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Simple & Fast eTA Application

Electronic travel authorization (eTA): About the process

1. About the process

2. Who can apply

3. How to apply

4. After you apply

Fees

Pay for eTA

Processing time

Usually within minutes, but up to several days

Visitor visa and electronic travel authorization (eTA) requirements for citizens of Mexico changed on February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. ET

As of 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024,

  • you need to meet new requirements to be eligible for an eTA

  • if you had an eTA before 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024, it has been cancelled unless you also have a valid work or study permit

  • if you had an eTA application in progress at the time, you need to apply for a new eTA or for a visitor visa

  • before you travel to Canada, you need to apply for a new eTA if you’re eligible

  • if you’re no longer eligible for an eTA, you need to apply for a visitor visa to travel to Canada

You either need a visa or an eTA, not both

If you’re visa-required and eligible for an eTA but already have a valid Canadian visa, you don’t need to apply for an eTA. You can travel with your visa until it expires.

The eTA application process

Applying for an eTA is a simple online process. You should apply for an eTA before you book your flight.

  1. Get your passport and credit or debit card ready, and read the application help document, which is available in several languages.

  2. Use the online form to apply.

  3. Pay for your eTA right after you complete the form.

  4. Get an email about your eTA application.

    • Most applications are approved within minutes, but some can take longer.

    • You may need to submit additional documents before your application can be approved.

               i .If this happens to you, an email will be sent with instructions within 72 hours.

An eTA doesn’t let you work or study in Canada

An eTA allows you to travel to Canada by air, but doesn’t let you work or study. Most people need a work permit to work in Canada or a study permit to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. If we approve your work or study permit, we’ll automatically issue you an eTA.

Find out if you need a

  • work permit

  • study permit

Protect yourself from scams

There are scammers who make guarantees about working or studying in Canada. If you stay longer than allowed, or work or study in Canada without the right permit, you could be committing fraud. Committing fraud in Canada can have serious consequences.

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If someone tells you to misrepresent or lie about your intentions, they’re putting you at risk. Learn how to protect yourself from scammers and what to do if you are a victim of fraud.

How long it takes to get an eTA

It’s best to get an eTA before you book your flight to Canada.

  • Most applicants get their eTA approval (via email) within minutes.

  • However, some requests can take several days to process if you’re asked to submit supporting documents.

Confirm your passport number is correct

​Once your eTA is approved, check that the passport number in your eTA approval email matches the number in your passport. If they don’t match, you need to apply for a new eTA.

What to bring to the airport

When we approve your eTA, it will be linked to the passport you used to apply. You need to present this passport when you check-in to your flight to Canada. You don’t need to print out any special document.

The airline staff will scan your passport to confirm that you have a valid eTA. If you don’t have one, you won’t be able to board your flight.

Visitor visa and electronic travel authorization (eTA) requirements for citizens of Mexico changed on February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. ET

As of 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024,

  • you need to meet new requirements to be eligible for an eTA

  • if you had an eTA before 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024, it has been cancelled unless you also have a valid work or study permit

  • if you had an eTA application in progress at the time, you need to apply for a new eTA or for a visitor visa

  • before you travel to Canada, you need to apply for a new eTA if you’re eligible

  • if you’re no longer eligible for an eTA, you need to apply for a visitor visa to travel to Canada

Eligibility

You either need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport. You only need one or the other, not both.

Who needs an eTA to travel to Canada?

You need an eTA if you’re a:

  • Visa-exempt foreign national and you’re flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport

    • As a visa-exempt foreign national, you do not need an eTA (or a visitor visa) when arriving by car, bus, train or boat (including a cruise ship).

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You may be eligible to apply for an eTA (instead of a visitor visa) if you’re a:

  • Citizen from select visa-required countries and you’re travelling to Canada by air.

    • However, you still need visitor visa (not an eTA) when arriving by car, bus, train, or boat, including a cruise ship.

Canadian citizens

If you’re a dual Canadian citizen, you must travel with a valid Canadian passport.

