Tourist Guide to Online Canada Visa

Updated on Jun 11, 2023 | Canada Visa Online

During stays of up to six months intended for tourism and pleasure, nationals of a few countries are free from needing a visa to enter Canada. For visitors from nations that do not require visas, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Canada serves as a digital visa waiver.

Do I need an eTA if I have a Visa for Canada?

Most visitors must have a Canadian visa to enter the nation. For visitors, students, those who want to work in Canada, and people who want to settle there, there are many kinds of Canada visas.

During stays of up to six months intended for tourism and pleasure, nationals of a few countries are free from needing a visa to enter Canada.

For visitors from nations that do not require visas, the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Canada serves as a digital visa waiver.

The person can take advantage of their visa exemption and bypass the more time-consuming and difficult procedure of acquiring a visa by just registering online.

Note: An eTA or a visa, but not both, is sufficient for entry into Canada.

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.

Canada Online Visa vs Canada Visa: processing time

Usually, the Canadian eTA is handled quickly. With rare exceptions, applications are handled in 3 business days. Most applications are accepted within a day.

For an urgent Canada eTA, there is also an express processing service.

Also, completing the Canada eTA application online takes less time than applying for a Canadian visa.

More supporting paperwork may be requested from foreign citizens seeking a Canadian visa than for the eTA (a valid passport is all that is required). They must also participate in a visa interview and submit their biometric data at a Canadian embassy or consulate.

Note: This implies that obtaining a visa often requires a longer application process than obtaining an eTA.

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Before applying for the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) you must make sure to have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, an email address that is valid and working and credit/debit card for online payment. Learn more at Canada Visa Eligibility and Requirements.

Canada Online Visa vs Canada Visa: validity

Starting from the day it was granted, the eTA for Canada is valid for five years. A new eTA will be needed if the passport recorded in the online application expires because it is electronically connected to that passport.

Throughout the time of validity, the Canadian eTA is valid for repeated entries without a visa. A visa-free visit may last up to six months. Anybody who intends to stay in Canada for a period greater than six months must apply for a visa.

Note: Until the expiration of the passport, visitor visas are valid for ten years. These often allow repeated entrances, and each stay is typically restricted to six months, just as the eTA. However, depending on the circumstances, visa terms may change.

Canada Online Visa vs Canada Visa: Apply online

Simple completion and submission of the Canada eTA application form are all that is required to acquire Electronic Travel Authorization.

Both online and paper applications for Canada visas are accepted.

There are more steps to the process for the visa, though. When the application is approved, the traveler must next take the following actions:

Their passports, please (either in person or by post)
Participate in a face-to-face interview at a Canadian embassy
Provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo)

Should I apply for a Visa or eTA for Canada?

Two variables determine whether to apply for a visa or an eTA:

The traveler’s nationality
The reason for travelling to Canada

Every tourist who intends to go to Canada or who wants to work there has to get the necessary visas and permissions.

If international travelers fit the criteria for a Canada eTA, they can apply more quickly for an electronic travel authorization for trips that are recreational, touristic, or include visiting relatives.

Note: Travelers may enter Canada with a valid Canadian visa if they already have one.

Do I need a Visa or Canada Visa Online for Canada Transit?

A visa or an eTA is required for all international passengers passing through a Canadian airport. Depending on the person's nationality, a different kind of authorization may be needed.

Citizens of nations without visa requirements must apply for the Canada eTA. The eTA will still be valid if the person received it within the last five years and has yet to getting a new passport.

Note: eTA applicants from nations that aren't allowed to do so must instead apply for a Canadian transit visa.

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How do I find my Canadian Visa Online number?

Most foreign nationals must get a travel document of some form to enter and remain in Canada. For entry into Canada, citizens of nations that are free from visa requirements must submit an online application for an eTA Canada, even if they are flying in.

Note: Applicants obtain an eTA Canada reference number after completing and submitting a brief application form, which they may use to verify the progress of the eTA.

Where is the Canada Visa Online number?

You will receive a confirmation email with your application number after submitting your Canada eTA online form.

In case they misplace their confirmation email, applicants should keep a record of their Canada eTA number. All enquiries, including verifying the status of your eTA, must include the application number.

Is the Canada Visa Online number the same as the Visa number?

You can visit Canada without a visa using a Canada eTA, which is an electronic travel authorization.

As there are 2 separate types of travel papers, the eTA number is not the same as a Canada visa number. Application number usually starts with V and eTA number starts with J. While application number is always issued on payment of Canada eTA application, you receive an eTA number only after Canada eTA has been issued and approved.

