Canada and China Reach Accord; Canadians Can Now Travel Visa-Free to China

Each year, passport rankings are released for countries around the world that assess the strength of each country’s passport relative to others. Canada’s passport consistently ranks very highly on this list, and as of early 2026, it was ranked as the eighth most powerful in the world. Canada has been reliably in or around the top ten, and Canada’s passport even ranked as high as second in the world in 2014. The rankings are based on measures of global mobility, diplomatic reach, and international credibility of the passport. The ranking of Canada’s passport may change after a recent change in early 2026 that permits Canadian passport holders.

Canada’s passport provides a high degree of global mobility, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 181 countries. Despite Canada’s passport allowing its holders visa-free entry to 181 countries, Canada only allows visa-free access to 54 countries. Citizens who hold passports of countries that Canada does not allow visa-free access to have to apply for visas to enter Canada.

Types of Visas That Allow Entry Into Canada

There are many different visas that foreign nationals can use to come to Canada. Individual circumstances and the purpose of the potential visit to Canada can inform which visa one should apply for, should they want to come to Canada. For those who wish to come to Canada on a temporary basis, there are work permits, visitor visas, study permits and family visas that can be applied for.

Visitor Visas

Foreign nationals who want to visit Canada can apply for visitor visas, which are also known as temporary resident visas. These visas generally grant the holder the right to stay in Canada for up to six months. To qualify for a visitor visa, an applicant must have a valid travel document, be in good health, have no criminal or immigration convictions on their record, satisfy an immigration officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their visit, and be able to demonstrate they have financial support for the duration of their stay. Some applicants for visitor visas also need to undergo a medical exam, have an invitation to visit Canada, or submit biometrics to be granted entry.

Work Permits

Foreign nationals who want to work in Canada can apply for a work permit. Two types of work permits can be applied for. There are employer-specific work permits and open work permits. Employer-specific work permits tie the holder to a specific role with a specific employer. Open work permits allow the holder to work anywhere in Canada. Open work permits are harder to obtain because they offer greater flexibility.

Study Permits

Foreign nationals who want to come to Canada to pursue education need to obtain a study permit. This permit often requires a visitor visa to allow entry into Canada. Study permits should be applied for well in advance of travel to Canada. Foreign nationals must provide proof of acceptance into a designated Canadian learning institution, as well as proof that they can pay tuition and living expenses for the duration of their stay. Although Canada recently implemented a cap on international students, hundreds of thousands of study permits are still issued each year.

Super Visas

Family members of Canadian residents can apply to come to Canada on visitor visas or for special visas called Super Visas. Super visas allow parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for up to two years. To apply for a Super Visa, an applicant must have a letter from their child or grandchild that includes a list of household members, a promise to financially support the visitor for the duration of their visit, and a copy of their citizenship or permanent residence document. Also, the applicant must have Canadian medical insurance that is valid for at least one year and provides at least $100,000 in coverage.

Admissibility

Even if a visa to enter Canada is applied for, the applicant must be admissible to enter the country. Generally, this means that the applicant is not criminally or medically inadmissible to Canada. Inadmissibility can be overcome, but it is important to know if it could be an issue before coming to Canada.

Canadians Can Now Travel to China Without a Visa

As of February 17, 2026, Canadian passport holders can now travel to China without requiring a visa. This change in Chinese travel policy toward Canadians was announced in the middle of February 2026 and followed bilateral discussions on the subject between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping during Prime Minister Carney’s January visit to China.

This change will allow Canadian passport holders to travel to China without a visa for up to 30 days for business, tourism, visiting family and friends, exchange, and transit. The policy change also applies to passport holders from the United Kingdom. This policy allowing visa-free travel will remain in effect until at least December 31, 2026, giving Canadians who want to visit China ample time to do so.

However, there are still some situations in which Canadians need a visa to enter China. If Canadians want to work in paid employment that would normally require a work visa or residence permit, they will need a visa to do so. Canadians also require a visa to study in China for a long period of time and to remain in China for more than 30 days.

Those considering travel to China should check the Government of Canada’s travel advisory for China before making any travel decisions. The travel advisory indicates that travellers should exercise a high degree of caution in China. One thing that potential travellers from Canada to China should note is that entry to Tibet is still prohibited for unaccompanied private visits. Travellers who want to go to Tibet must do so through an accredited travel agency, which can obtain a Tibet Travel Permit on the traveller’s behalf. The specific warnings regarding conditions in China can be read on the government website. The warnings should be considered before booking a trip to China and read before travel to ensure that travellers are aware of the potential harms in the country.

Contact Garson Immigration Law for Travel Authorization Assistance in Toronto

The skilled immigration lawyers at Garson Immigration Law are exclusively dedicated to the practice of immigration law. We pride ourselves on finding robust legal solutions to the most challenging immigration situations for businesses and individual clients. Our firm assists with a wide variety of immigration matters, including permanent residence, citizenship, work and study permits, and U.S. immigration. To schedule a confidential consultation, please call 416-321-2860 or reach out online.