Government of Canada eTA

eTA: Important Points to Remember

 

Foreign nationals of visa-exempt countries who are planning to travel to Canada have to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). As such, they do not need Canada visas to travel to Canada.

 

eTA is applicable only for those travelers who are visiting Canada by air. In cases of traveling to Canada via land from the US, you do not need to apply for eTA.

 

eTA became an entry requirement for Canada from August 2015 onwards. Also, eTA holders can visit Canada for specific purposes – including transit, business or tourism ones.

 

eTAs have 5-year validity and authorize you to stay in Canada for 6 months on a single visit. Also, you can make multiple visits to the country until your eTA is valid.

 

If you are a national of a visa-exempt country, then you can apply for eTA online. eTA applications are processed within a matter of minutes.

 

Also, any person having Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent residency or Canadian visa need not apply for eTA for Canada travel. Nonetheless, if you are a permanent resident of Canadian, then make sure to have your valid Permanent Resident Travel Document or Permanent Resident Travel Document for Canada travel.

 

Students from visa-exempt countries who are applying for a work or study permit are directly issued an eTA by the IRCC at the time of accepting their application for the permits. However, if individuals who are eligible for eTA but have obtained their permit before August 1^st, 2015, then they must apply for an eTA and only if they are planning to travel to Canada via air.

 

US citizens do not require eTA to enter Canada; their US passport suffices for Canada travel. However, US permanent residents or Green Card patrons require an eTA and their Green Card when traveling to Canada.

 

In the case of dual citizens who have Canadian citizenship and another country’s citizenship, they do not need an eTA if they are entering Canada by air. Even so, they should travel with their Canadian passport when entering Canada.

 

To travel to or transit via Canada, travelers either need a Canadian visa or eTA and before they board the Canada-bound planes. The documents that the travelers require depends on:

 

• their nationality
• type of travel documents
• a country that issued the travel documents
• their mode of Canada travel

 

eTA is an online travel verification process and is counted as one of the several initiatives by the Canada government as part of their joint treaty with the US for enhancing border security. Indeed, the Governments of Canada and the US collaborate while sharing immigration and visa details of travelers who are visiting either of the two countries. Also, the eTA program was started by Canada and in partnership with the US. The objective was to upgrade border security and promote economic growth. Consequently, the flow of goods and people will increase and the economies of both countries will receive a boost.

 

eTA is valid for the nationals of a host of countries. These include the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Greece, Chile, Republic of Korea, Netherlands, France, Barbados, Japan, Italy, Malta, Belgium, Portugal, Mexico, Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, Poland, among others.

 

Keep in mind that eTA does not guarantee admission into Canada. Only the Canadian border executives can determine whether a traveler can cross the border to enter Canada.

 

If an applicant has a medical condition or a criminal record, then they can apply for eTA as well. Though, they must clarify their circumstances when they are applying for eTA.

 

Those applicants who have been denied eTA in the past can reapply; only they must clarify how about their change of circumstances since they last applied.

 

With eTA, eligible travelers can receive travel authorization to Canada without much delay. Also, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are able to identify ineligible individuals who are trying to enter the country. Moreover, the IRCC can study the travel patterns of the eligible individuals while they enter and depart Canada. Previously, the authorities had no pre-screening processes for foreign nationals. Hence, the eTA system provides IRCC with substantial border security mechanisms.

 

Through the Interactive Advance Passenger Information System, the air carriers receive messages on whether to allow the passenger to board or not by sending messages. Also, the travelers are not permitted to check-in until they provide passport and eTA details.

 

Keep in mind that eTA is an electronic document and not a physical one. Also, eTA gets linked to your passport number if your eTA application is approved. Thus, you do need a printout when boarding a Canada-bound airplane.

 

The eTa program was implemented in 2016 for screening travelers from overseas to curtail the rise of terrorism. After being approved in 2012, the program took 4 years to connect all immigration databases and other security information for setting up a new screening mechanism.

 

You can apply for eTA 72 hours before your departure date. However, the general recommendation is to apply for the travel authorization when you are planning your Canada trip. Also, if possible, you must apply 1 month before you travel to Canada. Then, you have enough time to apply for a Canadian visa if your eTA is rejected.

 

If a single parent is traveling with children, then they have to furnish a consent letter from the other parent. Immigration authorities reserve the right to question a child to dispel any doubts or concerns about child trafficking. A consent letter can put to rest such concerns.

 

Travelers who have entered the USA as per the Visa Waiver Program and visited Canada can re-enter the US under the VWP if they still meet the given requirements. The US authorities have the right to grant entry under the VWP in such cases.

 

eTA: How to Apply

 

Applying for eTA is an easy process. Only visit the related websites and complete the required formalities, including pay the application fees, for your Canada travel authorization.

 

eTA has 5-year validity or until your passport expiry date – whichever comes first. The eTA holders are permitted to stay in Canada for 6 months or less. Nonetheless, the authorized duration of your Canada stay could vary depending on the dates issued by the Canadian border officials in your passport.

 

eTA applications take around 10-15 minutes to complete. Additionally, the applications are processed within 15 minutes of applying. You can tender the eTA application fees via debit card or credit card. Moreover, you can submit multiple applications while using a single payment.

 

After you submit your application, the authenticity of your data is verified. Then, upon your application getting accepted, the system generates a unique eTA authorization number and the same is forwarded to your given email address. In the event of your application being rejected, you will receive a refund of the processing fees.

 

eTA:  For United Kingdom Nationals

 

British nationals are exempted from applying for a visa for Canada travel. However, to travel visa-free to Canada, they have to apply for eTA a couple of hours before their departure and only if traveling by air. eTA is not a requisite for UK nationals if they are entering Canada via sea or land from the US.

