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Visiting

How long can I stay in Canada as a visitor?

Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada.

At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for
less or more than 6 months. If so, they’ll put the date you need to leave
by in your passport. They might also give you a document.

If you don’t get a stamp in your passport, you can stay for 6 months from
the day you entered Canada or until your passport expires, whichever
comes first.

If you need a stamp, you can ask a border services officer for one. If you
arrive at an airport that uses primary inspection kiosks, ask the border
officer after you finish at the kiosk.

If you want to stay longer than your authorized stay, you should apply for
an extension at least 30 days before the authorized end of your stay.

Do I need to apply for both a visitor visa

and an eTA?
No. If you plan to travel to Canada, you need a valid visitor visa OR a valid
eTA.
The one you need depends on:

the type of travel document you will travel with;

the country that issued your travel document;
your nationality; and
how you will travel to Canada.

Before you apply, answer a few questions to find out what you need to
travel to Canada.

 If you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa you don’t need
to apply for an eTA – even if you’re eligible for an eTA. You can
travel with your visa until it expires.

If you apply for an initial work or study permit before you travel to
Canada, you’ll get a visa or an eTA automatically once your work or study
permit application is approved. You don’t need to apply for a visa or an
eTA, or pay extra fees.

If we issue you a visa, we’ll stick in your passport.

If we issue you an eTA, your eTA number will be included in the
letter of introduction we will send you when your study or work
permit is approved. Keep this number in case you need to contact us
about your eTA.

I am currently living in or visiting a country

that I am not a citizen of. Can I apply for a
visitor visa at the local visa office?
If you are applying on paper we recommend that you apply for a visa
from your home country. However, if you are legally admitted to the
country you are currently in, you can apply at your nearest visa
application centre (VAC). The VAC can help make sure your application is
complete and that all proper documentation is included. You must state
clearly on your application why you have not applied in your normal
country of residence.

You can also apply for a visa online.

What’s the difference between a visitor

visa and a visitor record?
A visitor visa (also known as a temporary resident visa) is an official
document citizens from visa-required countries need to get to travel to
and enter Canada as a visitor for up to 6 months.

We stick the visitor visa in your passport.

It shows that you meet the requirements to enter Canada.
It includes the date by which you must arrive in Canada.
The date is not an expiry date for your stay in Canada.
If you apply for a study or work permit for the first time, you’ll
automatically get a visitor visa when we approve your application.

A visitor record is a document that a border services officer may issue to

you to extend or restrict your stay in Canada. If you want to stay in
Canada for more than 6 months, you have to tell the border services
officer.
You may also get a visitor record after we approve your application to
extend your stay or restore your status. A visitor record is issued either
by the Canada Border Services Agency or Immigration, Refugees and
Citizenship Canada.

You need to apply for a visitor record when:

you first arrive at the port of entry and you know you want to
stay longer than 6 months; or
you’re in Canada and decide you want to stay longer.
You must apply at least 30 days before your authorized stay
in Canada expires.
It’s an independent document (not placed in your passport).
It includes an expiry date for your stay in Canada.
That’s the date by which you must leave Canada.

My application for a permanent resident

visa is currently being processed at the
Embassy. Can I go to Canada as a tourist
and wait for my visa there?
You may travel to Canada as a tourist before you get your permanent
resident visa. However, we strongly advise against making any definitive
arrangements for your stay in Canada until you have received your
permanent resident visa.

You will need to apply for a visitor visa to travel to Canada as a tourist.
Please note that having a valid visitor visa does not guarantee your entry
into Canada. A border services officer will decide if you can enter Canada
and how long you can stay.

I hold a diplomatic or special/service

passport. Do I need a visitor visa?
Holders of diplomatic, official and service passports from visa-required
countries do need a visa to visit Canada. However, they may be exempt
from paying the processing fee if they are travelling on official business.

Do I need a Canadian visa if I have a United

States visa?
Yes, most travellers need a visitor visa or an eTA to travel to, or transit
through, Canada.

What you need depends on:

the type of travel document you will travel with;

the country that issued your travel document;
your nationality; and
how you will travel to Canada.

Before you apply, find out what you need.

I now need an immigration medical exam
(IME) to visit Canada. Does this affect my
submitted application?
People who apply to come to Canada temporarily and who lived in a
country/territory with a high tuberculosis rate need an IME with their
application. We use data from the World Health Organization to calculate
the tuberculosis rate.

As of November 23, 2017, if you lived in Singapore, Tunisia or Fiji for most
of the past year (6 months or more), you must complete an IME when
you apply to come to Canada for six months or more.

If you lived in the following countries, you no longer have to complete an

IME, unless we contact you and ask for one:

Argentina
Bahrain
Belize
Colombia
Portugal
the Seychelles
Surinam
Venezuela

If you already submitted an application before this change:

you won’t be penalized if you followed the guidelines that existed at

the time we received your application, however,
you have to get an IME if we asked you for one.
Find out who must complete the Immigration Medical Exam.

Do I need a visa to visit Canada?

Most travellers need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to
fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport.

What you need depends on:

the type of travel document you will travel with;

the country that issued your travel document;
your nationality; and
how you will travel to Canada.

If you do not have the proper documents, such as an eTA or visa, you
may be delayed or prevented from boarding your flight to Canada.

Before you apply, find out what you need to travel to Canada.

What is the difference between a single

and a multiple entry visa?
The main difference between these two visa types is that a single entry
visa allows entry to Canada for one-time only and a multiple entry visa
allows entry many times.