Note: A visa number corresponds to a visa, but a Canada eTA number denotes a travel authorization.

Do I need my Canada Visa Online number to travel?

The eTA Canada reference number is not required to board a flight or enter Canada because it is electronically connected to the applicant's passport.

Note: Travellers are urged to write down the Canada eTA number and carry it with them just in case. The number indicates that you applied for and were granted a legitimate Canada travel authorization.

How can I recover a lost Canada Visa Online application number?

By following the instructions provided below for an eTA number check, you may retrieve your lost eTA number.

First, applicants are urged to check their email's trash or spam folder.

The applicant will then get a new copy of the confirmation email with the forgotten eTA Canada reference number.

You can go to Canada if you have a valid eTA connected to your passport and have received an email confirming the application's acceptance.

Note: Without having to enter the eTA Canada lost application number, it is also feasible to verify the eTA's status and validity.

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Online Canada Visa, or Canada eTA, is a mandatory travel documents for citizens of visa-exempt countries. If you are a citizen of a Canada eTA eligible country, or if you are a legal resident of the United States, you will need eTA Canada Visa for layover or transit, or for tourism and sightseeing, or for business purposes, or for medical treatment. Learn more at Online Canada Visa Application Process.

Can I check my status with a lost Canada Visa Online reference number?

Yes, it is still possible to check the progress of the Canada eTA online, even if you misplaced your application number.

To utilise the online check status tool, the eTA reference number must be entered together with the passport details. If you need to remember your application number, there is an alternative method you may use.

Anyone in Canada who needs to remember their eTA number can inquire using the online web form.

Note: It is important to choose "Electronic Travel Authorization" as the application type, then "Case Specific Inquiries", and enter the details of your update request. Please specify that the subject of your inquiry is the status of your Canada eTA application.

How can I check the validity of my Canada Visa Online?

The validity of an eTA from Canada is five years. Your travel authorization is valid for five years from the date of approval if you are aware of that date.

You can use the check status tool if you have your eTA number but need clarification on the approval date.

How can I extend or renew my Canada Visa Online?

To enter Canada, you must have an eTA Canada, sometimes called a Canadian electronic travel authorization. Except for holders of US passports, all visa-exempt citizens must have a Canadian eTA.

The Canadian eTA is valid for five years in total, beginning on the day of approval or, if the passport expires first, the date of approval.

Note: When the time comes, eligible nationals with an authorised online visa waiver for Canada sometimes question whether their eTA Canada may be renewed or extended and how to proceed.

Is it possible to renew a Canadian Visa Online?

For one of the following reasons, foreign nationals from recognised nations could choose to renew their Canadian eTA:

Canadian eTA that has expired: The eTA Canada was authorised more than five years after it was issued.
Passport expiration: While the foreign national's passport has already expired or is due to do so within the next five years, the eTA Canada is still valid.
Renounced citizenship: The foreign national has given up the citizenship for which the eTA Canada was first granted and is now in possession of a new passport from a different nation.

Note: In each of the preceding circumstances, a different method is advised for qualified foreign passport holders to regain entrance into Canada.

Canada Visa Online expires while the passport is still valid

The traveller may attach their valid passport to a fresh eTA application if their passport is still valid at the time of application. The eTA Canada, on the other hand, is digitally connected to a citizen's passport.

Note: When requesting an eTA Canada extension, the person is suggested to renew their passport first if their passport still has a large amount of validity left in it. You must apply for a new eTA Canada after your new, valid passport has been granted.

Passport expires while Canada Visa Online is still valid

Citizens whose passports have expired during the 5-year term for which eTA Canada was first approved must apply for new passports first if they are still within that window.

Those whose passports are set to expire before the eTA Canada's five-year validity period may choose to renew them early.

Note: You don't have to wait till your existing passport expires. However, given how time-consuming the passport issue procedure is in most countries, it is advised to submit a new passport request to your country's authorities a few months before the existing passport expires.

Passport associated with Canada Visa Online cancelled due to citizenship renunciation

Those who had recently received a new nationality and are travelling on a different passport than they had when they first applied for an eTA must file a new application for a Canadian eVisa.

The previous passport linked to their eTA Canada would no longer be valid if the foreign person had to abandon their nationality in favour of their new citizenship.

Note: If the passport from the citizen's previous nationality has expired, a new authorisation should be obtained by submitting the current passport. In this case, passport holders must consult the Canadian eTA-eligible citizens list to determine their new nationality.

Can I renew my Canadian Visa Online before it expires?

Even if it or the passport has yet to expire, visitors are not now permitted to extend an eTA Canada by Canadian border authorities.