 

The nationals of Great Britain and other EU members have to complete the online eTA authorization process before boarding a Canada-bound air carrier. Besides, if they are transiting in Canada on their way to international countries, then they have to apply for eTA as well.

 

If you hold a different British nationality or want to travel for a longer duration, then contact the Canadian High Commission for further details. From 31^st July onwards, you have to submit your biometric details at the visa center if applying for a work or study permit or permanent residency.

 

Moreover, you have to show that you have sufficient funds for supporting yourself during your stay.

If you are not sure about your eligibility to enter Canada because of past criminal records, then contact the Canadian High Commission to check on the same.

 

For travelers who are entering Canada via land or sea, they do not need to apply for eTA. However, they must have relevant travel documents to establish their identity if entering Canada via any mode.

 

Travelers can apply for eTA with the UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) as well. With the ETDs, you can enter, exit, and transit from Canada.

 

The eligible UK residents must provide certain documents to process their eTA. These include a valid passport, email address, and means of payment. Also, your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive in Canada.

 

UK nationals have to fill in the eTA application form when applying for eTA. Here, they have to submit their personal details. More so, they have to select among three options and their choice determines the cost of your Canada eTA. The three options are standard processing, rush processing, and super rush processing. Under standard processing, your eTA takes 1 business day for processing. With rush processing, you can avail your eTA within 2 hours. Super rush processing takes 30 minutes process your Canada authorization.

 

As part of your eTA application, you have to submit the mandatory documents along with the eTA application form.

 

eTA authorizes the patrons to stay for 180 days in Canada and they can make multiple visits to the country.

 

The UK was one of the Canada eTA program’s launch member.

 

UK Nationals have to be 18 years or older to apply for eTA; or else, they need their guardian to apply on their behalf.

 

If any British citizen wants to stay in Canada for more than 180 days, then they have to apply for a Canadian visa depending on the purpose of their visit.

 

Within 5 minutes of applying, the British citizens can receive their travel authorization via email and in PDF format. No need to print as the eTA is stored in electronic form against the passport in the Canada Immigration system.

 

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Canada’s Second Largest City

Introduction

This article contains information on obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa for Montreal to individuals as per their eligibility. Note that travelers to Montreal in Canada require a valid Canadian visa or eTA before their scheduled departure.

Visa and eTA: Brief

Travelers who are flying to Canada, or transiting via a Canadian airport, need to apply for a Canadian visa or an etA. Thus, if traveling to America via Montreal, then you have to apply for an eTA or visitor visa as well. Concerning the documents that are needed, they vary and depend on many factors. These include the applicant’s nationality, country of departure, and mode of travel.

eTA authorizes citizens (having valid passports) of visa-exempt countries to travel visa-free to Canada. The patrons can stay in Canada for 6 months during each visit if they have eTA. More so, eTA is valid for 5 years and allows the benefactors to make multiple visits to Canada during the aforesaid period.

Note that Canadian citizens or permanent Canadian nationals do not need eTA; their valid passport is the only requisite. The below-listed details contain information on other groups who are exempt from the visa norms:

• Nationals of the United States
• Temporary Canadian Resident Visa holders
• Certain foreign representatives
• French nationals who are residents of St. Pierre and Miquelon
• Commercial air squad members
• Travelers having a valid US visa on a US-bound plane where the only reason to halt in Canada is to fill fuel
• An individual who is transiting via Canada as an airplane passenger and traveling to another country while having a valid visa for his final destination
• Persons who are armed forces members of a country that is selected under the Visiting Forces Act
• Individuals having work or study permit and re-entering Canada after visiting St. Pierre, Miquelon, and America

eTA is applicable for only those travelers who are nationals of visa-exempt countries. The residents of those countries that are not counted under the category of visa-exempt countries can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. TRV applies for temporary foreign employees who have work permits, international students, and tourists.

A government document, a TRV is issued by a Canadian Immigration Visa Office in countries outside Canada. TRV qualifies the person to legally enter Canada as a guest after he meets all the statutory requirements. TRV’s are valid for single or multiple entries to Canada.

Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

The Canadian eTA intends to facilitate entry to Canada for basic purposes like transit, business, medical, and tourism ones. With eTA, the patrons can visit Canada for a maximum period of 6 months for common travel purposes.

eTA is valid for 5 years or until the date your passport expires – whichever comes earlier.

The passport holders of the visa-exempt countries can apply for online travel authorization that is eTA to travel without a visa for visiting Montreal. The visa-exempt countries include Germany, Denmark, Italy, Japan, France, Barbados, United Kingdom, Mexico, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, and Cyprus – to list a few.

The Canadian eTA serves a range of purposes. The eligible nationals can apply for eTA for attending business meetings, availing medical aid, and visiting family members.

Even so, there are restrictions when availing eTA. And if you unlawfully use eTA, then your approved travel authorization can be revoked by the authorities at any time during your Canada stay. Hence, you must make sure to study the complete scope of permissible eTA travel uses and comply with them to be on the safer side.

Business

Some business purposes for which you can use eTA include negotiating a business contract or meeting business executives. However, you may need to provide the required documents when applying for eTA, or at Canada’s border, if planning to visit Montreal for a business meeting. The documents should be proof that both your primary source of income and your employer is based outside Canada.

Similarly, to attend business conferences in Canada, you have to prove to the Canadian immigration authorities that you are not looking for employment in Canada.

Tourism

You are eligible to travel to Canada via eTA for tourism purposes such as sightseeing. Also, you can apply for eTA to meet family members and friends.