Which type of visa to get

You don’t need to choose. A multiple entry visa is what all visa applicants
are automatically considered for. We will review your application and
issue you a visa depending on your situation.

Multiple entry visa

While valid, a multiple entry visa will let you travel to Canada for six
months at a time as many times as you want. It will be valid for up to 10
years or one month before your passport expires, whichever is shorter.
You must arrive in Canada on or before the expiry date on your visa.

Single entry visa

A single entry visa lets you travel to Canada only one time. For instance,
you may only be eligible for a single entry visa if:

you are eligible for a fee-exemption and the purpose of your entry to
Canada is limited (such as, for an official visit by a foreign national)
you are taking part in a one-time special event in Canada
there are approved country-specific procedures or guidelines in
place.

In most cases, once you have left Canada, you will need a new visa to
enter Canada again.

You won’t need a new visitor visa to return to Canada if you are travelling
directly to the United States (including its Territories and Possessions) or
St. Pierre and Miquelon.
Why was I issued a single entry visa
instead of a multiple entry visa?
All applicants who are eligible for a multiple entry visa will be issued one.
However, not all applicants will be eligible for a multiple entry visa. This
remains at the discretion of a visa officer. A single entry visa may be
issued in cases where, for example:

An applicant is eligible for a fee-exemption and where the purpose of

entry to Canada is limited (e.g., for an official visit by a foreign
national);
An applicant is participating in a one-time special event in Canada
(e.g., Pan-American Games); and/or
Country-specific procedures or guidelines are in place and approved
by IRCC.

I have an eTA or a visa. What can I expect

when I arrive in Canada?
When you arrive at the point of entry in Canada, a border services officer
will make sure you meet the requirements to enter Canada.

The officer will authorize your stay by stamping your passport and/or
issuing another document.

If there is no stamp, handwritten date or document in your passport,

your temporary resident status will expire six months from the day you
arrived in Canada.

If you received a visitor record, student or work permit, the expiry date is
marked on it.

I am in Canada on a temporary resident

visa. I plan to take a cruise. Do I need a new
visa to come back to Canada?
If you are on a cruise ship that departs from Canada or the continental
United States and enters international waters and you are not in
possession of a valid multiple-entry visa, you will need to obtain a new
temporary resident visa in order to re-enter Canada.

Do I need a visa if I’m just travelling

through Canada on my way to another
country?
The document you need to transit through Canada depends on a few
factors, including if you plan to visit Canada.

You can answer a few questions to find the document you need to transit
through Canada.

Visa-required travellers
You’re considered a visa-required traveller if you’re from a visa-required
country.

You need a visitor visa if:

 you visit Canada (even if you’re travelling by air and it’s for less than
48 hours)
stay in Canada more than 48 hours while transiting, or
you’re crossing the border by:
bus
car
train
boat
cruise ship

You need a transit visa if:

your international flight stops at a Canadian airport on its way to

another country
you’ll be connecting between 2 international flights at a Canadian
airport
you’ll transit through Canada in 48 hours or less, and
you don’t have a valid visitor visa

Visa-exempt travellers
You’re considered a visa-exempt traveller if you’re from an eTA-required
country.

You need an eTA to transit through Canada by air if you’re from an eTA-
required country.

You don’t need an eTA if you’re transiting through Canada and you enter
by train, bus, boat or cruise ship. You do need to bring the right travel
documents.
How do I get a transit visa?
You can apply for a transit visa by filling out the application for a
Temporary Resident Visa and selecting transit visa from the list of options
on the form.

You may not need a transit visa if you are travelling to or from the United
States. The Transit Without Visa program (TWOV) and the China Transit
Program (CTP) allow certain foreign nationals to transit through Canada
on their way to and from the United States without a Canadian transit
visa, if they meet certain requirements.

How do I help a family member or friend

apply to visit Canada?
Anyone who plans to visit Canada must apply from outside of Canada
before they travel.

What your friend or family member needs depends on:

the type of travel document they will travel with;

the country that issued their travel document;
their nationality; and
how they will travel to Canada.

Before applying, find out what document(s) they need.

If they need a visitor visa, you may provide your family member or friend
with a letter of invitation in support of their visa application. A letter of
invitation can help, but it does not guarantee the person will get a visa.

How do I get help if my visa application is

refused?
There is no formal appeal process if your application for a temporary
resident visa is refused.

Should you wish to re-apply, you should do so only if your situation has
changed substantively or you have significant new information to submit.

Who can I hire to help me with my

application for a temporary resident visa?
You can hire a representative or an agent to help with your application.
The representative or agent must be either:

a lawyer or paralegal who is a member in good standing of a

Canadian provincial or territorial law society, or
a notary who is a member in good standing of the Chambre des
notaires du Québec, or
an immigration consultant who is a member in good standing of the
Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council

Find out more about who can represent you.

Due to privacy laws, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
cannot discuss your application with someone else without your written
permission. If you want a representative or an agent to help you, you
must fill out two forms:

Use of a Representative (IMM 5476); and

Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual
(IMM 5475).

If I get sick or have an accident while

visiting Canada, will the Government of
Canada pay for my medical treatment?
Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. You
should get health insurance to cover any medical costs before you come
to Canada.

Can I fill out one visa application for my

whole family if we are travelling together?
No. Each person must complete and sign the Application for Temporary
Resident Visa (IMM 5257), as well as any other forms needed. Each
applicant aged 18 or over must also complete the Family Information
form (IMM 5645).

