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- Standard Immigration 29 May 2026
Canada Strengthens Indo-Pacific Ties Through Visa Changes for Indonesia and Malaysia
Canada is deepening its partnerships across the Indo-Pacific by easing visa requirements for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia. Qualifying citizens may now be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a full visa — a significant step forward for travel, trade, and people-to-people connections.
Canada remains committed to prioritizing border safety and security while making travel more efficient for visitors and business travellers.
As Canada continues to deepen its partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region, the Government has announced changes to visa requirements for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia. These changes reflect Canada's broader whole-of-government effort to strengthen ties with Indo-Pacific nations — supporting trade, investment, and people-to-people connections while maintaining its strong commitment to border safety and security.
This announcement was made by the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and is part of Canada's long-term strategy to attract talent, foster global partnerships, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.
What Is Changing — Key Points
Eligible citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia who have held a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) in the last 10 years, or who currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa, may now qualify for an eTA instead of a traditional visa.
Eligible travellers may apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a full visa when travelling to or transiting through Canada by air — making the process faster, simpler, and more affordable.
Travellers who already hold a valid TRV can continue to use it to travel to Canada — no changes are required for those who already have an existing valid visa in hand.
Indonesia and Malaysia — What This Means for Each Country
Eligible Indonesian Citizens
Indonesian citizens who have held a Canadian TRV in the last 10 years or currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa are now eligible to apply for a Canadian eTA instead of going through the full visa application process.
This dramatically simplifies travel to Canada for business, tourism, study visits, and transit — opening up new possibilities for the millions of Indonesians who have existing ties to Canada or the United States.
Eligible Malaysian Citizens
Malaysian citizens meeting the same criteria — prior Canadian TRV in the last 10 years or a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa — are similarly now eligible for the eTA pathway instead of a traditional Canadian visa.
Malaysia is one of Canada's key Indo-Pacific partners, and this change reflects the depth of that relationship — making it easier for Malaysians to visit, do business, and connect with Canada.
What Is an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)?
An eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. It is electronically linked to your passport, takes just minutes to apply for online, costs only CAD $7, and is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires. It is significantly simpler and faster than applying for a traditional Temporary Resident Visa — making it a major benefit for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia.
Canada remains committed to prioritizing the safety and security of its border while making travel more efficient for people visiting or conducting business in Canada.
Why Canada Is Making This Change
This policy shift is not happening in isolation — it is a deliberate and strategic part of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, which seeks to deepen Canada's engagement with one of the world's most dynamic and fast-growing regions. The Indo-Pacific is home to nearly half of the world's population and represents enormous economic opportunity for Canada.
By easing visa requirements for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia, Canada is sending a clear message — it is open for business, open for talent, and open for people-to-people connections that benefit both sides of the relationship.
Changing visa requirements for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia is part of a broader whole-of-government effort to deepen Canada's engagement across the Indo-Pacific, support trade and investment, and make it easier for people to connect, do business, and contribute to Canada's long-term economic growth.
What This Means for Immigration Applicants
For Indonesian and Malaysian nationals who are considering visiting Canada — whether for tourism, business meetings, family visits, or as a first step toward exploring longer-term immigration options — this change makes the initial entry process significantly more accessible.
It is important to note that an eTA only covers short-term air travel to Canada. For those looking to study, work, or settle permanently in Canada, a full immigration application through the appropriate stream is still required. This is where professional guidance from a registered immigration consultant becomes invaluable.
If you are from Indonesia or Malaysia and are considering Canada as a destination for study, work, or permanent residence, the easing of entry requirements is an excellent first step — but navigating the full immigration pathway requires expert advice tailored to your unique situation.
Canada is working to attract the world's brightest minds, strengthen our global partnerships and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. Changing visa requirements for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia is part of a broader whole-of-government effort to deepen Canada's engagement across the Indo-Pacific.
— The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab | Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipHow Stanstead Immigration Can Help You
At Stanstead Immigration Services (SIS), we have extensive experience helping clients from across Asia — including Indonesia and Malaysia — navigate Canada's immigration pathways. Whether you are exploring a study permit, work permit, Express Entry, or permanent residence, our team of regulated professionals will guide you every step of the way.
Our CEO, Humera Khan (CICC No. R711918), leads a team with a 95% success rate and over 4,900 satisfied global clients. If you are from Indonesia or Malaysia and are ready to explore your options in Canada, we are here to help.
Your Gateway to Canada Starts Here.
Stanstead Immigration Services helps clients from Indonesia, Malaysia, and across the Indo-Pacific region successfully navigate every step of the Canadian immigration process — with transparency, expertise, and care.
From Indonesia or Malaysia? Let us help you get to Canada.
Book your free consultation with Stanstead Immigration today — stansteadimmigration.com
