Eligibility for a Canada Visa for Australian Citizens

Updated on Dec 23, 2023 | Canada Visa Online

Citizens of Australian can apply for eTA in Canada. Australia was one of the first countries to join the Canada eTA programme. The Canada eTA programme allows Australian nationals to enter Canada quickly.

Do I need a Visa to visit Canada from Australia?

No, Australian citizens are not required to obtain a visa to travel to Canada, as the country is one of the fifty countries allowed to travel visa-free to Canada. However, applicants from Australia, travelling to Canada by air must make sure to obtain an Online Canada visa (visa waiver system) or the Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), before travelling to Canada. 

Australian travellers arriving in Canada by land or sea are not required to obtain an online Canada visa or the Canada eTA. However, they must make sure to carry their travel documents and identification while travelling to Canada.

Australian citizens, travelling for the following purposes to Canada, must apply for the Online Canada Visa or the Canada eTA:

  • Applicants visiting for tourism purposes, especially for short-stay visits.
  • Applicants going on business trips
  • Applicants transiting through Canada to travel to their onward destination.
  • Applicants travelling to Canada for medical purposes or consultation.

Most foreigners passing through Canada in transit require a visa in order to enter and depart the country. Australian citizens with the online Canada visa or the Canada eTA, however, can travel without a visa as long as they fly into and out of a Canadian airport.

Australian nationals do not have the right to reside or work in Canada under the online Canada visa or the Canada eTA.

All tourists must possess an electronic passport that is machine-readable because the online Canada visa or the Canadian eTA is completely electronic. Although all current Australian passports are machine-readable, visitors should verify with the Australian passport office if they have any questions regarding the legitimacy of their papers.

Visiting Canada is simpler than ever since Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced the simplified and streamlined process of obtaining electronic travel authorisation or Online Canada Visa. Online Canada Visa is an travel permit or electronic travel authorization to enter and visit Canada for a period of less than 6 months for tourism or business. International tourists must have a Canada eTA to be able to enter Canada and explore this beautiful country. Foreign citizens can apply for an Online Canada Visa Application in a matter of minutes. Online Canada Visa Application process is automated, simple, and completely online.

Visa application for entering Canada from Australia

To be eligible to apply for the Online Canada visa or the Canada eTA, Australian citizens need to meet the following requirements:

  • The Australian applicants must complete and fill out the Canada Visa Application Form and must upload the Canada visa online required documents in electronic form.
  • The Australian applicants must make sure to pay the online Canada visa or the Canada eTA application fee using a debit or credit card.
  • The Australian applicants will then receive their approved Canada online visa via email.

The Australian applicants eligible to apply for the online Canada visa or the Canada eTA must provide the following basic personal details on the Canada Visa Application form

  • The name of the Australian applicant.
  • Nationality of the Australian applicant.
  • Occupation of the Australian applicant.
  • Passport details including the passport number, of the Australian applicant.

To submit the Canada visa application, Australian citizens must additionally complete a few health and security-related questions on the Canada Visa Application form and pay the online Canada visa or Canada eTA charge.

Australian nationals should apply for an online Canada visa or Canada eTA to Canada at least 72 hours before departure to give the necessary time for the processing of their paperwork and the issuance of the authorisation.

Australian citizens can use desktop, tablet, or mobile devices to apply for the online Canada visa or Canada eTA. The authorization may be obtained quickly and easily, and it will be sent to the applicant's email address securely and electronically.

Prior to submission, it is advised that all information on the application form be verified. The Canadian eTA for Australian citizens may be delayed or rejected if there are any inaccuracies or mistakes.

The online Canada visa or Canada eTA is valid for five years after it has been authorised and is electronically connected to the applicant's passport. Nothing must be printed, and there is no documentation required to be provided at the Canadian airport.

Visa requirements for Australians travelling to Canada

Australian nationals can apply for the Online Canada visa or the Canada eTA by meeting certain entry requirements and having the following documents in hand:

  • A valid Australia-issued passport valid for at least 180 days (6 months) from the date of travel to Canada.
  • A valid debit/credit card to pay the Canada visa online fee from Australia. 
  • Australian applicants will need to provide a current email address 

Australian citizens who are holders of dual citizenship must apply using the same passport that they intend to travel on since the online Canada visa or Canada eTA for Australian residents is electronically linked to the traveller's passport.