You can submit all family member applications in the same envelope with
one payment receipt for the total fee for all of your applications.
Parents or guardians can help children fill out their forms. Parents or
guardians must sign the forms for any children under the age of 18.

I have U.S. residency (Green Card). Do I

need a visa or an eTA to visit Canada or can
I use my Green Card?
As a U.S. Green Card holder, you do not need a visitor visa to travel to
Canada. However, you are expected to have an eTA if you plan to fly to or
transit through Canada.

When flying to Canada, you will need to present:

proof of status in the U.S. (such as a valid Green Card), and

your valid passport that you used to apply for your eTA.

The border services officer will verify your eTA when you arrive in
Canada.

When travelling by land or sea directly from the U.S., you will only need
to provide proof of your U.S. lawful permanent resident status (such as
your Green Card).

Is there a different application form for

CAN+?
No. Simply apply for a visitor visa online or on paper.
For paper applications, check the document checklist for full details of
what you need to submit with your application.

Please note:

Visa application centres are not involved in the visa decision-making

process and can’t provide advice to applicants.
All decisions on applications are made by visa officers at
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada visa offices.
Applications that meet the criteria will also be processed faster.

How do I know that my application can be

processed under CAN+? What supporting
documents should I submit?
Visa application centres will screen all applications for CAN+ eligibility.
Applications that show that the applicant travelled to Canada in the last
10 years or holds a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa will be sent to the visa
office for expedited processing.

Check the document checklist for full details of what you need to submit
with your application.

How does the parent and grandparent

super visa differ from a multiple entry visa?
Currently, most visitors to Canada may visit for up to six months when
they first enter Canada. Visitors who wish to stay longer must apply for
an extension, and pay a new fee.

With the parent and grandparent super visa, eligible parents and
grandparents can visit family in Canada for up to two years without the
need to renew their status.

The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that provides multiple entries for a
period up to 10 years. The key difference is that the Super Visa allows an
individual to stay for up to two years at a time in Canada, while a 10-year
multiple entry visa would only have a status period for each entry of six
months only.

There are also specific requirements that you must meet to be able to get
a super visa. See the IRCC website for who can apply for a grandparent
super visa or Who is eligible for a parent and grandparent super visa?

Is the parent and grandparent super visa a

multi-entry visa?
Yes, the super visa is a multi-entry visa. It allows multiple entries for up to
10 years.

What’s the difference between the parent

and grandparent super visa and the 10-
year multiple entry visa?
The key difference is that the super visa allows multiple entry periods
lasting up to 2 years. Those travelling on a 10-year multiple-entry visa can
only stay for up to six months per entry.

A single-entry super visa is also available. This remains at the discretion

of a visa officer.

See also How does the parent and grandparent super visa differ from a
visitor visa?

Who’s eligible for a parent and

grandparent super visa?
To be eligible for a super visa, you must:

be the parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent

residents and
meet other eligibility requirements.

Your dependants are not eligible for a super visa. They can still apply to
visit Canada for up to 6 months with the right travel document. Find out
what kind of travel document they need.

I need to calculate family size when

applying for the parent and grandparent
super visa. Whom should I include?
When you apply for a parent and grandparent super visa, include the
following people when calculating family size:
 the child or grandchild inviting you;
the spouse of the child or grandchild inviting you;
the dependants of the child or grandchild inviting you;
any dependants travelling with you;
any other person whom the child or grandchild inviting you is
currently sponsoring or co-signing for; and
yourself.

Here are some examples.

The child or grandchild in Canada that is inviting you is not married

and has no children. He or she has invited one parent to visit Canada
for a two-year stay. The family size is two.
The family in Canada inviting you is a family of four (the inviting child
or grandchild, the spouse and two dependent children). They plan to
host two visiting parents. The family size is six.
The family in Canada inviting you is a family of three (child or
grandchild who is inviting you, the spouse and one dependent child).
The child or grandchild inviting you previously co-signed the
sponsorship of the spouse’s parents (two persons). That sponsorship
is still in effect. Now, they are inviting you and your spouse for a
long-term visit on a parent and grandparent super visa. The family
size is seven.
The family in Canada inviting you is a family of three (the inviting
child or grandchild, the spouse and one dependent child). They plan
to host you and your dependent child. The family size is five.
Can I cancel my sponsorship application
and apply for a super visa instead?
Yes, you can withdraw your sponsorship application at any time. You can
still apply for a super visa.

What is a business visitor?

A business visitor is someone who comes to Canada:

for international business activities

without directly entering the Canadian labour market

Examples of this include someone who comes to Canada:

to meet people from companies doing business with their country

to observe site visits
because a Canadian company invited them for training in:
product use
sales
other business transaction functions

They don’t need a work permit to come to Canada.

Business visitors must prove that their main source of income and their
main place of business are outside Canada.

You aren’t considered a business visitor, and may need to get a work
permit, if you’re doing work for a Canadian company. For example,
you’re an employee sent by a foreign company to fulfill a contract with a
Canadian company.
Business visitors and business people are not the same. Business people
come to do work in Canada under a free trade agreement. Learn more
about business people.

Does a business visitor need a special visa

to enter Canada?
No, business visitors who need a visa or an electronic travel authorization
(eTA) must complete the visitor visa or eTA form. The eTA and visitor visa
cover all visitors, including those coming to Canada on business. Find out
if you need an eTA or visa.

