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Last verified: March 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca← Back to IRPA ExplorerLast verified: March 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca
PART 1: Immigration to CanadaDIVISION 3: Entering and Remaining in Canada
§20

Obligation on entry

Obligation on entry

Admissibility
🍁 In Simple Terms

Every person seeking to enter Canada must satisfy a border officer that they have the right or authorization to enter. Even if you have a valid visa, the officer at the port of entry makes the final decision.

Affects: Immigration applicants (economic, family, humanitarian)
Legal Text — IRPA Section 20

(1)Every foreign national, other than a foreign national referred to in section 19, who seeks to enter or remain in Canada must establish,(a) to become a permanent resident, that they hold the visa or other document required under the regulations and have come to Canada in order to establish permanent residence; and

(b)to become a temporary resident, that they hold the visa or other document required under the regulations and will leave Canada by the end of the period authorized for their stay.

Cross-References
Related Subsections
s.20.1Designation — human smuggling or other irregular arrival

20.1 (1) The Minister may, by order, having regard to the public interest, designate as an irregular arrival the arrival in Canada of a group of persons if he or she(a) is of the opinion that examinations of the persons in the group, particularly for the purpose of establishing identity or determining inadmissibility — and any investigations concerning persons in the group — cannot be conducted in a timely manner; or(b) has reasonable grounds to suspect that, in relation to the arrival in Canada of the group, there has been, or will be, a contravention of subsection 117(1) for profit, or for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization or terrorist group.

s.20.2Application for permanent residence — restriction

20.2 (1) A designated foreign national may not apply to become a permanent resident(a) if they have made a claim for refugee protection but have not made an application for protection, until five years after the day on which a final determination in respect of the claim is made;(b) if they have made an application for protection, until five years after the day on which a final determination in respect of the application is made; or(c) in any other case, until five years after the day on which they become a designated foreign national.

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