What is eTA Canada?

Have you got a trip to Canada coming up?

If you’re planning a trip to Canada, you may need to apply for an eTA Canada beforehand.

Securing what you need for a trip overseas can be overwhelming and stressful.

At Visa First, we want to make planning your visit to Canada as stress-free as possible.

That’s why we have put together this useful guide where we go through everything you need to know about the Canadian ETA.

Check it out below!

What is ETA Canada?

If you have wondered what is ETA, we have got the answer for you! This is a multiple-entry authorization that lets you stay in Canada for up to six months per visit.

The Canada Electronic Travel Authorization allows you to visit the country by air for tourism or business purposes.

With it, you can visit family and friends or travel around Canada.

It is an entry requirement for any visa-exempt foreign nationals who want to go to the Great White North.

Who is eligible for the Canadian ETA?

You are eligible for the Canadian ETA if:

You are from a visa-exempt country
You are planning to travel to Canada by air

Here’s a list of the countries whose citizens require an ETA to travel to Canada.

Visa-exempt countries

The visa-exempt category includes also British citizens, British Overseas nationals and British Overseas Territory citizens of the following countries:

Anguilla
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Gibraltar, Montserrat
Pitcairn Island
Saint Helena
Turks and Caicos Islands (if they obtained citizenship through birth, descent, naturalization or registration in one of the territories).

However, if these citizens are travelling to Canada by land or sea, they do not require an ETA.

Keep in mind that there may be different requirements for citizens applying for the Canada ETA from different countries.

What are the application requirements?

When you apply for the eTA Canada, you will be required to provide certain documents.

These include:

A completed application form
A copy of your passport from an eligible country- must be valid for up to six months from the date of arrival in Canada
Your ETA processing fee

How long is the Canada ETA valid for?

It is valid for five years, or until your passport expires/is replaced – whichever comes first.

Canada ETA FAQs

How long will it take to receive my Canada ETA?

The Canada ETA processing time varies and depends on the Canadian Immigration Office.

How much will the Canada ETA cost me?

You can apply for eTA Canada from €50 with Visa First.

Do I have to print out my ETA and keep it with me in Canada?

No, you are under no obligation to print your ETA, as it is linked electronically to your passport. You can of course keep a copy of your ETA with you for safekeeping.

Can I work in Canada when I have the Canadian ETA?

No, the ETA is not suitable for full or part-time work for a Canadian employer in Canada.

What happens if you exceed your six-month limit per visit?

If you exceed your six-month limit per visit on a Canadian ETA, the consequences you may face include:

Being refused entry to Canada in the future
Losing your chance of obtaining permanent Canadian citizenship
Being removed from Canada

Therefore, it’s essential to respect the conditions of your ETA and to leave Canada before your allowed stay expires.

If you need to stay in Canada for a longer period of time, you may be able to apply for an extension of your stay with the Canadian government before your current period of stay expires.

How to avoid being denied an ETA for Canada?

To avoid being refused a Canadian ETA, ensure you:

Meet the eligibility criteria – to be eligible for an ETA, you must meet certain criteria, such as having a valid passport, being in good health, and being from a visa-exempt country (you can find this list in the article above in ‘Visa-exempt countries’)
Provide and complete all necessary documents – ensure you have all the documents required. You can check the Canadian government website for a list of the required documents
If applicable, provide evidence of connections to your home country – this could include proof of employment, property ownership, family ties, and other ties to your home country
If applicable, include an invitation letter that has all the details required – you might need an invitation if you are visiting Canada for business, family or friends purposes. In this case, the invitation letter should include information such as:

Purpose of your visit
Dates of your visit
Relationship the visitor has to the host
Who will be responsible for your accommodation and expenses
Host’s contact information

Review your application before submitting – before submitting your ETA application, review it thoroughly to ensure that you have provided all the required documents and information

What to do if Canada ETA application is denied?

If your Canada eTA application is denied, there are a few steps you can take:

Review the reason for the denial: When your ETA Canada application is refused, you will receive an explanation for the denial. Carefully review this
Correct any mistakes: If the reason for the denial is due to errors in your application, you can correct the mistakes and reapply for the ETA
Appeal the decision: If you believe that the denial was made in error or you have additional information to support your application, you can appeal the decision. You will need to submit a written appeal to the Canadian visa office responsible for your region
Apply for a visa: If your ETA application is denied and you are not eligible to reapply or appeal the decision, you may need to apply for a visitor visa instead

It’s important to note that if your ETA application is denied, you shouldn’t attempt to enter Canada without an ETA as you won’t be able to board your flight.

How to apply for a eTA Canada?

Simple!

Apply for ETA Canada online with Visa First!

All you have to do is fill out the online application form and provide all of the required documents and information.

It’s as simple as that!

We provide fast, convenient service, and our global visa specialists will take care of the tricky application forms and documents.

We also provide some additional services to get you sorted for your trip to Canada.

To find out more just check out our website!

Do you have more questions about your eTA Canada application? Contact our team today who will be more than happy to help you!

Why choose Visa First?

We are the world’s leading provider of visa and immigration services
We have over 20 years of experience securing visas for our customers
We take the hassle out of visa applications and maximise your chances of a successful visa application
Your dedicated account manager will offer comprehensive solutions to any of your queries
Your visa application will be prepared accurately by our highly qualified team

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