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NeurIPS 2019 Visa Information

 

Note that letters of invitation to NeurIPS 2019 are only available for a paid registration. The letter is available on the registration page itself.

Submission of Applications

Canada does not have a visa office in every country so, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses the services of Visa Application Centers (VACs), which serve as administrative intake offices for all immigration services. Information is available on the website on how to submit a visa application and the documentation required.

There are four steps to applying for a visa:

Please click on each of the steps to guide you to the relevant documents:  the Temporary Resident Visa Application Form, the Instruction Guide, and the Document Checklist.

A VISA Letter of Invitation from NeurIPS  will be available after you register in section 5 of your registration.

Processing times for visa applications vary depending on the visa office and the time of the year. Participants are encouraged to apply approximately 12 weeks in advance of their departure date to ensure they receive the visa in time, but we strongly recommend you check the processing time for your country to ensure you leave sufficient time for your application to be processed. Please note that processing times do not include the time it takes to provide a biometric or the time it takes to send your passport between a VAC and the IRCC office.

Electronic Applications (e-Apps).

Submission at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)

(In person or by mail)

· This system allows clients to submit applications online.

 

· Delegates that choose to apply on-line will not have to submit their passport until requested to do so by a visa officer.

 

· The visa office will send the applicant instructions on how and where to send their passports to finalize the visa process.

 

· VACs are commercial service providers authorized by Canada to provide specific services to applicants.

· VACs provide a number of services to clients, including helping applicants fill out forms, answer questions and ensure that applications are complete.

· Reduces unnecessary delays or refusals due to incomplete applications.

· VACs serve as a collection point for applicants required to provide a biometric.

· VACs send applications to visa offices and transmit decisions to applicants in a secure and confidential manner.

· VACs do not process visa applications and have no decision-making authority.

 

 

Below is some of the assessment criteria for your application.

Approval of a temporary resident visa application cannot be guaranteed as each application is considered on its own merit. Visa officers look at many factors in assessing whether an applicant is a genuine temporary resident including the following:

  • the person’s ties to the home country;
  • the purpose of the visit;
  • the person’s family and economic situation;
  • the overall economic and political stability of the home country; and
  • invitations from Canadian hosts.

Visitors to Canada must satisfy the immigration officer that:

  • they are in good health and do not pose a health risk;
  • they don’t have a criminal record;
  • they don’t pose a threat to Canada’s security;
  • they have not previously violated immigration legislation;
  • they have a valid passport or travel document;
  • they have enough money to support themselves while in Canada
  • they have sufficient ties to their home country to indicate they will leave Canada when their visa expires; and
  • they are not inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Please note:

Special Event Code

Fill out the application form completely and include all the documents required. The Special Event Code for NIPS is: 20NEUR to use on page 3.  

For Purpose of My Visit, please select “Other.” In the corresponding text box please write “NeurIPS Conference, SE Code 20NEUR”. This will ensure that your application is tagged to our event.

Visa Assessment

There are always compelling reasons why some individuals are not allowed to enter Canada. Due to Privacy Legislation IRCC is unable to discuss the details of any refused cases with anyone other than the applicant.

Visa applications are considered on a case-by-case basis based on the information presented by the applicant. The onus is on the applicant to show that they meet the requirements for a temporary resident visa. Presentation of all the required documentation does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, only visa officers are authorized to decide on temporary resident visa applications. The visa officer is an independent decision maker whose determination must be in accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. Members of Parliament and other Canadian government officials do not have the authority to make decisions on temporary resident visa applications or to give directions to visa officers with respect to individual decisions.

Visa Refusals

An applicant whose visa was refused has the option of reapplying if they have new information that was not included with that person’s visa application or circumstances have changed since the refusal. , however, there is no change in the applicant’s situation, it is unlikely that a new application will result in the issuance of a visa. Applicants should take into consideration the processing time in their country of residence before submitting a new application. Each applicant will receive a response on their application, in the form of a letter, which will be sent to their secure MyCIC account. the applicant decides to submit another visa application, IRCC recommends that the client review the refusal letter (and the reasons for the refusal) received from the visa office and determine what additional documentation they should include with the new application.

Canadian government visa information: Find out if you need a visa.

If you need help applying for a visa or if you're late applying for a visa, consider using a visa service such as CIBT Visa.

Biometrics

As of December 31, 2018, all nationals from visa-required countries must provide a mandatory biometric, which is enrollment of fingerprints and photographs. This must be done in person at a Visa Application Centre. Please note that IRCC does not have a VAC in every country, so you may be required to travel in order to provide your biometric.

For additional information on whether or not you require a biometric, please refer to our fast facts about Biometrics.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

As of November 10, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals are expected to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens, and travelers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents are not eligible to apply for an eTA.

Importation of Goods

If you have any questions on the importation of goods related to your event please contact the International Events and Conventions Services Program (IECSP) at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Local Contact Information

Please use the address of the Vancouver Convention Center as your local contact. 

055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3, Canada