Transit

You have to apply for ETA if transiting via Canada. You can switch airplanes at Canadian airports while traveling to another country via eTA.

Unauthorized use

As mentioned earlier, there are several authorized uses of an eTA. However, keep in mind that you cannot use eTA illegally. As such, eTA does not qualify you to work in Canada. Though eTA is permissible for business purposes, note that you cannot hold employment. For employment in Canada, you can apply for a work visa, for both temporary and permanent types. Note that you cannot get paid in for any work in Canada sans the relevant Canadian work visa. Also, to study in Canada, you have to apply for a Canadian student visa.

 

Are you eligible for eTA?

A person is eligible for eTA if they satisfy the following conditions:

• For entering Canada via air
• No history of deportation history in Canada and other refusals to enter the country; otherwise, you may be denied an eTA
• Has a valid electronic passport
• Should not be suffering from any infectious diseases at the time of your eTA application or visit to Canada
• Must not be convicted of any serious crimes in the past

 

Canada eTA application Procedure

Your online eTA application takes only around 15-20 minutes to process in most cases. Though, you require your employment and passport information for applying to eTA. Even so, due to improved security screening protocols, your application may need a manual review. For the same, you have to furnish supplementary documents and information for processing your eTA application. If you fail to do so, your application is likely to get rejected.

 

Canadian Permits and Visas

Canadian eTAs are applicable only for nationals of the visa-exempt countries and US permanent residents. For the other groups, they will need a visa to visit Montreal.

Tourist Visa

A TRV is a Canadian tourist visa and you can apply for a TRV online or offline. If applying offline, you have to give additional information and, also, the timeline is longer as compared to the online applications.

Work Permit

To work in Canada (either permanently or temporarily), you have to apply for a work permit along with a TRV or an eTA. The norm is to have a job offer from Canadian employers before applying for a work permit. However, in some cases, waivers for this requirement are granted and depend on the applicant’s profession or the kind of work he undertakes in Canada.

To apply for a work permit, you can apply online or offline. Also, you may need to submit an undertaking that you will be employed only with the stipulated employer and for the given duration.

Study Permit

If you plan on studying in Canada, then applying for a study permit is mandatory. Also, you need an eTA or a TRV when applying for a study permit.

Student visas can be availed via online and offline methods. However, you have to agree to leave Canada after completing your studies. Moreover, you need to prove that you have sufficient finances for your Canada stay.

 

Canada Visa Application Procedure

There are 2 ways of applying for Canadian visas: online and offline. In both cases, you have to select your home country and supply other details of your eligibility, for availing the visas for the intended purposes.

Online Application

If applying online for a Canadian visa, you need to submit the given application form after filling in the required particulars. More so, you need to upload the required documents. Note that only eligible applicants can apply for Canadian visas online. You have to tender the applicable fees for processing your application as well.

Offline Application

For offline applications, the first step is to download and print the application package that contains all the forms to be filled by the applicants. After completing the necessary paperwork, you can submit your application. As part of your application, you have to pay the applicable fees as well.

 

Montreal Travel Info

Montreal is a vibrant metropolitan city in Canada’s Quebec province. Also, Montreal is traceable on an island in the St. Lawrence River.

Now, although, Quebec’s political capital is Quebec City, Montreal is Quebec’s political and cultural capital. Moreover, Montreal is Quebec’s main entry point. Know that Montreal offers a perfect blend of the bygone eras and modern culture and offers an ideal getaway for all.

Besides, Montreal is Canada’s second-largest city and hailed as one of North America’s lively cities. Further, Montreal is second only to Paris pertaining to the nations’ French-speaking population. Thus, Montreal is called the Paris of North America.

Montreal offers a host of activities. Music festivals, bars, boat tours, film festivals, ethnic fairs restaurants, dance clubs, public markets, energetic nightlife, multicultural avenues – Montreal boasts of them all.

Additionally, among the water activities, you can indulge in river rafting and kayaking when the weather permits. Biking tours and park visits are other activities to engage in during your Canada stay.

If you are planning on visiting Montreal, know that the best time to visit the city is between the months of May to April. During this time of the year, the temperatures are more pleasant than the rest of the year. Also, the crowds are lesser. Nonetheless, keep in mind to not attempt to self drive around Montreal if you are not familiar with the city. Instead, opt for traveling via the city’s metro transport system.

A large part of Canada is filled with snow during winter, though you can yet indulge in a range of activities during the cold months. You can, also, visit Montreal’s much-revered tourist destination Mount Royal for enjoying the panoramic views; the locale is equally vibrant during summer and winter.

More so, Canada’s largest church that is St. Joseph’s Oratory is based in Montreal’s Mount Royal’s Westmount Summit. Interestingly, the designer Mount Royal and Central Park in New York are the same.

 

Conclusion

In all, your Montreal vacation depends on how you plan your vacation – including the time of the year of your visit. More importantly, you must ensure to apply for the right travel authorization for your Montreal vacation. You sure do not want to be held by the Canadian authorities for any avoidable law breach. Thus, make sure to organize your paperwork.

Only check if your home country is a visa-exempt one. If yes, then you can apply for an eTA online. On the contrary, you have to apply for a Canadian visa if your home country is not in the list of the visa-exempt ones.

 

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Canadian ETA Application Form Explained – A Walkthrough Of The Form And What To Expect When Applying

The government of Canada has made it mandatory for the citizens of the Visa-exempt countries to apply for ETA to travel to Canada. The residents of such countries no longer need to use a typical Canada visa. An approved Canada ETA remains valid for 5 years, and in that period, the applicant can visit Canada multiple times provided the stay duration does not exceed 6 months. The ETA is linked with the passport of the applicant, and expiry of the passport will result in the expiry of the ETA as well.

