Canada•North America

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eTA — Electronic Travel Authorization

Tourist

At a Glance

Processing Time

0–3 days

Estimated Cost

CAD $7

Stay Duration

6 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

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Living in Canada

Cost of Living

12% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryCA$48,000

Quality of Life

170/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Digital pre-screening for visa-exempt nationals entering Canada by air.

The Canada eTA is a digital pre-screening requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. Applied online in minutes for CAD 7, it links electronically to the traveler's passport and permits multiple short visits without a full visa.

Once approved, the eTA is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, allowing repeat entries for stays of up to six months each. It is not required for land or sea crossings. No work authorization is granted, and the eTA does not lead to permanent residence.

This visa is ideal for citizens of visa-exempt countries making short-term trips to Canada by air who want fast, low-cost pre-clearance without a traditional visa.

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Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

6 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Canada

S-1 / SW-1 — Study Permit

ValidityDuration of program + 90 days

Processing4 weeks – 3 months

View Visa Details

WP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)

Canada

WP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)

ValidityDuration of employment

Processing2–4 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a citizen of a visa-exempt country.

Must be traveling to Canada by air.

Must have a valid passport from a qualifying country.

Must not be inadmissible to Canada (e.g., criminal, security, or health grounds).

Must have a valid email address and a method of payment (credit/debit card).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport from a visa-exempt country.

Credit or debit card for payment.

Valid email address.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Fast and simple online application process.
Most applications are approved within minutes.
Valid for up to 5 years or until the passport expires.
Allows multiple entries for short stays (typically up to 6 months per visit).
Low cost (CAD 7).

Worth Knowing

Does not guarantee entry to Canada; border officers make the final decision.
Only valid for air travel; not required for land or sea entry.
Must be linked to the specific passport used; if the passport expires or is replaced, a new eTA is required.
Not for those who are visa-required; they must apply for a visitor visa instead.