.ca

.ca is the country-code top-level domain for Canada and is operated by the Canadian Internet Registration Authority, commonly known as CIRA. It is one of the clearest ways for a website to signal a genuine connection to Canada.

Unlike many country-code domains that are open worldwide, .ca has formal Canadian Presence Requirements. Eligible registrants include categories such as Canadian citizens, qualifying permanent residents, Canadian corporations and organizations, governments and certain holders of trademarks registered in Canada. The exact category matters because CIRA can require evidence that the registrant continues to qualify.

For Canadian businesses and organizations, that eligibility requirement can strengthen the national meaning of the extension. A .ca address can be useful for a Canada-focused store, service, publication or organization even when the same brand also uses another domain internationally.

The restriction also means that an available name is not automatically registrable by anyone. Registrants must provide accurate information and may be selected for validation.

VYR classifies .ca as restricted. Anyone considering a registration should confirm the current CIRA Canadian Presence Requirement category that applies to them.