The ETA Application Process Explained

Applying for the Canada ETA is a simple and straightforward process. The citizens of visa-exempt countries need to apply online for the ETA. There is no need to go to the Canadian embassy or consulate- which is required for applying for a Canada visa. The steps required for applying for Canada ETA are:

• The applicant needs to keep the passport, debit/credit card ready.
• Before filling up the form online, he/she can read the help document-available in multiple languages.
• After that, the applicant needs to fill-up the form fields online with accurate data. The entered information must match the data in his/her passport.
• The application fee has to be paid after that.
• Most of the applicants receive an email soon after submitting the application. For a few cases, submitting additional documents online may be necessary for ETA approval.

Canada ETA Eligibility

Before applying for the Canada ETA online, it is better to check the eligibility. While the Visa-exempt country citizens have to opt for it over a visa to travel to Canada, there are certain exceptions.

• The Visa-exempt foreign nationals need the Canada ETA when they fly to Canada from their countries. However, they do not need ETA if they travel by land.
• The S. permanent residents as in Green Cardholders require the ETA to enter Canada along with their green cards. They too do not need ETA if they reach Canada by land or ship.

The ETA exemptions are applicable to:

• The dual Canadian citizens- they need to travel with valid Canadian passports.
• The US citizens do not need the ETA to visit Canada, and they have to use valid US passports.
• The Canadian permanent residents do not need the ETA. They have to use a permanent resident travel document.

A Walkthrough Of The Online Canada ETA Form

Before applying for the Canada ETA form online, it is necessary to get the passport and debit or credit card by the side. Before starting form fill up online, reading the help document is useful. The ETA application form comes in English or French only. However, the applicants can read a description of each field of the form in many other languages. The ETA online form has a few sections.

The ETA form requires the applicants to fill up personal information at first. These include fields for name, gender, date of birth, place of birth, phone, email, and citizenship-related details. There are fields for marital status and fund available for traveling in Canada; The applicants also have to state if they have applied for traveling to Canada or not previously in this section.

After the personal information is filled up properly, the applicants have to fill up the ETA form’s employment information. It is followed by the passport information section. This section needs to be filled up very carefully. The ETA is linked with the applicant’s passport and if there is any mismatch in the application form data and information in the passport- the application may be delayed or even canceled. Mistakes in spelling or typo errors can lead to problems later.

The fields include passport number, dates of issue and expiry, Issuing country, etc. This is followed by the travel information section.

Next, the applicants have to fill-up the form using the information on their past medical and criminal records- if any. They need to declare if they have any record of brush with the law, documented history of visa or permit refusal to Canada and other countries. They also have to report if they were diagnosed with specific ailments like tuberculosis or STDS like syphilis and untreated drug/alcohol addiction. They also have to declare any related information pertinent to the applications.

The next section is the consent and declaration. The applicants have to go through the norms of the Canadian government and its agencies like CBSA, CSIS before giving their consent through the ETA application form. Then the ETA applicants have to accept the terms and conditions, type the name and agree to receive emails for the application concerned. It is advisable to check the entered information from top to bottom of the form once more at this stage. Next, they need to make the payment online and complete ETA form submission.

What To Do After ETA Form Submission

After the ETA application is submitted by the citizen of a visa-exempt country, the email response comes soon. In rare cases, the applicant may need to submit more documents online for getting ETA approval. Even then, they will receive emails with the required guidelines.

After getting the ETA clearance through email, the applicants should keep it. The passport number in the ETA must match that in original passport or else they may be denied entry to the flights to Canada. The validity of ETA and passport is checked by airlines staffs.

Important CANADA ETA Facts That Applicants Should Remember While Applying For It

• One eligible applicant can apply for one ETA at a time. For a family of three traveling to Canada, separate ETA application has to be made for each.
• The online ETA application form cannot be saved and so keeping the passport by side while filling it up is prudent.
• The receipt should be printed right away, and the confirmation will come only by email.
• The applicants get a limited amount of time to fill up the online ETA form. However, they can extend the session by some time- if required. If the Session timeout warning pops up, they can click on the “Continue session” button to get some additional time to complete the online application process.

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What Is ETA Canada

What is an Electronic Travel Authorization for Canada?

The ETA is a new means for the citizens of visa exempt countries to travel to Canada without requiring a regular visa of any kind. It denotes Electronic Travel Authorization. The ETA which is linked to the passports of the citizens of those countries let them travel to Canada under certain conditions.

With an ETA, the citizens of visa exempt countries can travel to Canada minus any visa and stay up to a period of 6 months at a stretch. An ETA has a 5-year validity within which an eligible person can travel many times to Canada. In order to submit an ETA request, a person needs to have a valid passport. It applies to both genders and kids.

Why the Canadian government introduces the ETA?

The ETA, introduced much like ESTA of the USA, enables the Canadian government to screen and assess the citizens of specific countries for traveling to Canada. This effectively reduces the load on the immigration department as they do not have to check Visa for those foreign nationals. Since ETA is issued electronically, each time an ETA holder travels to Canada, his/her eligibility is checked much before he/she actually travels to Canada. It helps the Canadian government assess and monitor security and health-related threats from citizens of those nations. This will help the government to deal with a huge number of visa-exempt foreign citizens traveling to Canada for a short term- in a better and streamlined way.

From when the ETA was made effective?

The Canadian government made ETA effective from August 1, 2015.

Which countries are eligible for Canada ETA?

As of now, there are 55 countries covered under the Canada visa exempt program. These include countries like Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, New Zealand, some British overseas territories, etc.

