STIHIV 2025

Visa
Requirements

Please visit the Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date information on visa exemptions, application requirements and processing times. Click here to find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada.

Visitors from visa-exempt countries require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Applicants can apply for temporary resident visa (visitor visa) through one of the two options listed below.

To obtain the Special Events Code needed for the visa application, please request a Letter of Invitation as part of your Congress registration.

1. IRCC Portal (TReApp) IRCC website
  • To ensure applications are tagged with the Special Event Code provided in your registration confirmation above, applicants are asked to enter the Special Event Code under “Special Event Information” section of the TReApp; OR
2. IRCC secure network Sign in to your IRCC secure account – Canada.ca
  • To ensure applications are tagged with the Special Event Code provided in your registration confirmation, applicants are asked to select “Other” under “Purpose of Trip” and insert the Special Event Code in the free text box.
  • Please note that 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. While a special event code has been assigned to this event, it does not offer any advantage to the applicant, in terms of a positive visa outcome. The applicant must meet all the eligibility criteria in order to receive a visa.

Processing times for visa applications vary depending on the visa office and the time of the year. Participants are encouraged to check processing times to find out how long it takes us to process most applications. Each application is different and takes a different amount of time to process. If you’ve already applied, learn how to check your application status.

Participants are encouraged to begin their application process today to ensure they receive the visa in time for the start of the event.

Biometrics Expansion

Since the summer of 2018, when you apply for a visitor visa, (except U.S. nationals you need to give your fingerprints and a photo. To facilitate repeat travel to Canada, applicants for a visitor visa will only need to give their biometrics once every 10 years. 

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

COVID-19 updates

Please refer to IRCC’s website for COVID-19 updates. 

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION

We are pleased to inform you that the STI & HIV 2025 World Congress will be accredited. The professional accreditation details will be published in due time for the Congress, along with the launch of the full program.