Canada E-visa: Everything You Must Know

• October 24,2023
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In recent years, Canada has always attracted globetrotters worldwide. To facilitate smooth entry for more foreigners into the country, the Canadian government has introduced the Canada E-Visa Program. If you are not aware of this visa, don't worry because this article will review everything and provide you with a comprehensive guideline.

WHAT IS THE CANADA E-VISA? 

A Canada E-visa, also known as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), is a digital visa that is linked to the traveler's passport electronically. It is approved and issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). For individuals who are not citizens of Canada or holders of a valid Canadian visa, it is your obligation to provide this material when entering the country. 

Its functionality is to privilege eligible individuals to visit and stay in Canada for tourism, business, or other purposes for a short stay. This visa is designed to simplify the application process, reduce processing times, and make it convenient for travelers to visit Canada without the need for a physical visa.

 A sample of a Canada E-visa

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TRADITIONAL VISA AND CANADA E-VISA? 

When it comes to traveling to Canada, there are two main options for obtaining a visa: the traditional visa and the Canada E-visa. While both options allow travelers to enter Canada, there are some key differences between the two.

Categories	Traditional visa	Canada E-visa
Application Process	It is a paper-based visa for which you must submit your in-person application at a Canadian embassy or consulate.	It is a digital visa for which everything will be utterly executed online.
Processing Time	The process is very time-consuming. It can take several weeks or even months for the visa to be processed.	The process is generally time-saving and much faster, with turnaround times ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks.
Border Control	When traveling with a traditional visa, you may need to undergo manual document checks and interviews at border control.	When traveling with a Canada E-visa, you can use designated electronic border control systems (such as Automated Border Clearance) for a faster entry process.
Entry Points	Traditional visas often specify the entry points (airports, seaports, or land borders) through which travelers are allowed to enter the country.	Canada E-visa allows you to enter through any authorized port of entry.

BENEFITS OF THE CANADA E-VISA

Holding a Canada E-visa can bring you a range of advantages. Some of them have been revealed below.

• Convenience: The E-visa application process can be completed entirely online that allow you to apply from the comfort of your own home. You are now not compelled to come to a Canadian embassy or consulate. 
• Speed: Compared to traditional visa applications, the Canada E-visa program offers quicker processing times. In many cases, you can receive the result within a few days. 
• Flexibility: The E-visa is valid for multiple entries, allowing travelers to enter and exit Canada as many times as they need to within the validity period. This flexibility is beneficial for travelers who may need to visit Canada multiple times during their visa validity.
• Cost: The E-visa application fee is generally lower than the cost of a traditional visa application. It eliminates the need for additional expenses such as postal fees, travel costs, or in-person appointment charges.
• Secure: Your application will be protected and saved in a reliable system. 

Application Canada Visa Online 

ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES OF A CANADA E-VISA

With the recent addition of 13 countries to the Canada E-visa Program, the number of visa-exempt countries and territories has reached approximately 80 in total. To help you seek your countries with ease, we have synthesized all eligible groups and listed them in the following table.

However, it should be noted in advance that some countries have been highlighted in bold, meaning that these countries have to meet certain requirements to be eligible.

Andorra	Antigua and Barbuda	Argentina
Australia	Austria	Anguilla
Barbados	Belgium	Brazil
Bahamas	Bermuda	British Virgin Islands
Brunei Darussalam	Bulgaria	Chile
Cayman Islands	Costa Rica	Croatia
Czech Republic	Cyprus	Denmark
Estonia	Finland	France
Germany	Greece	Gibraltar
Hong Kong	Hungary	Iceland
Ireland	Israel	Italy
Japan	Latvia	Liechtenstein
Lithuania	Luxembourg	Malta
Mexico	Monaco	Morocco
Montserrat	Netherlands	New Zealand
Norway	Panama	Pitcairn Island
Papua New Guinea	Philippines	Poland
Portugal	Republic of Cyprus	Romania
Seychelles	Saint Kitts and Nevis	Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	Saint Helena	Samoa
San Marino	Singapore	Slovakia
Slovenia	Solomon Islands	South Korea
Spain	Sweden	Switzerland
Taiwan	Thailand	Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands	United Arab Emirates	United Kingdom
Uruguay	Vatican City

REQUIREMENT DOCUMENT OF CANADA E-VISA

There are generally no fixed materials that you must supply for a Canada E-visa. However, to help you prepare well, we have meticulously curated a comprehensive list of essential documents that we highly recommend you have readily available. Here are the following materials you should include: 

• Valid passport: You must have a valid passport from an eligible country. The passport should have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry.

• Personal Information: You must provide your full name, date of birth, gender, residential address, and contact details.

• Purpose of travel: You need to clearly state your purpose of travel, whether it is for tourism, business, transit, or a study program.

• Passport-size photograph: You will need to submit a photograph taken within the last six months. The photo must clearly represent your full face with both eyes open and without any headgear (unless for religious or medical reasons). Also, it should have the resolution of at least 600 pixels by 600 pixels and the size of 35mm x 45mm (1 3/8" x 1 3/4"). Once it is all completed, save this as a JPEG or JPG file.