What are the criteria to apply for Canada ETA?

To apply for the Canada ETA and qualify for it, the applicants need to meet the below-listed criteria:

• He/she should be from one of the 55 Visa exempt countries.
• The applicant will stay for less than 180 days for purposes like business or tourism.
• He/she must possess a valid passport.
• The applicant should be devoid of any immigration violations and criminal convictions.
• The applicant must be in good health.

Does the Canada ETA guarantee entry to Canada?

Even after getting approval for the Canada ETA application, an eligible candidate may not be allowed to enter Canada. Even with a valid passport and approved ETA, such a candidate has to undergo the mandatory immigration check at the airport in Canada. The immigration officials have to be convinced that the applicant has come to Canada for a valid purpose and after a specific duration will return to his/her own country. The officials will also have to be assured about the authenticity of the documents of such applicants.

Who does not need an ETA to enter Canada?

There are certain conditions under which foreign nationals may not need to use ETA to get entry to Canada.

• The foreign nationals entering Canada through land routes and border shared with the USA do not need an ETA.
• The foreign nationals entering Canada through the ports through cruise ships, do not need an ETA.
• The citizens of the USA do not need ETA to enter Canada.
• The citizens of countries not covered by the Canada visa exempt program cannot opt for the ETA; they will require visas.
• Individuals possessing Canadian temporary resident visa do not need ETA to enter Canada.
• People with visa of another country and flying through that destination, transiting through Canada do not need ETA.
• The commercial aircrews are exempted from using the ETA.
• The US nationals do not require the ETA.
• Certain foreign diplomats may also be exempted from using the ETA.
• Any Royal family member does not require the ETA.
• The Canadian visa holders, Canadian permanent residents, also do not need to opt for ETA.

How to apply for the Canada ETA?

Much like the ESTA of the USA, the Canada ETA application process is online. This takes a few minutes to complete. The citizens of visa exempt countries need to fill up the ETA application form and pay the required fee online. The approval for ETA is sent through email, and that comes within a few minutes in most cases. In some cases, the response may be a little delayed. The applicants sometimes may be asked to submit additional documents.

To complete the online ETA application, a candidate needs a valid passport, an email address along with a credit or debit card. Of course, the applicant needs to fill up the online form using correct information. The information entered in the ETA application form must match with the data in his/her passport.

How long the Canada ETA remains valid?

Once approved, an ETA remains valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. However, it is linked with the applicant’s passport. If the passport validity expires within that period- the validity of the ETA also comes to an end. In that case, renewing the passport and applying for a fresh ETA will be necessary.

Can I renew an existing ETA?

As of now, there is no option for Visa exempt country citizens to renew existing ETAs. Once the duration of existing ETA lapses, the applicant has to apply for a fresh Canada ETA online.

If a visa exempt country citizen travels with a kid, will the kid require an ETA?

The ETA is mandatory for the citizens of countries covered by the Canada visa waiver program- regardless of their age and gender. The parents of such a kid will have to file an application for an ETA separately using its passport data. The kid may, however, travel using the passport of the parents to Canada.

On what grounds, an ETA may be declined?

For most of the visa exempt country citizens, the application for a Canada ETA is approved within a few minutes. However, in some rare cases, a few applicants may see their ETA application being declined. The reasons can be numerous for denial of the application, including medical issues or past criminal record. However, those applicants can still opt for regular Canada visa by following the regular visa application process.

The ETA application can also be declined if there is any discrepancy of data between the passport of the applicant and the information entered in the ETA online form. This may happen if his/her passport data such as address have changed after the issuance of passport. The applicants should be careful when they fill up the online ETA form and ensure the data in passport matches with what they enter in the form online.

What are the major differences between a regular Canada Visa and Canada ETA?

There are some major differences between a regular Canada visa and the Canada ETA. These are:

• A regular Canada visa – such as a temporary visitor visa or business visa lest the citizens of other nations visit Canada for specific purposes. The ETA is applicable only to the citizens of VISA exempt countries and not other nations.
• The ETA application process is online, and the applicant gets approval through email. For a Canada visa, the applicants need to visit the nearest Canadian embassy and undergo the regular procedure.
• The cost of applying for Canada ETA is far less than what it costs for a regular Canada visa.

 

 

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Canada Electronic Travel Authorization

Prior to 2016, travelers from visa-exempt countries wishing to travel to or transit through Canada could do so without the need of a visa. In April 2015 however, Canada adopted an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program that is in line with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in the United States and the Electronic Travel Authority(eTA) in Australia. Since August 1, 2015, eligible travelers were able to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for visiting Canada. And, starting 15 March 2016, it was made mandatory for travelers from visa-exempt countries to be in possession of an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board a flight to Canada. Let us further elaborate on the process of eTA by way of some frequently asked questions:

 

What is an eTA?

An eTA or an Electronic Travel Authorization is an electronic endorsement given by the Canadian Immigration authorities to visitors from visa-exempt countries to fly to Canada. It is an automated procedure that allows Canadian Immigration authorities to examine and screen passengers before they disembark in Canada and ascertain their eligibility to enter Canada to evade any security risk.

 

Which are the Visa-exempt Countries for Canada?

Citizens from the following 55 countries could travel to Canada visa-exempt before March 2016:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, British citizen, British National (Overseas), British overseas citizen (re-admissible to the United Kingdom), British overseas territory citizen with citizenship through birth, descent, naturalization or registration in one of the British Overseas Territories, British Subject with a right of abode in the United Kingdom, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United States, Vatican City State.

 

Why was eTA introduced by the Canadian government?