American-Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or U.S. passport.

Canadian permanent residents

You don’t need an eTA or a visitor visa if you’re a Canadian permanent resident. However, you must travel with a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document.

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Important – former residents of Canada: Permanent resident (PR) status does not expire. If you once lived in Canada, even if it was many years ago, you could still have PR status. Learn more to avoid travel delays.

Visa-required travellers

You don’t need an eTA if you’re visa-required, including alien’s passport holders and stateless individuals. You need to travel with a visitor visa.

Travellers who are exempt from the eTA requirement

U.S. citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement and must carry proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport.

As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States are also exempt from the eTA requirement and must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

  • a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and

  • a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

Complete list of acceptable status documents for lawful permanent residents of the U.S.

You need an official proof of status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., such as one of the following:

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  • valid permanent resident card (Form I-551)

  • foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (also known as an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication [ADIT] stamp)

  • foreign passport with a temporary I-551 printed notation (“Upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year”) on a machine-readable immigrant visa upon endorsement with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection admission stamp

  • expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status)

  • expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card [Green Card])

  • valid re-entry permit (Form I-327)

  • Form I-94 with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) and a passport-style photo

Basic requirements to enter Canada

To visit Canada, you’ll need to meet some basic requirements, such as:

  • have a valid travel document, such as a passport

  • have a valid eTA or visitor visa

  • be in good health

  • have no criminal or immigration-related convictions

  • convince a border services officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country

  • convince a border services officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit

  • have enough money for your stay. (The amount of money you will need can vary. It depends on things such as how long you will stay, and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.)

Inadmissibility

An eTA doesn’t guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents. You must convince the officer that you’re eligible for entry to Canada.

Several things can make you inadmissible, including involvement in criminal activity, in human rights violations or in organized crime.

You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons.

Visitor visa and electronic travel authorization (eTA) requirements for citizens of Mexico changed on February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. ET

As of 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024,

  • you need to meet new requirements to be eligible for an eTA

  • if you had an eTA before 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024, it has been cancelled unless you also have a valid work or study permit

  • if you had an eTA application in progress at the time, you need to apply for a new eTA or for a visitor visa

  • before you travel to Canada, you need to apply for a new eTA if you’re eligible

  • if you’re no longer eligible for an eTA, you need to apply for a visitor visa to travel to Canada

This is the Government of Canada's official website to apply for an eTA to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport. 

What you need to complete the form and pay for your eTA

You will need:

  • a valid passport from a visa-exempt country

    As of April 26, 2022: Lawful permanent residents of the United States are exempt from the eTA requirement. Find out what documents you need to travel to Canada.

  • a valid email address, AND

  • one of the following acceptable methods of payment to pay for eTA fee (non-refundable):

    • Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®,

    • a pre-paid Visa®, Mastercard® or American Express®,

    • Visa Debit, or Debit Mastercard,

    • UnionPay®, or

    • JCB Card®.

Overview of the eTA application process

1. Get your passport, credit or debit card ready, and read the help document.

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2. Use the online form to apply. The form cannot be saved. So have your information ready.

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3. Pay for your eTA right after you complete the form.

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4. Get an email about your eTA application. Most applications are approved within minutes.

or

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5. You may need to submit documents before your application can be approved. If this happens to you, an email will be sent with instructions within 72 hours.

After you apply

We process your application

In most cases, you will receive an email from us within minutes. However, some requests may need several days to process. If this is the case for your application, you can expect an email from us within 72 hours of applying. This email will tell you what your next steps are.

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Check the junk mail folder of the email address you provided on your eTA application form. Some spam filters may block automated emails from us.

You receive your eTA

You’ll be notified by email when your eTA is approved. The approval email includes your eTA number.

  • Keep this number in case you need to contact us or want to check the status of your eTA in the future.

If you change your email address after you apply for an eTA, you must update your address online. You can do this with this web form.