If I am a business visitor, do I need a work

permit to work in Canada?
You do not need a work permit to carry out business activities related to
your job back home, such as meeting clients of your company or visiting
job sites. However, if you plan to carry out secretarial, managerial,
technical or production activities or stay longer than six months in
Canada, you have to apply for a work permit. In both cases, if you are
from a country that requires a visa to visit Canada, you must apply for a
temporary resident visa.
I am a business visitor and I do not need a
visa. What documents should I bring, if
any?
You may not need a visa, but you may need an Electronic Travel
Authorization (eTA). Find out if you need an eTA.

When you arrive in Canada, you must show to the border services officer
several documents. These documents include, but are not limited to:

the passport you used to apply for your eTA

a passport or travel document that is valid for your entire stay and
guarantees re-entry to your country of origin
a letter of support from your parent company and a letter of
invitation from the Canadian host company
other documents such as warranty or service agreements, contracts,
etc. if relevant to the visit
24-hour contact details of your business host in Canada
proof that you have enough money for both your stay in Canada and
your return home

Please see Business visitors: Checklists for details.

Do I have to submit my passport with my

application for a temporary resident visa?
Yes. The visa office where you apply may have certain instructions on
how and where to submit your passport and how to get your visa. If you
will need your passport for other travel while we are processing your
application, tell the visa office. Staff will let you know what to do.

I need a visa to visit Canada. I want to

study or work in Canada while I am there.
Do I need to apply for anything else?
If you want to come to Canada to study or work temporarily, you will
probably need a study permit or a work permit. If you have applied for a
study or work permit, your visa will be issued to you at the same time as
your permit. You do not need to apply separately or to pay an additional
fee.

Do I need a medical exam to get a visa?

If the duration of your visit is six months or less:

Generally, no medical examination is required.

However, a medical examination is required if you intend to work in an

occupation in which the protection of public health is essential. Please
see Jobs for which you need a medical examination for more information.

If the duration of your visit is more than six months:

You will need a medical examination if:

you have resided or stayed temporarily for six or more consecutive

months in a designated country or territory in the one year
immediately preceding the date you sought entry into Canada. This
 applies even if you are a citizen of a country where you do not
require a visa to enter Canada.
you are coming to Canada to work in an occupation in which the
protection of public health is essential. See Jobs for which you need a
medical examination for more information.
you are applying for a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa.

Must I leave Canada by the valid until date

on my visitor visa?
No. The date on the visitor visa is the date by which you must arrive in
Canada.

How long you can stay will be decided when you enter Canada.

Length of stay decided by a border services

officer
If you see a border services officer at the port of entry, they will tell you
how long you can stay in Canada in 1 of these ways:

If the officer stamps your passport and writes a date under that
stamp
You must leave Canada by that date
If the officer stamps your passport and gives you a visitor record
You must leave Canada by the date under “Valid until” on that
visitor record.
If the officer stamps your passport without writing a date under that
 stamp or giving you a visitor record
You can stay in Canada for 6 months.

If you have a super visa

If you enter Canada on a super visa and the border services officer puts a
stamp without a date in your passport, you can stay for 2 years.

Length of stay decided at a primary

inspection kiosk
If you go through a primary inspection kiosk, the officer may not stamp
your passport at all. In this case, you can only stay in Canada for up to 6
months from the day you first enter Canada, or until your passport
expires, whichever comes first.

If you need a stamp in your passport as proof of entry into Canada, you
have to ask a border services officer after you finish at the kiosk.

I got a multiple-entry temporary resident

visa to visit a relative in Canada last year.
Can I use it to travel to Canada on a
business trip?
Yes, as long as it has not expired. Make sure you have documents that
support your business visit to Canada. See Business visitors: Checklists
for more information.
I used a temporary resident visa for a
recent business visit to Canada. Can I use it
for a holiday in Canada?
If it is a multiple-entry visa and it has not expired, you can use it to enter
Canada for both business and tourism. If it is a single-entry visa, you will
need a new visa.

How can I extend my stay as a visitor?

If you want to extend your stay in Canada, you should apply at least 30
days before your status expires.

For the steps to apply, see How to apply to extend your stay as a visitor.
You can also apply online.

Temporary residents currently in Canada with a valid study or work

permit must submit their application for a new temporary resident visa
to the Case Processing Centre in Ottawa (CPC-O), or visa office that
serves their country of nationality.

If your temporary resident status expires after you have submitted

your application for an extension but before you receive a
decision on your application, you can stay in Canada under what’s
called implied status. That means the law implies you are a
temporary resident. That status lasts until Immigration, Refugees
and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) decides on your new permit
application.
If you have a single-entry visa this allows you to enter Canada once.
 If you leave Canada during your authorized stay, you must get a
new visitor visa to re-enter Canada, unless you visit the United
States or St. Pierre and Miquelon. If you visit those places, you can
return to Canada without a new visa, as long as you:
return within the period that the Canadian immigration officer
initially authorized when you first entered Canada (on your
visa, it is either a handwritten date or 6 months from the date of
the entry stamp); or
have a valid visitor record, work permit, study permit or
temporary resident permit (authorizing re-entry), and return
within the period that the officer initially authorized.

See also How can I extend my stay as worker? and How can I extend my
stay as a student?