Before the formulation of the eTA program, the Canadian Government had a limited competency to screen overseas visitors. Citizens of visa-exempt countries could not be examined until they arrived at the port of entry in Canada. Later in March 2016, the Canadian government kicked off an eTA program, which helps them customize their screening requirements based on threats posed by travelers, making it faster and easier for authentic low-risk travelers from visa-exempt countries to travel to Canada.

 

What do I need to apply for an eTA?

You would need: a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, a valid e-mail address (to receive notifications from immigration) and a valid credit/debit card (such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, JCB card or Interac) to make a payment towards the eTA processing fee.

 

What are the points I need to remember while filling up the eTA application form?

Some important tips while filling up the form are:

1. You can only apply and pay for only one person at a time. E.g., if you have a family of three, you need to fill out and submit three different forms.
2. Print your receipt as soon as you are done with the process, as it is not available afterward.
3. You would receive any notification my mail only. Make sure you check your spam or junk folder to make sure that spam filters have not blocked automated emails from IRCC.
4. You have limited time to complete the form, and your information can not be saved. If you need more time, make sure you click the “Continue session” button, when the “Session timeout warning” box appears.
5. Make sure you enter the passport details correctly, as your eTA is electronically linked with your passport and you won’t be allowed to board the flight if you entered a wrong passport number.
6. It is highly advisable to fill out any personal and passport related information cautiously, as any information on the eTA form cannot be modified once the form is submitted.

How much time does it take to obtain an eTA?

Most applicants get their eTA approval (via an email) within minutes so that an eTA application could be submitted near to the intended date of departure. However, since some requests can take several days to process if you're asked to submit supporting documents, it is advisable that travelers apply for an eTA well in advance of the intended date of departure.

 

Who needs an eTA to travel to Canada?

You need an eTA if you are one of the following:

1. A visa-exempt foreign national, flying to Canada or transiting through Canada.
2. A Permanent resident of the U.S., flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport.
3. A Citizen of Brazil, Bulgaria or Romania, flying to or transiting through a Canada if you have been in possession of a Canadian visitor visa in the last 10 years, or presently are in possession of a valid US non-immigrant visa.

 

How long can I stay in Canada with an eTA?

An eTA is valid for a period of five years for multiple entries, with each stay not exceeding 6 months, starting from the day on which the eTA is issued or until:

1. the day your passport expires, or
2. the day your eTA is canceled, or
3. the day a new eTA is issued to you.

Whichever is the earliest, if they occur before the end of the eTA validity period of 5 years.

Who is exempt from the eTA requirement?

Following do not need an eTA to visit Canada:

1. Visitors with a valid Canadian visa or the ones with a valid status in Canada (e.g., worker, visitor, or a student) who re-visit Canada after visiting the US or Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
2. French citizens who reside in St. Pierre and Miquelon and are taking a flight directly to Canada from Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
3. Non-Canadian passengers headed to, or coming from, the US (on a flight that halts in Canada only to refuel) and possess appropriate documents to enter the US, or were legally permitted to enter the US.
4. Non-Canadian passengers on a flight that makes an unplanned halt in Canada that was not scheduled.
5. Non-Canadian passengers who transit through a Canadian airport under the “Transit Without Visa Program” (TWOV) or “China Transit Program” (CTP).
6. Accident investigators, Crew members of the flight, and civil aviation inspectors who would be working in Canada.
7. Members are constituting Armed Forces of any country designated under the “Visiting Forces Act” visiting Canada to execute their official duties.
8. Diplomats certified by the Canadian Government.

 

What are the Basic requirements to enter Canada?

You will need to meet the following basic requirements to visit Canada:

1. Be a citizen of a country that is exempt from having to obtain a temporary resident visa.
2. have a valid travel document, such as a passport
3. have a valid eTA
4. have documents to convince the Border Services Officer (BSO) that you have ties—such as a job, studies, home, property, financial assets or family in your home country that you would go back to
5. have documents to convince the BSO that you will leave Canada at the end of your approved stay, such as an onward ticket or a return ticket to your home country
6. have documents to validate that you have sufficient funds to sustain your stay in Canada
7. have no convictions related to crime or immigration.

 

Does an eTA guarantee entry to Canada?

An eTA doesn’t guarantee entry to Canada. You could be denied entry if you fail to furnish documents asked by the BSO at the port of entry or fail to convince the border services officer that you have enough finances to support your stay in Canada or if you fail to convince him of your timely exit from Canada. Also, you won’t be admissible if you try to sneak false or incomplete information.

 

What are the possible reasons, my eTA could get refused?

The following reasons might bring about an eTA denial:

1. Providing a wrong passport number, i.e. a passport number that is lost or stolen
2. Having a history of visa denial
3. Having a history of inadmissibility into Canada
4. Having overstayed in Canada on a previous visit
5. Having links with criminal or terrorist organizations
6. Having engaged in unauthorized work on a previous visit
7. Not having convincing reasons for you to visit Canada.

 

Can I still travel to Canada, if my eTA is denied?

If your eTA is denied, you could still apply for a temporary resident visa at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate in your country. You might be issued a “Temporary Resident Permit” based upon why you were deemed inadmissible in the first place and the continuing justification for travel.

 

What should I be prepared for once I enter Canada?

When you arrive in Canada, airport authorities will check your identity to ensure that you are the same visitor who has been approved to visit Canada, in the following ways:

1. Your fingerprints might be checked automatically at a primary inspection kiosk, which will help the system verify your identity against the data collected when your eTA application was submitted.
2. You would be approached by a CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) officer at the port of entry, who would ask to see your passport and travel documents.
3. If you are a minor (below 18 years of age), the officer will check your passport, birth certificate and a letter of authorization, signed by both parents or by your legal guardian. This letter of authorization should list your parents’ details such as an address, telephone number, and similar details of the adult who would be your local guardian in Canada.

