The Canada visa for Australians allows Australian citizens entry into Canada because it is one of the 50 countries with visa-exempt status. Instead of visiting the Canadian embassy to apply for a conventional visa, Australians can apply for an ETA (electronic travel authorization), which allows them to enter the country.
If you are an Australian passport holder with plans to travel to Canada anytime soon, read this post until the end to know more.
Electronic Travel Authorization
The ETA was introduced by the Canadian government in 2015 to aid travelers and interested visitors coming to Canada. The main purpose of the ETA was to pre-screen visitors coming into the country in order to determine their eligibility.
Since its introduction, the number of direct visa applications to Canadian embassies has reduced significantly, thereby taking pressure off consulate officials. It has also led to shorter waiting times for an Australian citizen can now apply for a visa at short notice and have it approved within minutes in most cases.
The ETA is majorly online, so you don’t have to submit any physical document. The application form can be obtained online, and the required documents can be scanned and uploaded online as well. After submitting the form, all it takes is a few hours but not more than 24 hours, to receive the visa.
Since its introduction, the number of direct visa applications to Canadian embassies has reduced significantly, thereby taking pressure on consulate officials. It has also led to shorter waiting times as Australians can now apply for a visa at short notice and have it approved within minutes in most cases.
What Types of Trips Require ETA?
It is important to note that not everybody requires an ETA to visit Canada. Even if you have a valid passport, you are not eligible for ETA unless you are
Visiting for a short stay
Flying into Canada (not land or sea travels)
Here are the main purposes for Electronic Travel Authorization issuance to foreign nationals.
Tourism
You can apply for this travel document if you want to visit for tourism. Tourist visits are for a short time.
Business Trips
Another purpose is for business trips. If you are visiting for a business meeting, you can apply for electronic travel authorization.
Transit
Travelers who plan to use Canada as a Transit point en route to another country can apply for eta.
Medical Treatment
Australian passport holders who want to consult a medical specialist or those coming for medical treatment can also apply for eta to enter Canada.
You Can’t Work With ETA
This electronic visa is not a work visa; it doesn’t grant the holder the right to engage in any paid employment during their stay in Canada. Engaging in any economic activity that will attract a wage is a violation that will attract a fine or jail time in worst cases.
Application Requirements
The Canadian ETA is easy to apply for. It is important to have an electronically readable passport. Here are the requirements to complete the application.
Basic Details
You must provide accurate personal information such as your full name, nationality, occupation, and passport details which include your passport number, the date of issue, and the expiry date.
Security & Health Questions
You must also answer questions regarding your security and health status. In some cases, the applicant may have to provide a health certificate to prove their health status.
Application Fee
There is an application fee you must pay for visitor visa processing. This fee is paid with a debit or credit card.
Email Address
You require an email address to apply for Canadian ETA. Provide a valid email address that you have access to. The valid visa will be mailed to the designated email address if your application is approved.
Passport
Only passports with at least 6 months of validity will be accepted. The validity count starts from the intended date of arrival. You must scan and upload the bio page of the passport in the required field on the form.
After uploading all the required documents and paying the application fee, cross check your entries to ensure they are accurate before submitting them. Kindly note that an approved Canadian ETA is valid for 5 years or as long as your passport remains valid. Furthermore, minors under 18 years cannot apply for an eta on their own; only their guardians can apply for it on their behalf.
Lastly, you are expected to leave Canada eta on or before 90 days. Do not overstay your welcome in the country; otherwise, you will be sanctioned, and your visa revoked. Future applications may also be rejected on account of such violations.
Looking to apply for a Canada visa for Australian? Log onto VisaHQ to complete and submit the application form in under 15 minutes.