Unless they also possess a passport from another visa-exempt country, travellers who carry a temporary passport or travel papers with a different status, such as refugees or temporary residents, will need to apply for a Canadian visa at the embassy.

At the time of application, every online Canada visa or Canada eTA candidate must be older than 18. A parent or legal guardian must fill out the application on behalf of minors.

As the minor's guardian or representative, those seeking an online Canada visa or Canada eTA for Australian nationals must also give some basic personal information.

Applicants may enter Canada more than once throughout the five-year term, with each entry permitting a stay of up to six months. The duration of the online Canada visa or Canada eTA holder's permission to stay in Canada will be determined by border officials upon arrival, and the information will be listed on the passport.

The visitor must depart the country by the date written on their passport, whichever is earlier. Australian nationals may request an extension of their stay in Canada as long as they do so at least 30 days before it expires.

READ MORE:
Learn about next steps, after you have successfully applied for eTA Canada Visa. After you apply for Online Canada Visa: Next steps

The Canadian embassy in Australia

Australian passport holders visiting Canada for tourism, business, transit and medical purposes, and meeting all the online Canada visa or Canada eTA eligibility requirements do not need to visit the Canadian Embassy in person to apply for a Canada visa.
The entire process of the Canada visa application for Australians is online, and applicants can apply for the visa using a laptop, mobile phone, tablet or any other device with a reliable internet connection.
However, Australian passport holders who do not meet all the online Canada visa or Canada eTA eligibility requirements, need to obtain an Embassy visa for Canada.
Applicants can either choose to apply for the High Commission of Canada in Canberra or from the Consulate General of Canada, Sydney, at the following addresses:
High Commission of Canada, Canberra

Commonwealth Avenue, 

Canberra ACT, 

Australia 2600

Consulate General of Canada, Sydney

Level 6, Quay West Building,

111 Harrington Street, 

Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

Can an Australian enter Canada without a Visa?

For visa-free entry into Canada, Australian nationals must have an Online Canada visa or the Canada eTA while travelling by air. Without a valid electronic travel authorization, Australians travelling to or through Canada on a plane for leisure or business will not be allowed access.

There is no need to submit papers in person at a consulate or embassy because the online Canada visa or the Canada eTA application is entirely online and can be finished in a matter of minutes. For 5 years, or until the passport expires, the same eTA may be used to enter Canada without a visa.

Australian citizens with eTAs are only permitted to stay in Canada for a maximum of 6 months at a time; anyone intending to stay longer must get a Canadian visa.

How long can an Australian stay in Canada with a Visa?

Australian passport holders must get an online Canada visa or the Canada eTA in advance in order to fly into Canada. Australian citizens with approved visas may remain in Canada for up to 180 days (6 months) so long as their trip falls within one of the online Canada visa or the Canada eTA’s recognised categories.

While the precise duration of an online Canada visa or the Canada eTA holder's stay in Canada varies, most Australian travellers are given a maximum 6-month stay.

Australians with an online Canada visa or the Canada eTA can go to Canada on many short excursions since the Canadian eTA is valid for multiple entries.

Australian nationals need a visa to enter Canada to remain for longer than the period of time allowed by the Canada eTA.

Can an Australian enjoy fast entry using the Canada Visa programme?

Processing times for online Canada visas or the Canada eTA are quick. It is advised that passengers submit the request between 1 and 3 working days before departure, and most requests are examined within a day.

At one of Canada's main airports, Australians possessing eTAs will be sent to a Primary Inspection Kiosk. Before entering Canada, visitors here electronically scan their passports and any related eTAs.

The procedure is quick and avoids the protracted lines that are sometimes associated with border control.

Can Australian citizens travel to Canada?

Yes, Canada eTA can be used to enter Canada for leisure, business, or to see friends and family.

What are some important points to remember while visiting Canada from Australia?