A fresh application must be made if a traveller wants to extend their Canada eTA before it expires.

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How do I renew my Canada Visa Online?

Foreign passengers must now submit a fresh application for Canadian electronic travel authorization to renew their eTAs.

Thankfully, the online process is simple and quick. The eTA application is typically granted in less than 24 hours and just takes a few minutes at most.

How much does it cost to renew a Canadian Visa Online?

The price of renewing your ETA Canada is the same as the price of applying for an eTA for the first time. This is because a Canada eTA extension is not available.

Travellers must reapply to renew their eTA if their travel authorisation expires.

How to avoid reapplying for Canada Visa Online?

Although the Canadian eTA is authorised for a full five years, qualified persons applying online are recommended to produce a passport that still has five years left on it before it expires.

Although it's not a statutory necessity, doing so will help Canadians who have been issued an eTA Canada make the most of it for the whole 5-year duration.

Note: In the event that the qualified citizen's passport expires within the eTA's validity period, this will guarantee that they will retain their Canadian eTA.

Itinerary details required to apply for the Canada Visa Online

Travellers frequently question when to apply for a Canada eTA and whether they need to make additional arrangements first.

First off, it's crucial to remember that the online Canada eTA is a travel permission for nationals of nations without visa requirements. The eTA application procedure is simpler and requires fewer supporting papers because it is not a visa.

Note: This makes it possible for passport holders from nations who qualify to apply for the Canada eTA to do so as soon as they plan to go to Canada. Even if the plans don't work out this time, the eTA is still used for future travel as it is good for 5 years.

Can I apply for a Canada Visa Online without flight confirmation?

Booking plane tickets is optional before applying for the Canada eTA. To resolve any concerns, it is advised that travellers seek the eTA first.

Although holders of valid passports are permitted to seek an eTA at any time before departure, travellers are urged to do so as soon as they begin planning their trip to Canada.

To give enough time for processing, people who book flights without first requesting an eTA should submit their applications at least 72 hours before takeoff.

Note: A traveller needs to remember to sign up beforehand. In that case, they may still receive an eTA at the airport using the urgent Canada eTA service, which guarantees quick processing.

Do I need proof I will leave Canada at the end of my stay?

Visitors must be able to persuade officials that they will leave Canada after the permission expires while applying for a conventional Canadian visa. The most efficient method to do this is with a return or onward flight ticket.

The Canada Electronic Travel Authorization does not call for this. Documentary proof is not necessary, even though visitors must depart the country in no more than six months.

Note: At the Canadian border, all entrants might be questioned about how they arrived.

Can I apply for a Canada Visa Online before booking accommodation In Canada?

There is no requirement for evidence of lodging when applying for a Canada eTA. The only records and details needed are:

Valid passport with biometrics
A credit or debit card
Contact information, including email and home address

Note: Booking accommodations in Canada in advance is recommended, especially while staying in the most well-known regions, although it is optional to do so before submitting an eTA application.

Should I apply for a Canada Visa Online before booking an itinerary?

When submitting an eTA application, travellers do not need to complete their travel plans, and they do not need to include their expected arrival date. The Canadian eTA is good for five straight years from the date it is granted or until the passport expires.

Note: All of Canada's international airports accept the eTA. A foreign national may use any of these airports to enter Canada if they have been permitted to do so. You can apply before deciding on the first destination.

Permitted activities with the Canada Visa Online

Although it is optional to organise every activity in advance, international visitors should ensure their eTA is valid for the specific purpose of visiting Canada.

The Canada eTA can be used to transit through a Canadian airport and for business and tourism purposes. Some visitors from outside could require a visa to enter Canada.

Can a Canadian Visa Online be rejected?

An eTA from Canada might be turned down. This may occur during border control or throughout the application procedure.

There are several possible causes for this. Knowing the potential causes of an eTA rejection might help candidates from experiencing it.

Should I apply for a Canada Visa Online before booking an itinerary?

Immigration officials can refuse admission to a foreign tourist even with a valid travel authorisation.

Any tourist who the immigration authorities believe to be a threat has a criminal record or for other security-related grounds should be refused entrance.

Review the list of potential explanations below as to why an eTA Canada may have been rejected:

Judicial finding or criminal crime
Human rights abuse
Breaches of security or other security causes
Health status or other health-related factors
Not having enough money or being unable to maintain oneself
Erroneous information
Organised crime, including human trafficking and money laundering
Ties to one or more persons who are not permitted to enter Canada

Other grounds for rejecting an eTA Canada include:

Inaccurate information was given
Spelling mistakes that lead to inconsistent information
Erroneous information

Note: Rereading an application before submitting it is essential to ensure that there are no errors that might impede the application process or increase the likelihood that the eTA will be rejected.