 

If you succeed the identity check and meet the entry requirements, the BSO may stamp your passport for 6 months or let you know how long you can stay in Canada, depending upon the motive of your visit to Canada.

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Do British Citizens need a Visa for Canada?

The UK and Canada go back a long way in history sharing a strong, healthy relationship with the same language and similar culture, which might be a clear reason why almost 600,000 tourists from the UK get gravitated towards Canada year after year. Although the UK is one of the 55 countries that are visa-exempt, its citizens traveling to Canada are still required to apply online for an eTA(Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the country, since March 2016.  Luckily, it is quite straightforward and easy to obtain an eTA that remains valid for years, and through the following FAQs, we will attempt to elucidate the process.

 

What is Canada’s Visa-exemption History?

Canada has had a visa policy for several years that has exempted several countries from the requirement to apply for a visa before visiting the country. The country performs in-depth analysis into its visitors and cautiously studies the rates of visa-overstay, security issues, asylum seekers and other factors to decide upon the countries that can remain on the visa exempt list or not.

 

Which are the Visa-exempt Countries for Canada?

Citizens from the following 55 countries could travel to Canada visa-exempt before March 2016:

 

• Andorra
• Australia
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belgium
• British citizen
• British National (Overseas)
• British overseas citizen (re-admissible to the United Kingdom)
• British overseas territory citizen with citizenship through birth, descent, naturalization or registration in one of the British overseas territories of:
  • Anguilla
  • Bermuda
  • The British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
  • Gibraltar
  • Montserrat
  • Pitcairn Island
  • Saint Helena
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
• British Subject with a right of abode in the United Kingdom
• Brunei Darussalam
• Bulgaria
• Chile
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China must have a passport issued by Hong Kong SAR.
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Israel must have an Israeli national passport
• Italy
• Japan
• Republic of Korea
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Mexico
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Papua New Guinea
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Samoa
• San Marino
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Solomon Islands
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• United Arab Emirates
• United States
• Vatican City State

 

What is an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)?

An eTA or an Electronic Travel Authorization is official permission granted by the Canadian Government, for citizens from visa-exempt countries, to travel to Canada by air. This Travel Authorization is electronically linked to a traveler's passport. An eTA is valid for multiple entries up to five years(with each stay not exceeding beyond 6 months) or until the passport expiry date, whichever occurs first. The eTA program was brought in in 2016 to screen overseas travelers as a response to the upsurge in global terrorism.

 

What is the cost of a Canadian eTA?

The cost of an eTA is a nominal fee, and the government says most permissions will be granted within a few minutes of applying. Applicants will need to input biographic, passport, and other personal information via the website.

 

How long am I welcome in Canada as a visitor from the UK?

UK citizens can make multiple trips to Canada for five years with a valid eTA, with each stay not exceeding six months(180 days). If your passport expires before your eTA, you will need to apply for a new one for the new passport.

 

What would happen if I exceed my 6-month limit on a stay?

If you stay longer than 6 months on an eTA and your stay has not been extended by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, you will lose your travel authorization and not be able to use the eTA for future trips to Canada.

 

How do I apply for an eTA?

You can find the Canada eTA application by visiting the Canadian government website. The eTA application is a simple online process that takes around 10-15 minutes to complete. You will need your passport, contact, employment, travel details, and a valid debit or credit card to pay the eTA application fees. An approved eTA will be valid for up to five years, or the date of passport expiry, whichever comes first. Eligible applicants are advised to apply for an eTA a few weeks before their departure to Canada, looking at the occasional processing delays.

 

Who needs an eTA to travel to Canada?

The following travelers are required to apply for an eTA to travel to Canada:

1. Visa exempt foreign nationals require to possess an eTA to fly to or transit through Canada. These foreigners do not need an eTA when visiting Canada by a boat, a cruise ship, a train, a bus, or a car. eTA is also applicable for children traveling from a Visa-exempt country by air to Canada.
2. Permanent Residents of the United States (with a valid Passport and a valid Green Card) also require an eTA to fly to or transit through Canada.
3. Citizens from Brazil, Bulgaria, and Romania who have been in possession of a Canadian visitor visa in the last 10 years, or presently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa and who wish to fly to or transit through Canada or visit Canada for a brief stay, tourist activity or business(for up to six months), could apply for an eTA. However, these visitors need a visitor-visa when entering Canada by boat, cruise ship, train, bus, or car.

 

What are the other requirements to Apply for an eTA?

The requirements to apply for a Canadian eTA are:

1. You must belong to one of the above 3 categories(refer to the FAQ – Who needs an eTA to travel to Canada?).
2. You are visiting Canada for tourism, business, medical or transit, and your trip is for 180 days or less.
3. You are traveling by air.
4. You have an e-passport that is machine readable.
5. You must not have any criminal convictions or immigration violations.
6. You must have ties to your home country such as employment, home, or financial instruments.
7. You must be over 18 to apply for an eTA otherwise require a parent/guardian.
8. You have to convince an immigration officer that you plan to return to your country after your visit to Canada.

 

 

Who is exempt from the eTA requirement to travel to Canada?

