Canada eTA Overview

Types of Canada eTA APPLY ONLINE

There are mainly four types of Canada eTA - transit, tourism, business, and for medical treatment visits. Each type is based on the purpose of the visit to Canada. The transit eTA is for those who are passing through Canada and not staying for any length of time. On the other hand, the tourism eTA is for those visiting Canada for vacation or exploring the country. Similarly, the business eTA is reserved for individuals traveling to Canada for business purposes such as conferences, meetings or networking events. The last type, the medical treatment eTA, is typically for those who are traveling to Canada to receive specific medical treatment. The requirements and validity may vary based on the type and purpose of your visit.

Information Required for Canada eTA Application

When applying for the Canada eTA, certain pieces of information are needed to proceed with the application. You must be prepared to provide the following: your full name as it is displayed in your passport, date and place of birth, contact details such as email and physical address, passport number, issue and expiry date, recent employment information if applicable, and your citizenship or residency status. It's also necessary to answer security questions related to your health and criminal history. This information is confidential and is primarily used to verify your identity and assess your admissibility to Canada. Be sure to input everything accurately to avoid denial or delay in the application process.

Before Applying for Canada eTA

Before initiating the Canada eTA application, you must ensure that you have some necessary prerequisites in place for a smooth and quick application process. Firstly, you must have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, as the details from this will be necessary when filling out the application. Secondly, a valid email ID is required as all the communications regarding the eTA, including the outcome of the application, will be sent via email. Lastly, have a valid method of payment readily available. Payments for the eTA are usually made through credit or debit card. Remember, the eTA is linked electronically to your passport, hence using the same passport you used during the application for travel is crucial. Ensure your passport has at least six months validity from the planned date of arrival in Canada. Having these requirements in check will smoothen your eTA application process.

Applying for the Canada eTA

To apply for the Canada eTA, start by clicking APPLY NOW button. Ensure you have all the required documents, such as a valid passport, handy. The application process begins with filling out the form accurately with personal information, education details, employment history, and travel plans. All information provided should be consistent with the details on your passport. Once the form is completed, the next step involves making a payment for the eTA, make payment online. Secure online payment methods such as credit or debit cards are accepted. Finally, submit your application and wait for the approval, which is usually sent to the registered email address.

Processing Time and Validity of the Canada eTA

The processing time for the Canada eTA varies. Typically, after the application is submitted, applicants may receive a response within a few minutes, but sometimes it can take up to 72 hours. It's advisable to apply for the eTA at least a few days prior to the planned travel date to allow for any potential administrative delays. Once granted, the eTA is valid for five years or until the passport's expiry date, whichever comes first. This eTA allows for multiple entries into Canada for stays of up to six months. However, final admission decisions and length of stay are determined by Canadian border officials upon arrival.

Documents Required at the Canada Border

When you arrive at the Canadian border, there are certain documents that border officials might request. These include your valid passport, printed Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), proof of your finances (like your bank statement, credit card, etc.), and sometimes, proof of your current employment status or student status. Also, you may need to show your return ticket if you're visiting for tourism, business, or transit purposes. You also must have a letter of invitation if you're visiting family or friends. This documentation is essential to satisfy the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) about the purpose and length of your visit.