What is an inadmissible applicant?

A person's eTA application will be rejected if immigration authorities consider them inadmissible for whatever reason.

At the border, border control personnel can rule that arrival is not permitted.

Note: Any of the reasons mentioned above apply.

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What happens if I am denied entry into Canada?

If guests are allowed entrance, they can enter Canada once the issue has been resolved.

At the border, a Temporary Residence Permit might occasionally be requested. A legitimate justification for entering Canada must be provided by the applicant and approved by immigration officials.

Note: The visitor may apply for criminal rehabilitation or record suspension if the reason for denial is criminal inadmissibility.

My application for a Canada Visa Online was refused. What can I do?

There might not be a remedy if a Canadian eTA has been rejected for one of the abovementioned reasons.

It could still be feasible to apply for a different visa or travel authorisation.

An applicant should double-check their Canada eTA application form to make sure everything is correct and correct details if they are clear of the reason why their application has been rejected.

A Canada eTA can be fixed by altering travel arrangements or correcting a straightforward error.

The possibility of applying for a conventional visa should be noted by applicants who have failed in their application for a Canadian eTA. Depending on the initial grounds for rejection.

Please be aware that the Canada visa application procedure may take longer. It is advised that anyone applying for visas do so well in advance.

Note: Travellers can also get assistance with a travel authorisation application from the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

My Canada Visa Online was approved, but I cannot find it

The spam folder should be checked if a candidate cannot locate or retrieve the Canadian eTA email confirmation. They should also examine any additional email folders they may have.

The easiest approach to prevent losing the Canada eTA confirmation email is to immediately print it out or "star" the email. Applicants can also email each other their eTAs to ensure someone is always in possession of one when travelling with others.

Do travellers need to print their Canada Visa Online?

eTA is conducted entirely online. The supporting documentation and the Canada eTA application form must be uploaded online.

The eTA is also electronically connected to the applicant's passport after it has been granted so that it may be validated when the travel document is scanned at the airport.

Because of this, several individuals are uncertain if they also need to print a Canada eTA and bring a paper copy with them.

Why is it not necessary to carry the printed Canada Visa Online?

The Canadian eTA is connected to a traveller's passport, so they do not need to carry a physical copy of it.

Due to this, only qualified foreign citizens who are going to Canada with a biometric passport are eligible to use the eTA.

A microprocessor chip is integrated inside a biometric passport, also called an ePassport. The biographical data that can be used to identify the passport bearer is stored on this chip.

The data contained on the chip is exceedingly costly and challenging to counterfeit, making the ePassport more secure than its machine-readable predecessor.

120 nations now provide biometric passports due to its superiority, therefore, the majority of qualified foreigners can apply for the Canadian eTA.

Note: If you need clarification on whether your passport includes a chip, search for the tiny biometric symbol that resembles a camera and is written on the cover.

How is the Canada Visa Online linked to a biometric passport?

Travellers who satisfy all Canada eTA standards must complete an online application form with specific personal information and passport data.

The system may recognise the person and determine their eligibility to enter Canada by looking up the passport holder's name, passport number, expiration date, and issuance date.

The eTA is electronically linked to the biometric chip in the passport when the Canadian authorities have authorised the application.

Only passengers with an active eTA will be allowed to board an aircraft to Canada after having their passports scanned. The authorisation is optional to be printed out and shown by passengers.

Note: Until the passport or the chip expires, the eTA is still connected to it. The eTA can only be used with the accompanying passport because of the digital link.

Do you need to print anything to prove you have a Canada Visa Online?

The electronic travel authorisation for Canada is linked to the passport, as was previously stated. The Canada eTA does not need to be printed for this reason.

Written authorisation is optional for foreign nationals travelling to Canada. You can check a passenger's eTA status by swiping their passport. Because of this, the eTA is more practical for Canada than conventional visa kinds.

Travellers will greatly benefit from this since it eliminates the concern of losing the permit and speeds up border crossings.

Note: Anybody utilising the urgent Canada eTA service who was worried about where to print the paperwork in time for their travel would especially appreciate the good news.

How can I print my Canada Visa Waiver Application?

A confirmation email indicating the eTA request has been granted is provided to the applicant after it has been authorised.

Although it is not required, travellers may choose to print this confirmation email. The passport and the permission are connected.

What to take to the airport when travelling to Canada?