I do not need a visa, but I want to stay in

Canada as a visitor for longer than six
months. What do I need to do?
If you entered Canada and you did not need a visa but want to stay
longer, you must apply for an extension and pay a fee. This must be done
from inside Canada. You should apply for an extension at least 30 days
before your status expires – usually 6 months from the day you entered
Canada.
My visa has expired. How do I restore my
status as a visitor?
In some cases, if you are still within the 90-day period following the
expiry of your status, you can apply to restore it.

To do this, you will need to:

Complete an Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in

Canada as a Visitor,
On form IMM 5708, under section 3, select Restoration of
temporary resident status as a visitor.
Give details of your situation and the reason you stayed in
Canada longer than allowed.
Pay the required fees.
To submit your application, you can:
Apply online, or
Mail your completed application.

There is no guarantee that your application will be approved.

My minor child is applying for a visitor visa

and will travel alone to Canada. What
documents must he/she present with the
application?
In addition to the required documents for a visitor visa, you must include
the following documents:
 A copy of the child’s birth certificate
A letter of authorization, preferably in English or French, signed by
their parent(s) or legal guardian.

The letter of authorization should include:

the parents’, or legal guardian’s, address(es) and telephone

number(s), and
the name, address and telephone number of the custodian (the
adult who will be responsible for the child while in Canada).

For more information, see Minor children travelling to Canada.

I am travelling with my minor child without

my spouse. What documents must I
present?
You must present the following documents:

A copy of the child’s birth certificate

A letter of authorization signed by the parent who is not travelling,
containing their address and telephone number, in English or French
if possible, and
A photocopy of the non-accompanying parent’s signed passport or
national identity card

If the parents are separated or divorced, and share custody of the child,
the parent travelling with the child should carry copies of the legal
custody documents.
If the parents are separated or divorced and one of them has sole
custody of the child, the letter of authorization may be signed by that
parent only and they should bring a copy of the custody papers.

If one of the child’s parents is deceased, the travelling parent should

bring a copy of the death certificate.

For more information, see Minor children travelling to Canada.

I have not been able to submit an eTA

application because of technical issues (i.e.
with payment or the application form). Can
I still fly to Canada?
No. eTA is a mandatory entry requirement. If you have not been able to
get an eTA, you should not plan or undertake any travel to Canada.

If you try to apply again but still have technical issues, complete this
enquiry form.

Under “Type of application” select “Electronic Travel Authorization”,

then “General and Technical Enquiries.”
Provide as many details as possible about the problem you
encountered. Note: It can take us several days to answer your
inquiry

If you decide to travel to Canada without an eTA you will experience

delays or be prevented from boarding your flight to Canada.
I submitted an eTA application, but have
not received any emails from IRCC. Can I
still travel to Canada?
No. eTA is a mandatory entry requirement. You should not travel to
Canada until a decision is made on your eTA application.

In most cases, applicants receive a confirmation email from Immigration,

Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within minutes of applying for
an eTA. However, some applications can take several days to process.

If you are leaving for Canada soon, you may want to reschedule your
flight.

Check the junk/spam mail folder of the email address you provided on
your eTA application form. Some spam filters may block automated
emails from IRCC.

If you have not received an email confirmation with an application

number within 72 hours of applying, you will need to fill out this Web
form:

Under “Type of application” select “Electronic Travel Authorization”,

then “Case Specific Enquiries”.
Provide as many details as possible about the problem you
encountered. Note: It can take us several days to answer your
inquiry.
I got an email confirmation from IRCC that
my eTA application was received, but
nothing since then. Can I still travel to
Canada?
No. eTA is a mandatory entry requirement. You should not travel to
Canada until a decision is made on your application.

Some applications can take several days to process.

If you are leaving for Canada soon, you may want to reschedule your
flight.

Check the junk/spam mail folder of the email address you provided on
your eTA application form. Some spam filters may block automated
emails from IRCC.

If you have not received an email confirmation with an application

number within 72 hours of applying, you will need to fill out this Web
form:

Under “Type of application” select “Electronic Travel Authorization”,

then “Case Specific Enquiries”.
Provide as many details as possible about the problem you
encountered. Note: It can take us several days to answer your
inquiry.
I cannot submit the additional documents
required for my eTA application by the
requested deadline. Can I still travel to
Canada?
No. eTA is a mandatory entry requirement. You should not travel to
Canada until a decision is made on your application. If you are leaving for
Canada soon, you may want to consider rescheduling your flight.

If you are not sure how to submit the documents requested for your eTA
application, follow these step-by-step instructions.

If you are waiting for someone (police department, doctor) to send you
documents, or have problems uploading the documents and cannot
submit them by the deadline, complete this web form to request an
extension to the deadline.

I submitted the documents for my eTA

application but I haven’t heard anything
yet. Can I still travel to Canada?
No. eTA is a mandatory entry requirement. You should not travel to
Canada until a decision is made on your application.

If you are leaving for Canada soon, you may want to reschedule your
flight.

If you decide to travel to Canada while your application is still being

assessed, you will be prevented from boarding your flight to Canada.
My application for an eTA was refused. Can
I still travel to Canada?
If your application was refused, you should not travel to Canada. If you
try to travel to Canada with a refused eTA, you will be prevented from
boarding your flight.

We encourage you to reapply for an eTA only once you have addressed
the reason(s) leading to the refusal of your application.

What is a visa-exempt foreign national?

A visa-exempt foreign national is a person who is not a Canadian citizen
or a permanent resident, and who does not normally need a visa to enter
Canada.

Will the eTA application information be

available in multiple languages?
No. However, information to help guide you through the online
application will be available in several foreign languages.

Are there any age exemptions for eTA?

