After you apply for Online Canada Visa: Next steps

Payment for eTA Canada Visa is done. What’s next?

To inform you that your eTA Canada visa application is through, you will receive an e-mail that confirms the status - Application Competed. Because this mail is automated, spam filters may block Canada Visa online e-mail IDs, especially corporate ones. You need to check the junk folder of the e-mail ID that you have provided, to check if there is any e-mail you missed regarding Canada Visa online.

It takes no more than 24 hours to complete the validation process for most applications. Having said that, a few applications may require some extra time to process and thus take a bit longer to complete. Whatever the outcome of your Canada Visa online or Canada eTA, it will be sent to your e-mail address automatically.

Make sure your passport number is correct
Image of approval letter and passport information page

The number in your passport must exactly match the password number mentioned in the eTA Canada approval e-mail. It is an electronic system in which the eTA Canada Visa is directly linked with your passport. If the number doesn’t match, you must reapply for a Canada visa online.

It is crucial to check the passport because if you enter the wrong number, you may miss your flight.

And the worst part is that you may only get to know about this mistake when you reach the airport. In such a scenario, you need to apply for an eTA Canada visa or Canada visa online again. However, you may not be able to get an eTAa Canada Visa when it is almost time of the flight to depart; it all depends on your situation.

If you would like to update the email address for communication, make sure to contact visa helpdesk or send us an email at [email protected].

If your Online Canada Visa is approved

You will recieve an Canada eTA Approval Confirmation email. Approval email includes your eTA Status, eTA number and eTA Expiration Date sent by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Canada eTA Visa Approval Email Online Canada Visa approval email containing information from IRCC

Your Canada eTA is automatically and electronically linked to the passport that you used for your application. Make sure your passport number is correct and you must travel on the same passport. You will be required to present this passport to the airline checkin staff and Canada Border Service Agency during entry into Canada.

eTA Canada Visa is valid for upto five years from the date of issue, as long as the passport linked to the application is still valid You can visit Canada for upto 6 months on eTA Canada Visa. You will need to apply to extend your electronic travel authorisation if you wish to stay longer in Canada.

Am I guaranteed entry into Canada if my eTA Canada Visa has been issued?

The Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) permit or valid visitors visa, do not guarantee your entry into Canada. A Canada Border Services Agent (CBSA) reserves the right to declare you inadmissible due to the following reasons:

  • There has been a major change to your circumstances
  • New information about you has been acquired

What do I do if my eTA Application is not approved within 72 hours?

While most eTA Canada Visas are issued within 24 hours, some can take several days to process. In such cases, additional information may be required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before the application is approved. We will contact you via email and advise you of the next steps.

The email from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may include a request for:

  • A medical examination - Sometimes a medical examination is required to be carried out to visit Canada
  • Criminal record check - In rare circumstances, the Canadian Visa office will intimate you if a police certificate is required or not.
  • Interview - If Canadian Visa agent considers an in-person interview to be necessary, you will be required to visit the nearest Canadian embassy/consulate.

What if I need to apply for another Online Canada Visa?

To apply for a family member or someone else travelling with you, use the Online Canada Visa Application Form again.

What if my Canada eTA Application is denied?

In case your eTA Canada is not issued, you will receive a breakdown of the reason for refusal. You could try submitting traditional or paper Canadian Visitor Visa at your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

Online Canada Visa Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Things to do in Canada

Heading to United States?

You may need an ESTA.

United States ESTA Electronic System for Travel Authorization