Canada eta processing time

What is Canada eta processing time? How long will it take to get my eta after completing and submitting my Canada eta online application?

ETA processing doesn't take a long time. Your eta application may be approved within minutes or an hour after submitting the form. The only thing that will delay approval is if you don't submit the right documents or the authorities demand extra documents to authenticate your identity.

Read on to know more about Canada's electronic travel authorization for citizens of selected countries.

Canada Eta

The Canadian ETA visa is a short stay visa with a validity of 5 years. This visa is issued to citizens of ETA eligible countries, allowing them to enter the country multiple times for as long as the visa lasts. This document is obtained online so interested visa applicants don't have to visit the Canadian embassy in their countries to apply for one.

The visa can be applied for using a smartphone connected to the internet. Furthermore, the required documents have fields in the online form that the applicant can upload during the form completion process. ETA is easy to fill out as it takes only a few minutes and is available in different languages.

The Canadian ETA visa Is a short stay visa with a validity of 5 years. This visa is issued to citizens of ETA eligible countries, allowing them to enter the country multiple times for as long as the visa lasts. This document is obtained online so interested visa applicants don't have to visit the Canadian embassy in their countries to apply.

Note: Eta eligible applicants don't need this document if they already have a valid visa or intend to stay in Canada for more than 90 days per visit.

Many citizens of the UK and other selected countries visit Canada using this document. It is issued to tourists and business persons with a commercial interest in the country. Many foreign nationals who have family in the country visit using a valid eta too.

The Application Process

The application process for this document is straightforward, so you don't need expert knowledge to complete it. You can fill out the visa application form from the comfort of your home as long as you have the required documents at your disposal.

It is important to note that you must apply for eta before you board the flight for Canada, not after you arrive in Ottawa or any of the international airports in the country.

So what do you need to apply for Canada eta?

Passport

You need your passport to apply for eta. The passport must have at least 3 months of validity, counting from the day of your arrival. There is a field in the form to scan and upload the passport's bio page on the eta application form.

Photograph

You must scan and upload a recent photo of yourself. The photograph must be clear, with your face showing clearly on a white background.

Credit or Debit Card

The application fee is payable with a credit or debit card. Ensure the card has sufficient balance for the visa fee and bank charges. If the payment is not going through, you may need to contact the card issuer or use a different card. The visa fee is $7 CAD.

Email Address

ETAs are sent to the email address provided by the applicant if their eta application is approved. Endeavor to provide a valid email address that you have access to.

Extra Document

The Canadian government may require extra documents to process your eta Canada application. If this is the case, they will send you a message requesting the required documents.

Ensure that you regularly check your inbox and spam folder for messages or the eta visa.

Crosscheck Your Information

Always crosscheck your application before you submit the form. Check your details, including the passport number you've provided, and make sure they correspond with what is on the passport and other documents. 

If you get the eta, check the passport number on it and compare it with the number on your passport; if the numbers don't match, you will need a new eta because immigration officers will not let you into the country.

This is why it is important to crosscheck your information before submitting your form.

You don't have to print the eta once approved. All you need is to present your passport to the airport officials, who will scan it to retrieve your eta on their system.

Kindly note that two people can't use the same eta, and the document is not transferable. Parents and guardians must apply for it on behalf of minors too. People under 18 years are not allowed to apply for an eta on their own.

If you want to apply for eta status, be aware that the Canada eta processing time is fast and may not take more than 1 hour to get feedback.

Your travel destination  
Visa type
Your citizenship
Living in
    This article was published by VisaHQ, a world leader in visa processing. Since 2003, VisaHQ has 20 offices in 6 countries and has helped countless tourist, business travellers, diplomats, workers, and students obtain their visa. With a 4.42 star rating on Reviews.io, VisaHQ is committed to innovation, service, security, and simplicity in the visa application process.
    ×