No. All eTA-required travellers, regardless of their age, will need an eTA
when they fly to Canada.
How do I apply for an eTA for travel to
Canada?
To apply you must have a valid passport, a valid credit or debit card and
an email address. It costs $7 CAD to get an eTA and only takes a few
minutes to apply. Approved eTAs are valid for up to five years.

Apply now for an eTA.

I see other websites advertising that I can

apply for an eTA with them. Is there more
than one website to apply for an eTA?
No. The Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for
an eTA. Even authorized third parties that apply on behalf of someone
else have to use this website to apply for an eTA. To find out if you need
an eTA, answer the questions at the start of this website’s application
form.

Travellers who apply for an eTA are advised to be cautious in all dealings
with companies that claim to offer help in getting an eTA. Although many
of these companies have created websites that charge a fee to provide
information and submit eTA applications through Immigration, Refugees
and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), these companies are NOT operating on
behalf of the Government of Canada.

Read more on how to protect yourself.

What type of information do I need to
complete an eTA application?
You will need to provide the biographic information from your passport.
This includes your name, date and place of birth, gender, marital status,
address, nationality and passport number. You will also need to answer a
few simple background questions to determine if you can come to
Canada. For example, you will be asked about your current job and if you
have any medical issues.

Can I apply for an eTA for my child?

Yes. To apply for your child, you need to submit a separate application
form. You will need to enter a few things differently on your child’s form:

When you start the application form:

Answer “yes” to “Are you applying on behalf of someone?”
Answer “yes” to “Are you applying on behalf of a minor child?”
You will then see a screen called Parent/guardian or representative
details that asks for some information about yourself.
Once you complete that section, you will be brought to the
application form itself, where you can enter your child’s information.
On this screen (the application form), make sure to:
enter all details correctly (particularly your child’s passport
number); and
enter your email address or - if you prefer - your child’s
email address in the Contact Details section so that
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can
 communicate with you about the application.
enter your child’s name in the Signature field of the Consent
section.

Can I help a friend or family member apply

for an eTA?
Yes, you may help a friend or family member apply for an eTA. You will
need to indicate at the start of the form that you are completing the form
for your friend or family member.

When you start the application form:

Answer “yes” to “Are you applying on behalf of someone?”

If your friend or family member is less than 18 years old, answer
“yes” to “Are you applying on behalf of a minor child?”
You will then see a screen called Parent/guardian or
representative details that asks for some information about
yourself.
Once you complete that section, you will be brought to the
application form itself, where you can enter your friend or family
member’s information.
On the next screen (the application form), make sure to:
enter all details correctly (particularly your friend or family
member’s passport number); and
enter your friend’s email address in the Contact Details section
so that we can communicate directly with them about their
application.
 enter your friend or family member’s name in the Signature field
of the Consent section.

As a Canadian citizen living in Canada, can

I apply for an eTA for my non-Canadian
relative or friend who lives abroad?
Yes, a Canadian citizen may help a non-Canadian relative or friend apply
for an eTA. You will need to indicate at the start of the form that you are
completing the form for your relative or friend.

When you start the application form:

Answer “yes” to “Are you a representative or a parent/guardian

applying on behalf of an eTA applicant?”
If your relative or friend is less than 18 years old, answer “yes” to
“Are you applying on behalf of a minor child?”
You will then see a screen that asks for some information about
yourself. Once you complete that section, you will be brought to the
application form itself, where you can enter your relative or friend’s
information.
On this screen (the application form), make sure to:
enter all details correctly (particularly your relative or friend’s
passport number); and
enter your relative or friend’s email address in the Contact
Details section so that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Canada (IRCC) can communicate directly with them about their
application.
Can more than one person, including
dependents, be included in an eTA
application?
No. Each person must submit a separate eTA application. If your child or
children appear on your passport, a separate eTA application must be
submitted for each child.

Can I submit a group application for eTA?

No. You must apply one person at a time. For example, for a family of
three, you will need to submit each application individually, and pay the
fee for each one separately.

Can I use my email address when I apply

for an eTA on behalf of someone?
Yes. If the applicant does not have an email address, you can use yours.
However, by entering your email address, you will get all emails from
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) about the person’s
application. You will also continue to get relevant emails for the period
the eTA is valid (up to 5 years).

If you enter the person’s email, IRCC will email the applicant directly.
Can I start my eTA application and save it?
No, there is no save feature. You must complete your application in one
session. Make sure to have your passport, email address and a credit
card ready before you start the form.

Can I review my eTA application before I

submit it?
At this time, there is no review function. Please enter the information
carefully and take note of the details entered if you want a record of what
you submit.

What happens if I made a mistake (like an

email address or passport number) on my
eTA application?
You will need to apply again. Make sure to enter the correct information.

Your correct email address is needed because we will email you to tell
you if your application for an eTA is approved.

The passport number of the passport you will use to travel to Canada is
needed because your eTA will be linked to that passport. If the passport
number you entered is not correct, you may not be able to board your
flight.

Be extra careful when entering your passport information.

Can I apply for an eTA using a document
other than a passport?
No. You can only apply for an eTA using a valid passport issued to you by
your country of citizenship or nationality.

Exception: If you are a permanent resident of the U.S. (Green Card

holder) and cannot get a passport from your home country because it
does not issue passports to permanent residents of other countries, you
can apply with:

your U.S. Refugee Travel Document (I-571), or

your Permit to Re-enter the United States (I-327).

