The Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization, or Electronic Travel Authorization, is a travel document required for citizens of countries eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization. Applying for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) is a simple process but requires some preparation.
The Canada eTA visa, or Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization, is a mandatory travel document for citizens of visa-exempt countries. If you are a citizen of an eTA-eligible country in Canada, or if you are a legal resident of the United States, you will need a Canada eTA visa for stopover or transit, for tourism and sightseeing, for business purposes, or for medical treatment.
Applying for an eTA Canada visa is a tedious process and the entire process can be completed online. However, it is a good idea to understand what are the basic Canadian eTA requirements before you begin the process. In order to apply for your eTA Canada visa, you will have to complete the application form on this website, submit passport, work and travel details, and pay online.
Detailed step by step guide
Let us explain the application process to you thoroughly
1. Determine the type of visa
Choose the type of visa suitable for your trip
The first step in preparing your application is to determine the type of visa you need and check if you are eligible to apply for it.
You will also need to know what documents you must submit with your application, how long the application may take, and what fees you will have to pay.
Each application should comply with the guidelines applicable to the category of visa requested.
Visit the IRCC website for detailed guidelines.
detailed information:
Temporary residence visa (visit visa)
Study permit
permit to work
Travel document for permanent resident
It is necessary to submit a completed and signed VFS Consent Form along with your application.
2. Start your visa application
Start your visa application
You can download the visa application form, fill it in, print the completed form, and bring it with you to the Visa Application Center to be submitted there. You can also submit your application online directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Complete the application form electronically. You must print the completed form (including barcode papers) on white, matte, sturdy, bond paper quality paper using a laser printer. So, please ensure that the 2D barcode is printed clearly and on high quality paper. Handwritten forms will not be accepted.
All supporting documents should be completed as indicated in the document checklist on the IRCC website relevant to the requested visa category. If you are unable to provide all the supporting documents mentioned in the official IRCC checklist indicated, you must complete and sign a waiver form and attach it with your visa application form.
You must read the privacy policy and fill out the consent form and attach it with your visa application form. If you fail to attach the completed and signed consent form with your application, our staff will not be able to assist you, and the application will be returned to you.
3. Book an appointment
You must choose a visa application center and make an appointment
Once you have applied for your visa, you need to book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at the Visa Application Centre. This is known as “biometric data”.
When you book the appointment, you will receive an appointment confirmation email in addition to the appointment message.
If you are part of a family or group, you must book individual appointments for each family member or group.
If you are not required to provide your biometric data, you do not need to make an appointment to visit your local Canada Visa Application Centre. Simply visit the Visa Application Center at your convenience with your passport, photographs, completed forms, Government of Canada fee, and all supporting documents listed on the IRCC document checklist.
4. Pay your fees
Know how much you have to pay
When you have completed your application, you will have to pay the visa application fee. If you wish, you can download and print the form, bring it with you to the Visa Application Center and pay at the time of your visit.
The Government of Canada fee and biometric fee (if required) must be paid as per the instructions on the IRCC website, and any additional service fee (VFS Global) under the Service Fee tab.
5. Visit the Visa Application Centre
Attend your scheduled appointment
If you did not submit your application online, you will have to submit the completed visa application form at the Visa Application Center in person. Learn what will happen at the Visa Application Centre.
If you are not required to provide biometric data, please visit the Visa Application Center at any time during business hours.
When you arrive at the Canada Visa Application Centre, your application and biometric data (if required) will be collected. Pay the applicable Visa Application Center service fee and obtain a receipt. This receipt will contain your tracking number which will enable you to track the progress of your order through the website.
6. Track your order
See the progress of your application
When the decision on your application has been sent to the Visa Application Centre, you will receive an email update. If you can’t access email easily, or would like more detailed tracking information, you can also get updates on your order via SMS sent directly to your phone. Please check the availability of this service at the Visa Application Center you are visiting.
7. Collect your passport
Collect your passport at the Visa Application Centre
After the decision on your visa application has been made, you can collect your documents at the Visa Application Center or request that the documents be returned to you via courier for an additional fee. Please check the availability of this service at the Visa Application Center you are visiting.
In order to collect the envelope containing the decision in person from the Visa Application Centre, you must present the following:
. A copy of the stamped personal data page of your passport
. Original VAC service receipt issued by the VAC
. Any government-issued identification
You can also authorize someone to collect the envelope containing the decision on your application from the Visa Application Centre. The authorized person must provide the following:
. Signed Visa Application Center Services Consent Form with the name of the authorized person and their relationship to the applicant
. A copy of the stamped personal data page of the applicant’s passport
. Original VAC service receipt issued by the VAC
. Any government-issued identification of the authorized person
It is your responsibility to check the details of the visa issued to ensure that it is valid for the proposed date of entry into Canada, for the number of entries required, and for the purpose of the trip. You should check these details immediately after receiving your decision envelope. The period of validity of the visa and the number of entries are determined by the visa office only, and may differ from what was requested in your visa application.