The following travelers are exempt from the eTA requirement to travel to Canada:

1. Visitors with an authentic Canadian visa or the ones with a valid status in the Canadian province (e.g. that of a student, a visitor or a worker) who re-visit Canada after merely visiting the US or St. Pierre and Miquelon.
2. Citizens of France who reside in St. Pierre and Miquelon and are traveling(by air) straight from St. Pierre and Miquelon to Canada.
3. Foreigners who are flying to, or from, the US on an aircraft that halts in Canada only to refuel and who have all the valid requisite documents to enter the US, or were legitimately allowed entry into the US.
4. Foreign tourists on an aircraft making an unscheduled halt in a Canadian airport.
5. Foreign tourists who transit through Canada under the “Transit Without Visa Program” (TWOV) or “China Transit Program” (CTP).
6. Accident Investigators, crew members of a flight, and inspectors of Civil Aviation, who would be working as long as in Canada.
7. Armed Forces Representatives from a country designated under the “Visiting Forces Act” who come to Canada to accomplish official duties.
8. Diplomats recognized and authorized by the Canadian government.

 

What are the possible eTA application outcomes?

The 3 possible outcomes of an eTA application are “Authorization Approved”, “Travel not Authorized”(in this case, you should contact your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate to apply for a regular visitor visa) and “Authorization Pending” (meaning that an additional review is required before a determination can be made).

 

What could be the reason for my eTA getting denied?

The following circumstances might bring about an eTA rejection:

1. A previous visa denial
2. A previous denial of entry to Canada
3. Providing a passport number that was reported lost or stolen
4. Having overstayed in Canada on a previous visit
5. Connections with criminal or terrorist organizations
6. Engaging in unauthorized work on a previous visit
7. An immigration officer is not convinced of the reasons for your visit to Canada

 

Is my eTA still valid if my passport has expired/changed?

If you get a new passport, the eTA you received with your old passport is no longer valid. Any time a passport is changed, you must reapply for travel authorization using the eTA process with your new passport details. It is strongly advisable to make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months prior to your entry into Canada.

 

Finally, do British citizens need a visa to go to Canada?

Visitors belonging to the following categories do not need a visa to visit Canada, but still, need an eTA:

• British Citizens and British Overseas Citizens

A British citizen or a British overseas citizen who is re-admissible to the UK.

• Citizens of British Overseas Territories

A citizen of a British overseas territory whose citizenship is acquired by way of naturalization, registration, birth or descent in one of the British Overseas Territories of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, or St. Helena.

• An Overseas British National

Visitors in possession of a British National (Overseas) passport issued by the UK to those naturalized, registered or born in Hong Kong.

• British Subjects

Visitors in possession of a British Subject passport issued by the UK that comprises of the observation that the visitor has the right of abode in the UK.

 

Therefore, British Citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before traveling to Canada.

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The most popular sports in Canada

Canada has been the venue of many world sports events such as the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games and the 1967, 1999 and 2015 Pan American Games.

Canada is a country where sport is promoted as a way of keeping healthy. So much so that it has become tradition for every university to have sport teams that compete against one another in big tournaments. Some Canadian University teams even compete at international level, where they show the high level reached in their sport.

Below is a list of the most popular sports in Canada.

Apply today and we will send your eTA travel authorization by email!

• Ice hockey:

Ice hockey dates back to the end of the 19^th century and according to history, the first game on an indoor rink took place in the city of Montreal in 1875. The sport became so popular that in 1917, the National Hockey League began in Canada, becoming the sport’s most important tournament in North America.

For Canadians, ice hockey is a matter of national pride. Both the male and female teams are strong rivals in any tournament and, on many occasions, they are unbeatable. Historically, they have always obtained the best results in the Olympics and world championships.

• Lacrosse:

Lacrosse has also been a national sport since 1859. The story goes that it is based on a sport played by Native Americans, with very different rules than those of modern-day Lacrosse.

Nowadays, there are two professional Lacrosse leagues in Canada: The National Lacrosse League and Major League Lacrosse.

This sport is very well represented by the Canadians in the World Championships, where the national team has placed first on various occasions.

• Canadian Football:

According to historical data, this sport officially began in 1861. From that date onwards, various championships and organisations were formed until, in 1958 the ¨Canadian Football League¨ was created.

Its origins are very closely linked to American football, although there are some differences. Some of the most significant differences include the following: the number of players on the field in Canadian football is greater than in American football; the goalposts in American football are to the rear of the end zone, whereas in Canadian football they are at front of the end zone and, in American football, each team has three timeouts per half, whereas in Canadian football there is only one timeout per half.

Not only the professional competitions have attracted attention in this sport. Important tournaments also take place between the country’s universities, attracting great interest among Canadian football lovers.

• Curling:

Did you know that Canada is one of the leading countries in this sport? Yes, this unique sport has been adopted by the Canadians and they have become the sport’s best players.

Curling was introduced into Canada by Scottish immigrants and the oldest sports club in North America is a curling club in the centre of Montreal.

Canada’s professional curling league is one of the sport’s best. Its male and female teams are unbeatable in every competition in which they participate.

Like other sports, curling is very popular among university students. There are also university tournaments, playing at a high level and attracting many fans of the sport.

Not sure if you are eligible to travel with an eTA? Check here what the application requirements are!

• Basketball:

Finally, I would like to tell you an interesting fact that you probably don’t know about the origins of basketball. It turns out that this exciting sport was created by a Canadian physical education teacher in the University Springfield in the United States.

It came about due to the need for the students to play an indoor sport to release energy during the long winter periods.

As you can see in this article, there is a great tradition in many sports in Canada. The high level of the country’s athletes and the results obtained in the biggest competitions make Canada an important player in the sporting world, achieving first place on many occasions. There is no doubt that Canada, as well as showing great progress in education and scientific and technological research, is rising up as one of the world’s greatest sporting representatives.

See also: 3 Things You Should Know About When Visiting Canada

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