Check your passport number

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Check that the passport number included in the eTA approval email matches exactly the number in your passport. If it's not the same, you need to apply again with the correct passport number.

If you entered the wrong passport number, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

  • You may only find out at the airport if you made a mistake.

  • You’ll have to reapply for an eTA.

  • Depending on your situation, it may not be possible to get an eTA at the last minute.

When you board your flight

Your eTA is linked to the passport you used to apply. You need to present this passport when you check-in to your flight to Canada. You don’t need to print out any special document.

The airline staff will scan your passport to confirm that you have a valid eTA. If you don’t have one, you won’t be able to board your flight.

Situations where you may need extra documents on arrival

If either of the following situations applies to you or someone you’ll travel with, have the documents indicated in hand.

You have a child under the age of 18 (a minor child)

In Canada, a child under the age of 18 is considered a minor.

You may need to show

  • a letter from one or both parents, or a legal guardian, that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada, and

  • other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not

You were invited to come to Canada

If you got a letter from a person or company that invited you to Canada, bring that letter with you. A border services officer may ask to see it.

You arrive in Canada

A valid eTA and travel document don’t guarantee that you can enter Canada.

We determine if you meet all entry requirements

When you arrive, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other travel documents. They’ll check your identity to make sure that you’re the same person who was approved to travel to Canada.

  • If you enter Canada at one of 10 major Canadian airports

    • Your fingerprints will be checked automatically at a primary inspection kiosk.

    • The system will check your identity against the information collected when your application was submitted.

  • If you enter Canada at smaller airports and all land ports of entry

    • Your fingerprints may be checked if we refer you to a secondary inspection, where a border services officer will use a fingerprint verification device to check your fingerprints.

You enter Canada

If you pass the identity check, health assessment, and meet the entry requirements, the border services officer may stamp your passport or let you know how long you can stay in Canada. You’re normally allowed to stay in Canada for up to 6 months.

In some cases, the officer may limit or extend your time in Canada to cover the planned purpose of your visit. Ask questions if you’re not sure about something.

You won’t be allowed into Canada if you give false or incomplete information. You must convince the officer that:

  • you’re eligible for entry into Canada

  • you’ll leave Canada at the end of your approved stay

If you don’t obey the conditions of your temporary resident status, we’ll ask you to leave Canada. Most people asked to leave Canada have the right to a fair hearing to review the decision.

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is a mandatory requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. This authorisation is electronically linked to your passport and remains valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

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With a valid eTA, you can visit Canada multiple times for short stays, typically up to six months per visit. However, an eTA is not necessary for domestic travel within Canada.

Canada Visa: Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Great White North

If you're planning to visit Canada, one of the first things you'll need to consider is obtaining the appropriate Canada visa. Whether you're visiting for tourism, studying, working, or joining family, understanding the Canada visa process is essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about securing your Canada visa, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey to one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world.

1. Why Do You Need a Canada Visa?

Canada is a popular destination for travelers from around the globe. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural diversity, Canada attracts millions of visitors each year. However, before you can explore this vast and welcoming country, you’ll likely need a Canada visa, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.

The Canada visa serves as an official endorsement by the Canadian government, allowing you to enter, stay in, or transit through Canada. It ensures that visitors meet the entry requirements and do not pose a security risk to the country.

2. Types of Canada Visas

There are several types of Canada visas, each catering to different purposes of travel. Below are the most common types:

 

  • Tourist Visa (Visitor Visa): If you're planning a vacation to Canada, you’ll need a Tourist Visa, also known as a Visitor Visa. This type of Canada visa allows you to stay in the country for up to six months.

  • Study Permit: If you’ve been accepted to a Canadian educational institution, you'll need a Study Permit. This Canada visa allows you to study in Canada for the duration of your course.

  • Work Permit: If you're moving to Canada for employment, a Work Permit is required. This Canada visa is essential if you've secured a job offer from a Canadian employer.