Find out if your document is a passport

Look at the front cover of the document. The word “passport” should
appear on the cover.

What options are available to pay the eTA

application fee?
You can pay for an eTA with the following:

Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®,

a pre-paid Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express®,
Visa® Debit and Debit MasterCard®,
JCB® card,
UnionPay® (debit cards not accepted),
 INTERAC® Online.

What if I don’t have a Visa, Mastercard or

American Express? Are there other
methods to pay for an eTA?
Yes, we also accept:

a pre-paid Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express®,

Visa® Debit and Debit MasterCard®,
JCB® card,
UnionPay® (debit cards not accepted),
INTERAC® Online.

Do I have to apply for an eTA each time I

travel to Canada?
No. Once approved, your eTA is valid for five years or until your passport
expires – whichever comes first. You can come to Canada as many times
as you wish as long as your eTA remains valid.

I must travel to Canada for exceptional

circumstances. Can I get my eTA on an
urgent basis?
When you apply, indicate in detail on the application the urgent and/or
compelling reason for your travel. This information will be considered
when your application is processed. However, most applicants will
receive a confirmation within minutes.

Will IRCC email me when my eTA is

approved?
Yes. When your eTA is approved, you will receive an email confirmation.
You will also receive an email if we need more information to process
your application or if your eTA has been denied.

Please make sure to check your email junk mail folder. Some spam
filters may block our emails. Check the folder regularly as emails may at
times be moved from your inbox to the junk mail folder.

If you have not received an email confirmation with an application

number within 72 hours of applying, you will need to fill out this Web
form. You will need to:

provide some basic personal details, and

under “Enquiry” select from the drop menu “Electronic Travel
Authorization – Case specific enquiries”.

 NOTE: It can take us several days to answer to your enquiry.

What information will I get by email after I
apply for an eTA?
After you submit your application, you should get an email that indicates
one of the following:

Confirmation of receipt/pending: your application has been

received and a review is currently underway.
Request for documents: to complete the review of your application,
you will need to submit documents. The email outlines instructions
on how to submit the requested document(s).
Approval: your eTA has been approved. The email will include your
eTA number, expiration date, and passport number.

Why am I not receiving any emails from

IRCC about my eTA application?
In most cases, applicants will receive their eTA approval (via email) within
minutes of applying. However, some applications may need several days
to process.

If this happens to your application, you will receive an email within

72 hours of applying that tells you what your next steps are. This may
include a request for:

additional information or documents, or

an in-person interview at the nearest Canadian visa office.

Once you receive this email, you can use the eTA Check Status tool to
follow the progress of your application. To use the tool, you will need:
 the application number which begins with the letter V that can be
found at the top of the email, and
details from the passport you used to apply for your eTA.

If you have not received an email confirmation with an application

number within 72 hours of applying, you will need to fill out this Web
form. You will need to:

under “Type of application” select from the drop menu “Electronic

Travel Authorization”, then “Case specific enquiries”.
provide as many details as possible. It can take us several days to
answer your enquiry.

 Note: Make sure to check your email junk mail folder. Some spam
filters may block our emails. Check the folder regularly as emails
may at times be moved from your inbox to the junk mail folder.

How long will it take to process my eTA

application?
In most cases, applicants will receive a confirmation within minutes.
However, some requests can take several days to process.

See also What do I do if my application for an eTA is not approved right

away?
I applied for an eTA on a different website.
How do I verify if I have a real eTA?
To confirm that you have a valid eTA, use the eTA Check Status tool. You
need to provide the following information:

eTA application number, and

details from the passport you used to apply
passport number,
passport country of issuance,
issue date, and
expiry date.

After submitting these details, you will see information about your eTA
on the status screen. The Government of Canada website is the official
place to apply for an eTA. Even authorized third parties that apply on
behalf of someone have to use this website to apply for an eTA.

If it has been more than 72 hours since you applied and if you do not see
any information or get an error message when you use the Check Status
tool, complete this enquiry form. Note: It can take us several days to
answer your enquiry.

I have been charged more than $7 CAD for

my eTA on another website. I think I have
been scammed. How can I find out and can
I get a refund?
You may have used a legitimate third party service that charges more to
get an eTA. These companies do NOT operate on behalf of the
Government of Canada, but have websites that charge extra fees to give
information and submit an eTA application to the Government of Canada
website.

The Government of Canada does not issue refunds for extra fees charged
by third party websites.

Find out if your eTA is valid

As a first step, use the eTA Check Status tool. Enter the following
information:

eTA application number, and

details from the passport you used to apply
passport number,
passport country of issuance,
issue date, and
expiry date.

After submitting these details, you will see information about your eTA
on the status screen. This information will confirm whether you are
authorized to travel to Canada despite being charged more than $7 CAD.

If it has been more than 72 hours since you applied and if you do not see
any information or get an error message when you use the Check Status
tool, complete this enquiry form. Note: It can take us several days to
answer your enquiry.
If, once the Government of Canada reviews your enquiry, it is confirmed
that you do not have an eTA and there is no application in your name,
follow these steps:

If you are outside of Canada:

contact your local police.
If you are in Canada:
follow the instructions at Canada’s Anti-Fraud Centre or call 1-
888-495-8501 toll-free.

I have to submit documents for my eTA

application. How can I find out what
documents I need to provide?
To know what documents you need to submit, you must first:

register for a GCKey,

register for an account, and
link your eTA application to your account.

Once you complete these three steps, you will be able to view the
message in your account that lists the document(s) you need to submit.
Do not submit your documents by email.

