Since 2009, Canada's Citizenship and Immigration department requires all travelers visiting Canada, including United States citizens and permanent residents, to have a passport or an equivalent travel document. Previously, due to a mutual friendly border agreement, United States citizens and residents could travel with a standard driver's license. However, in 2004, the United States government started to require its citizens and permanent residents to show a passport when reentering the United States. For this reason, Canada immigration officers require citizens and permanent residents of the United States to carry the necessary documents to return home.
As well as a passport, Canada border services will accept equivalent travel documents, such as a NEXUS card, an enhanced driver's license or a FAST card. The NEXUS and FAST card programs are partnerships between Canada and the United States that allow holders to use fast track lanes through customs. FAST cards are only valid for entrance by land or sea, while NEXUS cards are valid for all types of travel. The enhanced driver's license provides proof of citizenship as well as proof of identity; so it is considered a valid travel document. However, it is only valid for travelers entering Canada by land or sea, not for air travel. As of 2013, only the states of Michigan, New York, Vermont and Washington issue enhanced driver's licenses.
If the purpose of your visit to Canada is to immigrate, work or study, you will probably need a visa. The Canadian Citizenship and Immigration department requires candidates to apply for residence, work and study visas from their home country. However, refugees, spouses of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, live-in caregivers and holders of temporary residence permits are allowed to apply for a visa from inside Canada. Applicants who qualify for the Canadian Experience Class program, a program for skilled workers who are already integrated into Canadian society, may also apply for a visa without having to return to their home country.
United States citizens and permanent residents with a criminal record may not be eligible to visit Canada or apply for a residence visa. For instance, if you have driving while under the influence conviction on your record, you must request rehabilitation from the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration department before traveling. This process can take several months. To qualify for rehabilitation, at least 5 years must have passed since you were convicted of an offense. If your conviction was inside Canada, you must first request a pardon from the Parole Board of Canada.
