Are you planning to visit Canada for a vacation or a business trip? If so, the most important thing you need to worry about is a visa - unless you are from a country whose citizens are eligible for Canada visa exemption!
The visa policies for Canada vary based on the nationality of the applicant. This article covers the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) process for Canada, including instructions on how to apply for the travel document.
So, without further ado, let's get into it!
What is a Canada ETA?
A Canada ETA is an electronic travel authorization that allows citizens of certain countries to enter Canada by air. It is a quick and convenient way to apply for a visa, and it can be done online from the comfort of your own home. An ETA is a multiple-entry travel document that comes with a validity period of 5 years. It allows you to stay in Canada for up to six months at a time.
Canada ETA Eligibility Criteria
Not everyone is eligible to apply for a Canada ETA. Currently, the ETA program is only available to citizens of certain countries, including the United States, Australia, and most European countries. If you are a citizen of a country that is not eligible for an ETA, you will need to apply for a visa at a Canadian embassy or consulate.
To be eligible for a Canada ETA, you must meet the following requirements:
You must have a valid passport from an eligible country
You must have a valid email address
You must have a valid credit or debit card to pay the application fee
You must not have any criminal convictions or be the subject of a criminal investigation
You must not pose a risk to Canadian citizens' security or public health
What documents do I need to apply for a Canada ETA?
If you are eligible for Canada ETA, there are a few documents you need to gather prior to starting the visa application process, also known as Canada ETA requirements. These documents vary from applicant to applicant, depending on the purpose of your visit and nationality.
Here're 3 of the most basic documents required to apply for an ETA:
Valid Passport - First of all, you need to have a valid passport issued by an eligible country.
E-mail Address - Applicants must use their valid and active email addresses to submit their visa application form. Once approved, you'll receive your electronic travel authorization (ETA) via email.
Means of Payment - As this entire process is online, you can use online payment methods to pay the ETA fee. For this approach, you can use a PayPal account, debit card, or credit card.
These are the most basic documents required to apply for a valid Canadian visa online. You may also need to provide additional documents, depending on your situation. For example, if you have been previously married or have changed your name, you may need to provide proof of these changes.
How do I apply for a Canada ETA?
Once you gather all of the necessary documents required to apply for a Canadian ETA, you can start the ETA application process. As the government has made this process completely streamlined, you can apply for an ETA from the comfort of your home.
To do so, all you need to do is partner up with VisaHQ and follow the following step-by-step guide:
Fill Out the ETA Application Form
First of all, you need to fill out the ETA application form. This one is the most important step, as if there're errors in your application, your ETA will most likely be delayed or denied by the embassy.
To fill out the Canada ETA application form, applicants are required to provide the following information:
Personal Information - Full name, nationality, date of birth, and so on.
Contact Information - home address, phone number, and email address
Travel Information - Travel documents. Plans, and dates
Passport Information - Passport number, issue date, and expiry date
Besides these, you may need to answer some personal and security questions as well, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
Pay the Canadian ETA Fee
Once you fill out the ETA form, you need to pay the Canada ETA fees. This includes both the embassy fee as well as the service fee. To do so, you can use online means of payment, including credit cards and debit cards.
Submit Your Application
Finally, submit your application with supporting documents. It usually takes just a few minutes to complete the application process, and you will receive a confirmation email once your ETA has been approved.
ETA Canada Processing Time
The processing time for an ETA application can vary, but most applications are processed within a few minutes. In some cases, it may take up to 72 hours for the application to be processed.