Follow these instructions to upload your document(s).

I need to submit documents in a secure
IRCC account for my eTA application. How
can I do this?
If IRCC asks you to submit documents to process your eTA application,
follow these step-by-step instructions as soon as you get the email
request.

 Note: Get your requested document(s) as soon as possible. Some

of them could take you a while to get. Remember that your
document(s) must be in English or French, or be accompanied by
a certified translation. If you don’t submit the requested
document(s) by the deadline given to you, your eTA could be
refused.

What do I do if my application for an eTA is

not approved right away?
While most eTAs are issued in minutes, some can take several days to
process. In such cases, more information is needed before the
application is approved. IRCC will contact you via email and advise you of
the next steps.

Check the junk/spam mail folder of the email address you provided on
your eTA application form. Some spam filters may block automated
emails from IRCC.

The email from IRCC may include a request for:

 additional information or documents, or
an in-person interview at the nearest Canadian visa office.

If you have not received an email confirmation with an application

number within 72 hours of applying, you will need to fill out this Web
form. To do so, you will need to:

provide some basic personal details, and

Under “Type of application” select “Electronic Travel Authorization”,
then “Case Specific Enquiries”.
Provide as many details as possible about the problem you
encountered. It can take us several days to answer your inquiry.

If you apply for an eTA at an airport, and your eTA is not approved in
time for you to check-in for your flight, you will need to reschedule
your flight.

Do I have to print anything to prove that I

have an eTA?
No. An eTA is electronically linked to your passport. You will need to
travel with the passport you used to apply for your eTA.

Can I withdraw my eTA application?

Yes. To withdraw your application, you must use this Web form. You will
need to provide:

the application number you received when you applied for your eTA,
 your name, and
the date and country of your birth.

Please note that the application fee is non-refundable. In most cases, eTA
applications will be approved within minutes of applying. Therefore, you
may receive an approved eTA before your request to withdraw your
application has been processed. If this is the case, you will continue to
hold an approved eTA.

If my eTA is cancelled after I get one, can I

travel?
An eTA can be cancelled in cases where information comes to light that
you have become inadmissible to Canada. At that point, an immigration
officer would cancel your eTA and let you know by email.

If your application was cancelled, you should not travel to Canada. If

you decide to travel to Canada with a cancelled eTA, you will be
prevented from boarding your flight to Canada.

We encourage you to reapply for an eTA only once you have addressed
the reason(s) leading to the cancellation of your application.

What happens if I get a new passport after

I have received an eTA?
If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new eTA. Your eTA is
electronically linked to your passport.
My application for an eTA was refused. Can
I get a refund?
No. All application fees are non-refundable.

My application for an eTA was refused. Is

there a way I can appeal?
You can ask the Federal Court of Canada to review the decision related to
your application. To do so, a lawyer must apply for judicial review on your
behalf.

See also My application for an eTA was refused. Can I still travel to
Canada?

Does having an eTA automatically mean

that I am allowed to enter Canada?
No. An eTA will facilitate your entry into Canada. When you arrive at the
border, a border services officer will ask to see your passport or travel
documents and ask you a few questions. The officer will then decide if
you can enter the country.

When should my client apply for their eTA?

Your clients should apply for their eTA before they book their flight to
Canada.

Can I submit group applications for eTA?

No. You must apply one person at a time. For example, for a family of
three, you will need to submit each application individually and pay the
individual fee each time.

How do I pay for my client’s eTA?

You can pay for an eTA with any valid credit or debit card.

The card can be in your name, an organization’s name or the client’s

name.

The eTA application fee is not refundable.

Is there a way for clients to confirm the

status of their eTA?
Yes, your clients can confirm their status by using the eTA check status
tool.

The Government of Canada will also send email updates to the email
address provided on the eTA application form. These emails will:

acknowledge receipt of their application,

 provide an update and instructions if additional information is
needed,
confirm the final decision about their eTA application.

Can I review the eTA application before I

submit it?
No, there is no review function. Please enter the information carefully
and take note of the details entered if you want a record of what you
submit.

Can I make changes to my client’s eTA after

it has been approved?
No. If your client needs to make changes, you must complete a new
application.

Can I use my email address when I apply

for an eTA on behalf of a client?
Yes. However, if you enter your email address in the Contact Details
section, you will receive all emails from the Government of Canada about
your client’s application. You will continue to receive these emails for the
period the eTA is valid (up to 5 years).
If you enter your client’s email, the Government of Canada will email
them directly.

Is the eTA linked to a client’s passport

number?
Yes, the eTA is electronically linked to the passport number you enter
when you apply for your client’s eTA. The person will need to travel to
Canada with that passport.

Note: Your client can confirm that the passport number is correct. If it is
not correct, you must complete a new application.

What happens if I entered the wrong

passport number on my client’s eTA
application form?
If your client reviews the approval email and confirms that the passport
number is not correct, you must complete a new application.

Note: The Government of Canada will send email updates to the email
address provided on the eTA application form. These emails will include
the passport number that the eTA application is linked to. Be sure to
confirm that the passport number in this correspondence is correct. If
the passport number is not correct, you will need to submit a new eTA
application with the correct passport number.

How long can a client stay in Canada with

their eTA?
Normally, visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months.
However, the border services officer at the Canadian port of entry will
authorize the period of time your client can stay in Canada. The officer
will stamp or write on your client’s passport the length of time.

Date modified:
2019-04-12