-state tuition rates in the U.S.

I am a Canadian student studying in the U.S. Are there information resources for me? How can I connect with other Canadian students in the U.S.?

The Connect2Canada student resources page has information on student visas, scholarships, taxes, and returning to Canada, as well as Canadian clubs at U.S. universities and colleges.

Elections

How can I vote in Canadian Elections?

For questions about voting in Canadian elections, we suggest you refer to the Elections Canada website. The International Activities link contains a section on Voting by Canadians Residing Outside Canada - Registration Form & Guide for Special Ballot.

Employment Opportunities in Canada

Where can I learn about job opportunities in Canada?

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has a series of online resources that are very useful for learning about employment in Canada. Its website contains information on the job market, on skills-development and educational opportunities, on job requirements, and on current and future job opportunities. We suggest you visit the CIC site.

Events

How can I connect with Canadians and friends of Canada in my area?

Please take a look at our Get Connected page, which provides you with links to a numbers of organizations and online groups. For example, the Upper North Side website offers information on Canadian events in the greater New York City area. In DC, the Canadian Embassy produces a monthly calendar of Canada-related cultural events in the D.C. area. You can sign up by e-mailing cdnarts@canadianembassy.org. Click here for the complete list of groups and clubs throughout the United States. You can also check out the C2C National Events Calendar.

How can I find out about Canadian University Alumni Events and Activities?

Connect2Canada offers an Alumni News page that brings together a list of events from across the country. It includes events for specific universities and "All-Canadian Alumni" gatherings. We encourage you to check out the calendar and add it to your bookmarks.

Finance - Taxes, Investments, Tax Treaties and RRSPs

I need information on Canada-United States related taxes, investments and tax treaties. Where can I access resources and frequently asked questions?

We receive many questions about taxes and investments. The Canada Revenue Agency website provides comprehensive information about these issues, and the International Revenue Service has posted a helpful Frequently Asked Questions section on their website.

How do I get Canadian tax forms?

The General Income Tax and Benefit Package for 2006 is available on the Canada Revenue Agency website. Unfortunately, the Embassy does not have paper copies of these forms available.

How can I get information about RRSPs?

For questions about RRSPs, we suggest you refer to the Canada Revenue Agency website.

Health Care

Where can I learn about Canadian Health Care?

Please visit the Health Canada website. It has useful resources about the Health Care System. We suggest you visit them to learn more!

News

How can I keep up to date on Canadian news?

Please sign up to NewsCan to receive updates on what's happening in the Canadian news. This e-publication comes out weekly. Links to Canadian newspapers, magazine, television, radio and news portals are also available on the Canadian Embassy website.

Passports

How can I apply for a Canadian Passport? Why can't I renew my Canadian Passport?

For questions about passports, we encourage you to visit Passport Canada's website at www.ppt.gc.ca. The Frequently Asked Questions section is particularly useful and can be found here.

According to Passport Canada, almost half of the applications from the United States are rejected due to common, avoidable errors. Their passport application checklist lists the most common problems and how to avoid them. Topics include photos, proof of citizenship, documents to support identity, fees, guarantors, references and personal information. To access the checklist, please click here.

Do I need a passport to visit Canada?

Starting June 1, 2009, a U.S. law will require Canadians to present a valid passport or another approved secure document to enter the United States by water or land. U.S. law already requires Canadians to present a valid passport to enter, to transit or to exit the U.S. by air. The NEXUS card is also an accepted travel document to the U.S. Canadians aged 15 and under may present a birth certificate or a citizenship card instead of a passport when travelling to the U.S. by water or land. Please visit the Canada Border Services Agency for complete details. Remember, the passport is the recommended travel and identification document for all Canadian travellers.

Retirement

How can I get information about retiring in Canada?

For questions about retiring in Canada, we suggest you refer to the Social Development Canada website. The International Benefits section may be of assistance. We also suggest you consult www.sdc.gc.ca/en/gateways/topics/rzp-gxr.shtml for general information about retirement planning.

I am retiring, but worked in Canada in the past. How can I claim my benefits?

The Canada Pension Plan website provides useful information on your entitlement to receive CPP benefits and a retirement pension. It's the best place to look for information about claiming benefits for work previously conducted in Canada.

I am a Canadian and am interested in retiring abroad. Where can I get information about this?

For questions about retiring in the U.S. or elsewhere, please refer to Foreign Affairs Canada's "Retirement Abroad" page.

Sports

Where can I find updates on Canadian sports teams and athletes?

Please visit our Sports Resources page. It can help keep you up to date on the latest Canadian sports news. Many of the news sites and individual sports sites offer schedules of upcoming events - national and international. We encourage you to see when your favourite team or athlete is coming to town and show your support! You can use the University Sport link to check out the scores of your Canadian University or College teams. Some of the individual sports sites include links to the U.S. equivalent of various Canadian sports organizations, so you can locate clubs in your area. Go Canada!

Travel to Canada/Visiting Canada

Do I need a passport to visit Canada?

Canadians and Americans can continue to cross the Canada-U.S. border by land and sea without a passport for at least the remainder of 2007. The U.S. announced that, as of January 23, 2007, all travellers entering, transiting or exiting the United States by air require a valid passport or NEXUS card, which can be used at a NEXUS kiosk at designated airports. Please visit Border Travel Update for complete details.

Do I need a visa to visit Canada?

As is true with all countries, there are different rules about visas for different situations when entering Canada. For information about visas, we suggest you refer to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. It lists all of the countries whose citizens require visas to visit Canada.

I am moving to Canada for the first time. Where can I get general information about the process and Canada in general?

Congratulations on your decision to experience new beginnings and adventures in a new country! Citizenship and Immigration Canada's website offers a great deal of information on moving to Canada, including the useful guide, "A Newcomer's Introduction to Canada"

Travel to the United States

I have questions about travelling to the United States. Where should I look?

For information about travelling to the U.S., we suggest you refer to the Travel Report for the United States on the Consular Affairs website.


Disclaimer: Connect2Canada has selected this list of links to provide as much useful and up-to-date information as possible. Please note that Connect2Canada and the Government of Canada are not responsible for the content of links listed above that are not Government of Canada websites.


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