• Proof of funds: You must provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Canada. You can include bank statements, sponsorship letters, or any other proof of financial capability.

• Travel itinerary: You should have a detailed travel itinerary, including information about your accommodation, transportation, and planned activities.

• Letter of invitation (if applicable): If you are visiting Canada for business or any other purposes, you may need a letter of invitation from the Canadian company or organization you will be dealing with.

• Employment details (if applicable): Travelers may be required to provide information about their occupation, employer's name, and contact details.

• Health and character requirements (if applicable): You may be required to undergo a medical examination or provide police clearance certificates, depending on the duration and purpose of your stay.

• Return ticket (if applicable): You may need to provide proof of a return ticket or onward travel arrangements. It helps the immigration officer know your schedule. 

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

If you possess a thorough understanding of all the requirements for a Canada E-visa, we have crafted a comprehensive set of stages to guide you through the entire application process. 

• Create an account: Visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and provide your email address and a password to register an online account. 

• Fill out the application form: Provide in detail your personal information, passport details, and travel plans. After finishing writing, check again to ensure all the information is accurate and matches the details on your passport.

• Document upload: Compile all the documents as requested and submit them.

• Payment of fees: Provide your bank account and pay the application fee using a credit or debit card.

• Confirmation: After submitting the application and paying the fee, you will receive a confirmation email with the E-visa attached as a PDF document.

• Processing time: The Canadian authorities will then evaluate and verify your application. During the assessment stage, if there are any concerns with your application, you might be requested to provide additional documents or information.

• Outcome release: Once the application is processed, you will receive a decision via email. If approved, the Canada E-visa will be electronically linked to the passport number provided during the application. 

• Traveling to Canada: Upon arrival in Canada, you just need to present your passport to the immigration authorities.

The application process for a Canada E-visa

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the cost of a Canada E-visa?

The cost of a Canada E-visa is currently CAD $7. The application fee for the eTA is subject to change, so it's always best to check the official website of the Government of Canada or consult with the appropriate authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa costs. 

How long does it take to get a Canada E-visa?

The processing time for a Canada E-visa is very fluid. It varies depending on many factors and will never be a firm day of release. At large, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to receive an E-visa.

How long is a Canada E-visa valid for?

There is no exact answer to this question because each person may receive a different result. By considering your case, the time range will be raised or reduced accordingly. 

For instance, a tourist visa is typically valid for up to six months from the date of issuance. As a business visa, it can be valid for up to 10 years. The E-visa holder can stay in Canada for a maximum of 6 months per visit.

Can a Canada E-visa be extended?

Yes, a Canada E-visa can be extended under certain circumstances. If you are currently in Canada and want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at least 30 days before the E-visa expires. The extension can be granted for up to 6 months, but you must have a convincing reason and no suspicious action.

It is important to note that not everyone can be extended. What type of visa you hold will determine the approval for your extension. 

What happens if a Canada E-visa application is denied?

If a Canada E-Visa application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining details about the reason for the denial. In most cases, the decision cannot be appealed. Nevertheless, you can still reapply for a new one if you believe that the decision was made in error.

Is a Canada E-Visa guaranteed entry into Canada?

Even by adopting a Canada E-Visa, it can never be a guarantee of your successful entry into Canada. The final decision on whether to admit a traveler into Canada rests with the border services officer at the point of entry. 

SOME RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT THE CANADA E-VISA

Drawing from our extensive experience and expertise, here is some essential advice for you to notice.

• Eligibility: Check if your hometown is on the list of visa-exempt countries as indicated above. Also, as a foreign visitor, you might need to meet other eligibility criteria, such as having a valid passport, not having a criminal record, and being in good health. If you cannot fulfill all of these, you should save your time to apply for other types of visas. 

• Avoid mistakes: Any incorrect or inaccurate information may give rise to visa rejection. Therefore, double-check the information and make sure that all the information is accurate before submitting. If there are any mistakes, you should contact the Canadian embassy or consulate at hand. 

• Apply as soon as possible: Do not wait until the last minute to apply. It is recommended to apply for the E-visa at least 72 hours before the intended travel date to allow for any unforeseen delays or issues that may arise during the application process.

 Some essential advice for your travel 

Overall, the Canada E-visa is a valuable tool for travelers seeking to visit Canada. It offers a simple and convenient application process so that you can obtain your eTA quickly and start planning your Canadian adventure. 

By opting for this visa, you can experience a hassle-free journey with simplified application procedures, faster processing times, and enhanced accessibility. Now that you just need to follow the step-by-step application process, obtaining a Canada E-visa can be a more straightforward and efficient process. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the beauty of Canada – apply for your E-visa today!

If you still have some concerns, please send us your questions at support@e-visa-gov.com. Our team is always ready to unpack your considerations and provide you with the information you need.