Travellers must bring the following papers to the airport to board an aircraft headed to Canada, even if the Canada eTA does not need to be printed.

The passport used to apply for the eTA
Boarding pass (paper copy or an electronic version on a digital device)

The same passport must be used to apply for an eTA and enter Canada since the eTA cannot be transferred from one passport to another.

This implies that a new authorisation must be requested if the passport expires during the eTA validity term.

Also, foreigners must ensure they include the specifics of the passport they'll use to enter Canada while applying for the Canada eTA with dual citizenship.

Note: Each and every foreigner who needs an eTA must have one to board an aircraft to Canada.

How long does it take to get Canada Visa Online approved?

The Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) offers quick and easy entry to Canada for nationals of approved nations.

For travellers from the 53 nations who do not require visas, the eTA is a necessary document. To cross the border for transit, business, or tourism, foreign nationals from these countries must have a valid Canadian travel permit.

Note: The eTA application procedure is often simple and straightforward because there is no need to physically visit an embassy or consulate because everything is done online.

How long does it take for the Canada Visa Online to be approved?

Depending on the service the applicant selects, the time it takes for a Canada eTA to be granted might vary. The price varies based on the service, and a greater fee ensures a quicker turnaround.

The person has the following choices when they arrive at the payment screen:

Standard processing

The regular service is often enough for candidates who apply early enough before their travel to Canada. Although the processing period can be as quick as 24 hours, travellers are encouraged to give themselves up to 3 business days just in case.

Priority handling

Those who want their Canadian eTA immediately might opt for the priority option. Using this service ensures that your travel authorisation will be issued within an hour.

Can I get the Canada Visa Online quickly?

Certain travellers might want the Canada eTA right away, and it is only sometimes feasible to apply well in advance.

Thankfully, urgent processing option is now available for candidates who are in a hurry. These are instructions for using this speedy eTA application for travellers.

When to choose urgent Canada Visa Online processing ?

The eTA should, wherever feasible, be requested well before departure. Although the majority of applications are problem-free, occasionally, problems might occur and cause processing times to increase.

The following are some of the most typical scenarios when travellers must submit an eTA right away:

Last-minutely scheduled business meetings
Unexpected modifications to travel plans
An unplanned journey to take advantage of airfare discounts
Household emergencies
Changing transportation plans

Note: It is highly advised that travellers choose the urgent eTA service if their flight to Canada is due to depart within the next 24 hours to ensure a prompt response.

How to apply for the Canadian Visa Online with the rush process?

Applicants go through the same procedure as with the ordinary option to use the fast-track Canada eTA service. The applicant must choose "Urgent assured processing in less than 24 hours" while paying the eTA fees, which is the sole distinction.

It's crucial to remember that processing times may still be more than an hour for some nations.

Three straightforward stages make up the application process:

Electronically complete and submit the eTA application form.
Choose the express option, then pay the eTA costs.
eTA approval sent to the email

To apply through the standard service, applicants must fulfil the same Canada eTA requirements for their country of origin.

Name, nationality, and employment are among the key pieces of personal data requested on the application form for an urgent eTA. Details from the passport must also be given.

Note: Every step must be appropriately done. Any spelling errors or incorrect passport information might result in the urgent eTA being rejected and causing travel arrangements to be changed.

How long does Canada Visa Online last?

The Canada eTA is valid for 5 years after it has been authorised. Anytime throughout its five-year validity, the travel authorisation can be used to enter Canada by its holder.

Note: The Canada eTA has several entrance points. This implies that the holder may repeatedly enter and exit Canada. A stay in the nation may be, at most, six months at a time.

How much time does it take for visa processing for Canada?

The eTA application procedure takes less time than the processing period for a Canada visa. It entails applying in person at an embassy or consulate, followed by a few weeks of waiting for the Canada visa to be issued.

Note: The online Canada eTA is available to visitors from nations that do not require visas, saving them from going to a government office to apply for a visa. It is suggested that citizens of these nations use this online service since it is the quickest method of entering Canada.

How can I get an urgent visa for Canada?

Individuals who want a visa to Canada immediately must contact their local Canadian embassy to learn how to apply.

Those from countries where the Canadian eTA is available can utilize the priority service to get travel authorization in less than 24 hours.

Check your eligibility for Online Canada Visa and apply for eTA Canada Visa 3 days in advance of your flight. British citizens, Italian citizens, Spanish citizens, French citizens, Israeli citizens, South Korean citizens, Portuguese citizens, and Chilean citizens can apply online for eTA Canada Visa. Should you need any help or require any clarifications you should contact our helpdesk for support and guidance.

Canada eTA Application