The following are some important points that Australian passport holders should remember before entering Canada:

  • Australian citizens are not required to obtain a visa to travel to Canada, as the country is one of the fifty countries allowed to travel visa-free to Canada. However, applicants from Australia, travelling to Canada by air must make sure to obtain an Online Canada visa (visa waiver system) or the Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), before travelling to Canada. 
  • Australian travellers arriving in Canada by land or sea are not required to obtain an online Canada visa or the Canada eTA. However, they must make sure to carry their travel documents and identification while travelling to Canada.
  • Australian citizens, travelling for the following purposes to Canada, must apply for the Online Canada visa or the Canada eTA:
  • Applicants visiting for tourism purposes, especially for short-stay visits.
  • Applicants going on business trips
  • Applicants transiting through Canada to travel to their onward destination.
  • Applicants travelling to Canada for medical purposes or consultation.
  • Australian nationals can apply for the Online Canada Visa or the Canada eTA by meeting certain entry requirements and having the following documents in hand:
  • A valid Australia-issued passport valid for at least 180 days (6 months) from the date of travel to Canada.
  • A valid debit/credit card to pay the Canada visa online fee from Australia. 
  • Australian applicants will need to provide a current email address 
  • Most foreigners passing through Canada in transit require a visa to enter and depart the country. Australian citizens with the online Canada visa or the Canada eTA, however, can travel without a visa if they fly into and out of a Canadian airport.
  • Australian citizens who are holders of dual citizenship must apply using the same passport that they intend to travel on since the online Canada visa or Canada eTA for Australian residents is electronically linked to the traveller's passport.
  • Australian nationals should apply for an online Canada visa or Canada eTA to Canada at least 72 hours before departure to give the necessary time for the processing of their paperwork and the issuance of the authorisation.
  • The Canadian authorities can get a response under this visa waiver mechanism as soon as 24 hours following filing. To avoid last-minute problems, it is crucial to start the procedure at least 72 hours before the anticipated arrival date.
  • There is no need to submit papers in person at a consulate or embassy because the Online Canada visa or the Canada eTA application is entirely online and can be finished in a matter of minutes. For 5 years, or until the passport expires, the same eTA may be used to enter Canada without a visa.
  • At the time of application, every online Canada visa or Canada eTA candidate must be older than 18. A parent or legal guardian must fill out the application on behalf of minors.
  • Applicants may enter Canada more than once throughout the five-year term, with each entry permitting a stay of up to six months. The duration of the online Canada visa or Canada eTA holder's permission to stay in Canada will be determined by border officials upon arrival, and the information will be listed on the passport.
  • Australian passport holders must get an Online Canada visa or the Canada eTA in advance in order to fly into Canada. Australian citizens with approved visas may remain in Canada for up to 180 days (6 months) so long as their trip falls within one of the online Canada visa or the Canada eTA’s recognised categories.

What are some places Australians can visit in Canada?

If you are planning to visit Canada from Australia, you can check our list of places given below to get a better idea of Canada:

Royal Ontario Museum

One of Canada's most popular museums, the Royal Ontario Museum (often known as the ROM), has a stellar reputation abroad. It contains an exceptional collection that spans natural history, art, and culture from a wide range of regions throughout the world. It is renowned for hosting exhibitions from all around the world.

The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, a contemporary wing with glass and sharp angles, was added to a very traditional older structure as part of a contentious extension in 2007. Today, it is among the most identifiable structures in Toronto.

St. Lawrence Market, Toronto

There are several merchants offering a range of foods, flowers, and speciality items at St. Lawrence Market. Built in Toronto in 1850, St. Lawrence Hall operated as a community gathering space and a performance venue.

This is a great place to stop in after local shopping or sightseeing to grab a bite to eat or unwind with friends over a cup of coffee. Outdoor patios on the higher ground allow you to enjoy some of the warm summer suns.

Despite being refurbished in 1967, the hall still maintains a lot of its original beauty. The structure gives the market a distinctive ambience and is sometimes used for filming and shooting television and motion pictures. A majestic staircase and a gas-lit chandelier may be found within.

Casa Loma

Casa Loma is a remarkable structure that resembles a mediaeval castle and is set amid immaculate gardens. It was initially built in 1914 for Sir Henry Pellatt, a wealthy eccentric Canadian who was among the first to realise and make use of Niagara Falls' potential for profit.

The home, which has about 100 rooms and thirty-two baths, is now a museum. Viewers may go back in time to a time of European magnificence and grace. The foremost castle in Canada has five acres of estate grounds, beautiful rooms, hidden tunnels, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, and stables.