After you apply for eTA Canada Visa: Next steps

What next after completing and making payment for eTA Canada Visa?

You will soon receive an email from us confirming Application Completed status for your eTA Canada Visa application. Make sure to check the junk or spam mail folder of the email address you provided on your eTA Canada application form. Occasionally spam filters may block automated emails from Canada Visa Online especially corporate email ids.

Most applications are validated within a few hours of completion. Some applications could take longer and require additional time for processing. The outcome of your eTA will be sent to you automatically at the same email address.

Check your passport number
Image of approval letter and passport information page

Since eTA Canada Visa is directly and electronically linked the passport, check that the passport number included in the eTA Canada approval email matches exactly the number in your passport. If it's not the same, you should apply again.

If you entered the wrong passport number, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

  • You may only find out at the airport if you made a mistake.
  • You will have to apply for an eTA Canada Visa again.
  • Depending on your situation, it may not be possible to get an eTA Canada Visa at the last minute.
If you would like to update the email address for communication, make sure to contact visa helpdesk or send us an email at [email protected].

If your eTA Canada Visa is approved

You will recieve an eTA Canada Approval Confirmation email. Approval email includes your eTA Status, eTA number and eTA Expiration Date sent by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Canada eTA Visa Approval Email eTA Canada Visa approval email containing information from IRCC

Your Canada eTA is automatically and electronically linked to the passport that you used for your application. Make sure your passport number is correct and you must travel on the same passport. You will be required to present this passport to the airline checkin staff and Canada Border Service Agency during entry into Canada.

eTA Canada Visa is valid for upto five years from the date of issue, as long as the passport linked to the application is still valid You can visit Canada for upto 6 months on eTA Canada Visa. You will need to apply to extend your electronic travel authorisation if you wish to stay longer in Canada.

Am I guaranteed entry into Canada if my eTA Canada Visa has been issued?

The Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) permit or valid visitors visa, do not guarantee your entry into Canada. A Canada Border Services Agent (CBSA) reserves the right to declare you inadmissible due to the following reasons:

  • There has been a major change to your circumstances
  • New information about you has been acquired

What do I do if my eTA Application is not approved within 72 hours?

While most eTA Canada Visas are issued within 24 hours, some can take several days to process. In such cases, additional information may be required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before the application is approved. We will contact you via email and advise you of the next steps.

The email from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may include a request for:

  • A medical examination - Sometimes a medical examination is required to be carried out to visit Canada
  • Criminal record check - In rare circumstances, the Canadian Visa office will intimate you if a police certificate is required or not.
  • Interview - If Canadian Visa agent considers an in-person interview to be necessary, you will be required to visit the nearest Canadian embassy/consulate.

What if I need to apply for another eTA Canada Visa?

To apply for a family member or someone else travelling with you, use the eTA Canada Visa Application Form again.

What if my eTA Application is denied?

In case your eTA Canada is not issued, you will receive a breakdown of the reason for refusal. You could try submitting traditional or paper Canadian Visitor Visa at your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

Heading to United States?

You may need an ESTA.

United States ESTA Electronic System for Travel Authorization