Canada Tests Digital Visas in New Modernisation Pilot
Canada has begun testing digital visas as part of a wider effort to modernise immigration systems and improve service delivery. The pilot, launched on November 27, 2025, invites a small group of approved Moroccan visitor visa applicants to receive a digital version of their visa alongside the traditional counterfoil placed in their passport.
On This Page You Will Find
- Details of Canada’s digital visa pilot
- Benefits of digital visas for travellers
- Security and privacy considerations
- How the pilot works for Moroccan applicants
- Frequently asked questions
The aim of the pilot is to gather direct feedback from users, ensure digital documents meet high security standards and test how well the technology works with partners such as airlines.
Why Canada Is Exploring Digital Visas
Digital visas are designed to make travel faster, safer and more convenient for applicants. They reduce the need to send in a passport for visa stamping and streamline interactions between travellers, airlines and border officials.
Key benefits include:
- No need to mail or submit a passport for a counterfoil
- Improved verification and security
- More control for clients over the information they share
- Lower costs for government printing and mailing
- More efficient program delivery
By testing digital visas with a small controlled group, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can evaluate performance, privacy considerations and user experience before rolling out broader digital options.
Ensuring Security and International Compatibility
IRCC is working closely with other federal departments to make sure digital visas align with Canadian and international privacy and security standards. The pilot follows all Government of Canada rules regarding data protection and secure digital document management.
This approach ensures that any future digital visa system will be safe, user-friendly and compatible with third-party systems such as airline check-in platforms and border control technologies.
Information learned from the pilot will help shape the next generation of digital immigration documents across multiple programs.
Digital Visas and Moroccan Travellers
Some Moroccan citizens invited to the pilot will receive both a physical visa counterfoil and a digital visa. The digital version is for testing purposes only and does not replace the physical visa at this stage.
Moroccan travellers may also be eligible for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) instead of a visitor visa, depending on how they plan to travel to Canada. Travellers arriving by air who meet specific conditions may apply for an eTA rather than a visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Canada’s digital visa pilot?
The pilot tests digital versions of visas with selected Moroccan visitor visa applicants. Participants receive a digital visa in addition to the traditional counterfoil. The goal is to gather feedback, test security and ensure digital visas work with systems used by airlines and border officials.
Why is Canada moving toward digital visas?
Canada wants to modernise immigration processes and improve client service. Digital visas make travel faster and more convenient by reducing the need to send in passports. They also increase security, lower government processing costs and improve the efficiency of program delivery.
Are digital visas secure?
Yes. The pilot follows all federal privacy and security rules. IRCC is working with other departments to ensure digital visas meet Canadian and international standards. Testing allows officials to identify and resolve any potential security or compatibility concerns before wider use.
Who is taking part in the pilot?
A small group of Moroccan nationals who have already been approved for a visitor visa may be invited to participate. They will still receive a physical visa counterfoil in their passport, but will also have the opportunity to test a digital version for travel processes.
Do Moroccan travellers still need a visa?
Most Moroccan travellers continue to need a visa. However, some may be eligible for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) if travelling to Canada by air and meeting specific conditions. The pilot does not change eTA eligibility or visa rules for Moroccan citizens.
