Travelers without a visa can use eTA Canada, a straightforward online travel authorization. Apply in a matter of minutes and travel with ease if you're flying to Canada from a nation that doesn't require one.
What Is eTA Canada?
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Definition and Purpose of eTA
For passengers traveling to or passing through Canada from nations that do not require a visa, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a digital entry requirement. It is a pre-screening procedure designed to enhance border security and expedite entry for qualified travelers; it is not a visa requirement.
Before taking a flight to Canada, passengers must complete an online application. When checking in for a flight, the eTA is automatically verified and electronically connected to the passenger's passport.
Who needs an eTA?
Traveler Type | Need eTA? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Citizens of visa-exempt countries | ✅ Yes (by air only) | Required if arriving by air, not by land or sea |
U.S. citizens | ❌ No | Exempt from both visa and eTA |
U.S. permanent residents | ✅ Yes | Must show valid Green Card and eTA |
Travelers with a Canadian visa | ❌ No | eTA not needed if you already have a valid visa |
eTA Canada Entry and Validity Rules
An eTA can be used for up to five years after it is authorized, or until the passport it is associated with expires, whichever comes first. Although a visitor may return to Canada more than once throughout the validity period, their stays are normally restricted to six months.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Validity period | Up to 5 years (or until passport expires) |
Number of entries | Multiple |
Maximum stay per visit | Up to 6 months |
Linked to passport | Yes (same passport must be used when traveling) |
Who Needs an eTA to Enter Canada?
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eTA Canada Eligible Nationalities
Before taking a flight to Canada, visitors from nations or areas that do not require a visa must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Only air travel is subject to this regulation. No eTA is required for those coming by land or sea.
The following are instances of nations whose nationals need an eTA to fly into Canada:
Country/Region | eTA Required for Air Travel? |
|---|---|
Germany | ✅ Yes |
Japan | ✅ Yes |
South Korea | ✅ Yes |
Australia | ✅ Yes |
United Kingdom | ✅ Yes |
France | ✅ Yes |
Italy | ✅ Yes |
Singapore | ✅ Yes |
Hong Kong (SAR) | ✅ Yes |
eTA Canada Disallowances and Exclusions
Certain passengers are exempt from the eTA requirement, depending on their travel document or country of citizenship. Here is a summary of the primary exemptions:
Traveler Type | eTA Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
U.S. citizens | ❌ No | Do not need an eTA or visa to enter Canada |
Travelers with a valid Canadian visa | ❌ No | Can enter using the visa; no need for eTA |
U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders) | ✅ Yes | Must have a valid Green Card and eTA |
Canadian citizens (including dual citizens) | ❌ No | Must use Canadian passport when flying to Canada |
Canadian permanent residents | ❌ No | Must carry valid PR card or travel document |
Travelers entering by land or sea | ❌ No | eTA only applies to air travel |
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Application Fee & Processing Time for eTA Canada
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How Much Time Does eTA Canada Processing Take?
After being submitted, the majority of eTA applications are processed within minutes. Some applications, however, would need more paperwork or a manual review process, which could take days.
Application Type | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|
Standard eTA (no issues) | A few minutes (via email) |
Application under review | Several hours to a few days |
With additional requests | Varies – up to several weeks |
eTA Canada Application Cost
There is a set cost for the eTA Canada application:
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
eTA Application Fee | $5.15 per traveler |
Payment Method | Credit card or debit card |
Refund Policy | Non-refundable once submitted |
Typical Errors to Avoid in eTA Applications
Due to minor errors, many travelers encounter problems. The following are the most typical ones, along with solutions:
Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
Entering incorrect passport number | Double-check the number, especially O vs. 0 (zero) |
Using expired or invalid passport | Ensure your passport is valid for the entire trip |
Applying with the wrong nationality | Select the correct issuing country of your passport |
Using unofficial websites | Only apply through Canada’s official website |
Fee & Processing Time for eTA Canada
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eTA Canada: Service and Government Fee Breakdown
The Government of Canada levies a one-time processing fee for eTA applications. However, you might have to pay more for expedited processing, application review, or convenience if you apply through a third-party agency.
