Canada eTA Application Process Explained
Visiting Canada for tourism, business, education, or employment? Submit the Canada eTA application for your visa or ETA early with the given guide for a hassle-free trip. Canada is a popular destination owing to both its megacities and economic hubs as well as the various tourist destinations. If Canada is a bucket list destination, apply for the ETA or e Visa, and arrange your itinerary today.
What is a Canada eVisa?
The Canada eVisa application or eTA is a travel authorization tool that allows you to apply online for a visa when planning your travels to Canada.
The eTA lets you stay for a maximum of 6 months in Canada for tourism and business. Further, the eTA lets you use Canada as a transit stop.
The Visitor Visa or Canada eVisa Application is meant for people who aim to stay longer than 6 months in Canada for education or employment.
Eligibility for the eTA and Canada eVisa Application
You may opt for the eTA in the below cases:
- You hail from a visa-exempt country
- When traveling to Canada for business or tourism
In case you are visiting from a country that does not have the provision for an ETA, you will have to apply for the e Visa. This also includes purposes of travel like employment and education for all countries.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Canada eVisa
Applying for the Canada eVisa involves the following steps:
1. Gathering the documents you need for the application
Read through the requirements for the Canada eVisa Application. These documents include your passport, a recent photo taken as per specifications, and supporting paperwork that is needed for the eTA and visa application.
Below are the supporting documents you must provide:
- Proof of finances or a financial statement proving you can support your stay
- A good character certificate issued by the police
- Report from the medical checkup proving good health
- Your travel itinerary (including proof of accommodation and your return tickets)
Along with the hard copy of the above documents, you will need to get soft copies that you will have to upload. Scan these as per the specifications stated in the instructions.
2. Filling Out the Canada eVisa Application Form
To work on your Canada eVisa application, log on to the website with the application form. Enter necessary data as requested and upload all supporting documents. Make sure each data entered is spelt correctly as per your passport. Further, these should be true and accurate.
On completing the visa form, go through it twice carefully to weed out any mistakes or inaccuracies. Once all your data and documents are uploaded and checked, submit the form and proceed to payment.
3. Submission and Payment Process for the Canada e Visa
To pay for your visa form, use a valid bank card (credit or debit) that has sufficient funds. Once your payment is done and confirmed, you will have to book an appointment to submit your biometrics. This needs to be done within 30 days of the visa application.
Schedule the appointment to submit your biometrics as early as possible and wait for the visa officials to respond to your application. Approval for the eTA can take up to 72 hours. For the Canada eTA application, the timeframe for approval ranges from weeks to months based on your visa category and the country you are applying from.
Common Reasons for Canada e Visa Application Denial
The biggest reasons why visa applications get denied are inconsistencies in the data uploaded and insufficient supporting documents. However, your visa may also get denied if you are traveling from a country that has a low rate of visa approvals or inconsistencies in your travel history.
Further, having a record of past visa rejections or overstays can also lead to your application being denied. Additionally, it is important not to lie on visa forms since this can not only lead to a rejection but also lead to a travel ban.
Benefits of Applying for a Canada eTA Online
Canada only accepts online applications for the eTA as well as the e Visa in usual cases. However, you can apply in person at the consulate if you have certain physical limitations or requirements that hinder you from submitting your visa application online.
Unless you have to attend an interview at the consulate and submit biometric data, the entire visa application process for Canada can be done online. By designing the online application portal, the Canadian government facilitates easy travel to Canada and a seamless visa application process with short approval times.
1. Fast Processing Times for Canada eTA
The maximum processing time for the eTA to Canada is 72 hours. However, if you are applying for a visitor visa for education, employment, or other purposes, your application may take a few short weeks. This is primarily due to the number of checks that the visa officials need to perform before the approval.
2. Simplified Entry to Canada with an Approved eTA
Upon reaching Canada, simply produce the approved Canada eVisa application along with your passport to the immigration officials. You may also be asked for a copy of all uploaded travel documents and the travel itinerary.
These will be checked at the immigration checkpoint before your entry to Canada is approved.
Ensuring the Canada eVisa Application is approved
When working on the visa application, being diligent is essential. Further, it is always smarter to go through the instructions and gather all necessary documents before getting started on the Canada eVisa application.
Tips for a Smooth Canada eVisa Application Experience
To ensure maximum chances of approval against your Canada eVisa application, you can try using the below simple tips:
- Upload the correct documents in support of your visa application
- Apply early for an on-time approval
- Pick the right visa category
- Submit the exact fee as requested
Also, keep an eye out for the following common mistakes:
- Wrong spelling
- Not giving information as requested
- Fabricating or embellishing information
Factors that Affect Your Visa Approval When Traveling to Canada
Approval against visa applications is dependent on the following factors:
- Validity of your passport
- Having sufficient funds in your account
- If the right visa category has been opted for
- Whether all data in the application is accurate
- If you ever overstayed a previously approved visa
- Having a history of visa rejections
Further, our advice is to schedule your appointment to submit biometric data as early as possible.
Has Your Canada eVisa Application been Denied?
While we try our best to guide you to submit visa applications as accurately as possible, getting approval against your application is not guaranteed. Even with the high percentage of visa approvals, the Canadian Immigration Authority can reject your application if they find any inconsistencies or inaccuracies. Further, they may also conduct a background check which leads to your passport getting flagged and a rejection.
In case your Canada eVisa application has been denied, either reapply with fresh documents or appeal the decision with the Federal Court of Canada. You can also reach out to the Canadian consulate to seek clarification.
Start Your Canada eVisa Application Today
If you intend to travel to Canada in the near future, then our advice is to get started on the Canada eVisa application as early as possible. Not only does this ensure that you have a window of opportunity on hand in case of delays, but you will also be able to address any issues that come up.
Read through the guide and get started on your eTA or eVisa application.