  • Permanent Resident Visa: If you're planning to move to Canada permanently, you’ll need a Permanent Resident Visa. This Canada visa allows you to live, work, and study in Canada on a permanent basis.

  • Business Visa: Entrepreneurs and investors who wish to explore business opportunities in Canada can apply for a Business Visa. This type of Canada visa is designed for those who want to invest or start a business in Canada.

  • Family Sponsorship Visa: If you have family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, they can sponsor your application for a Family Sponsorship Visa. This Canada visa allows you to reunite with your loved ones in Canada.

3. Canada Visa Application Process

The process of applying for a Canada visa may vary depending on the type of visa you're seeking, but the general steps are similar. Here's a step-by-step guide to the Canada visa application process:

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

The first step is to determine which type of Canada visa you need. This depends on the purpose of your visit—whether it's for tourism, study, work, or permanent residence. Make sure you apply for the correct visa category to avoid any complications.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Once you've determined the appropriate Canada visa type, gather all necessary documents. Commonly required documents include:

  • A valid passport

  • Proof of financial support

  • Travel itinerary

  • Invitation letter (if applicable)

  • Medical exam results (if required)

  • Biometrics (fingerprints and photos)

Each Canada visa type may have additional specific requirements, so be sure to check the official Canadian immigration website for detailed information.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Most Canada visa applications can be completed online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. You'll need to create an account, fill out the necessary forms, and upload your supporting documents. For some Canada visa types, you may also be required to pay an application fee at this stage.

Step 4: Submit Biometrics

Depending on your nationality, you may need to provide biometrics as part of your Canada visa application. Biometrics include fingerprints and photographs, which are used to verify your identity. You’ll be notified if this step is necessary after submitting your online application.

Step 5: Attend an Interview (if required)

In some cases, you may be asked to attend an interview at your local Canadian consulate or embassy. This is more common for certain Canada visa types, such as Study Permits or Work Permits. During the interview, you may be asked about the purpose of your visit and your background.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

After submitting your application, you’ll need to wait for your Canada visa to be processed. Processing times vary depending on the type of visa and your location. You can check the status of your application online through the IRCC website.

Step 7: Receive Your Canada Visa

If your application is approved, you’ll receive your Canada visa, which will be stamped in your passport. Make sure to check the visa's validity dates and conditions, as these will determine the length of your stay and any restrictions.

4. Tips for a Successful Canada Visa Application

  • Apply Early: Canada visa processing times can vary, so it's best to apply as early as possible, especially during peak travel seasons.

  • Double-Check Documents: Ensure all your documents are accurate and complete before submitting your application. Missing or incorrect information can delay the process.

  • Be Honest: Provide truthful information in your application. Any discrepancies can lead to a denial of your Canada visa.

  • Follow Up: If your Canada visa application is taking longer than expected, don’t hesitate to follow up with the IRCC or your local embassy.

5. What to Expect When You Arrive in Canada

  • Once you've obtained your Canada visa and arrive in the country, you'll go through customs and immigration at your port of entry. Be prepared to present your passport, Canada visa, and any other requested documents to the immigration officer. They may ask you a few questions about the purpose of your visit and your planned activities in Canada.

  • As long as your Canada visa is valid and you've met all the entry requirements, you'll be allowed to enter the country and begin your Canadian adventure!

6. Exploring Canada with Your Visa

  • With your Canada visa in hand, you're ready to explore everything this amazing country has to offer. Whether you're admiring the majestic Rockies, experiencing the urban buzz of Toronto and Vancouver, or soaking in the rich history of Quebec City, your Canada visa is your ticket to an unforgettable journey.

  • Remember, your Canada visa may have restrictions, such as the length of stay or work limitations. Make sure to adhere to these conditions to avoid any issues during your stay.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Canada visa is a crucial step in your journey to one of the most beautiful and welcoming countries in the world. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be well-prepared to secure your Canada visa and start your adventure. Whether you're visiting for a short vacation or planning a long-term stay, Canada offers something for everyone. Apply for your Canada visa today and get ready to explore the Great White North!

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