Fee Type | Description | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
Government Fee | Official fee charged by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) | ~USD 5USD 18 (mandatory) |
Standard Service Fee | Charged by third-party websites for form assistance | Typically USD 18–37 |
Priority/Rush Processing Fee | Optional add-on for faster handling by agencies (not IRCC) | USD 15–75+ |
How Long Does It Take to Get eTA?
The application process and timing determine how long it takes to process an eTA. Delays may arise, particularly during periods of high travel demand or when extra papers are sought, but the majority of applications filed via the official Canadian website are processed in a matter of minutes.
Processing Type | Estimated Time Frame | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Standard (Official) | A few minutes to a few hours | 90% of applications approved within minutes |
Under Review | Up to 72 hours or longer | If more background check or documents are needed |
Third-Party Rush | 30 minutes to 4 hours (service-dependent) | Extra fee charged; agency assists with faster routing |
Peak Season Delay | Up to several days | Typically around holidays or during high volume periods |
Check eTA Canada Application Status
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After submitting your eTA application, it's crucial to keep an eye on its progress, particularly if you haven't heard back within a few hours. In certain situations, more time or action is required, although most applicants obtain a decision promptly.
How to Track Your Canada eTA Application
You can utilize the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) web page to see the status of your eTA.
Take these actions:
- Visit the IRCC's official eTA status check page:
- Select "Verify your eTA status."
- Give the necessary details:
Required Information | Description |
|---|---|
Application Number | Provided in the confirmation email after applying |
Passport Number | Must match the one used in your application |
Country of Passport Issuance | Select from the dropdown on the site |
Date of Birth | Enter exactly as shown on your passport |
eTA Canada Delayed or Refused: What to Do
There are a number of reasons why your eTA may still be being reviewed or denied. The email notice you receive usually explains the problem and what to do next, so it's important to carefully read it.
Typical Causes of Postponement or Refusal
Reason for Delay or Refusal | Explanation & Suggested Action |
|---|---|
Incorrect passport details | Reapply with correct information. eTA cannot be edited once submitted. |
Criminal history or inadmissibility | You may need to apply for a visitor visa instead. |
Health or background check required | Wait for IRCC to request additional documents via email. |
Duplicate or multiple applications | Avoid submitting more than one application at the same time. |
Technical processing delay | Occurs during high traffic periods; allow extra processing time. |
Step-by-Step Application Process for a Canadian Work Visa
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Applying for a work visa to Canada:
Request a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
For many temporary employment visas under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, an LMIA is a crucial document. It indicates that there isn't a single Canadian citizen or permanent resident available for the position.
- The LMIA application procedure: The employer must apply for an LMIA and show they tried to hire locally with job ads and job details.
- Send in the application: The LMIA application is submitted by the employer with accompanying documentation, including proof of job postings and information on the employment offer.
- Wait for the decision: The employer obtains a positive LMIA upon approval, enabling the foreign worker to apply for a work visa. The visa application needs to contain the LMIA and the job offer.
Select the Proper Visa Stream and Recognize Your Eligibility
Given the type of job and the qualifications of the applicant, Canada offers various visa streams. Every stream has distinct requirements for eligibility and how to apply. Typical streams consist of:
- Stream of Global Talent (GTS): It is intended for highly trained individuals, particularly those in engineering and technology.
- Overview: This stream provides quicker visa processing and is a component of the Global Skills Strategy.
- Eligibility: Usually requires a positive LMIA and a job offer in a particular field. As little as two weeks may be needed for processing.
eTA Canada (FAQs)
Who needs an eTA to travel to Canada?
An eTA is required for citizens of visa-exempt nations traveling to Canada. Neither a visa nor an eTA are necessary for U.S. citizens.How long does it take to get an eTA Canada?
The majority of eTAs are accepted in a matter of minutes, but if more review is needed, some can take days.What if my eTA is refused?
Although you are unable to appeal an eTA denial, you can still apply for a standard guest visa.