eTA · Visitor Visa(TRV)
Before you travel to Canadacheck which document you need
Depending on your nationality and how you travel, entering Canada may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a Visitor Visa (TRV). We have brought together in one place what to check before you apply, what to prepare, and how to check your status.
- By aireTA or Visitor Visa
- By land or seaeTA generally not required
- Visa-required nationalsVisitor Visa (TRV)
01 — Purpose of visit
Why are you travelling to Canada?
01
Tourism · visiting family and friends
Canada eTA
For a short visit by air, start by checking whether you are in the eTA category
02
Business trips
Canada eTA (check the business visitor requirements)
First check whether your visit stays outside the Canadian labour market
03
Transit · connecting flights
Canada eTA
Even if Canada is not your final destination, check the requirements for an airport transit
04
Studying · working
Separate systems such as a Study Permit or Work Permit
If you plan to study or work, a different system applies
02 — eTA and visa
Canada eTA and Visitor Visa (TRV): what is the difference?
| Category | eTA | Visitor Visa(TRV) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | An electronic travel authorisation linked electronically to the passport | A temporary resident visa placed in the passport as a visa label |
| Mainly for | Air travellers of visa-exempt nationalities | Travellers of nationalities that require a visa |
| How to apply | Applied for online | Requires detailed application information and document assessment |
| Biometrics | Generally not required | Required in some cases |
| Validity | Up to 5 years, or until the passport expires | Decided case by case on assessment |
| Guarantee of entry | No | No |
03 — Key figures
The Canada eTA in numbers, first
6months
Typical short-stay limit
Usually up to 6 months · the period actually allowed is decided at the border
5years
Maximum eTA validity
Or until the passport expires, whichever comes first
1passport
The passport your eTA is linked to
Linked electronically to the passport used to apply · a new passport may need a new eTA
Minutesto approval
Most eTA applications
Government of Canada guidance · some applications need extra documents, so processing time cannot be stated as a certainty
04 — How to apply
This is how a Canadian visa application works
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01
Check your travel document
Check your nationality and passport type, how you will enter (air, land or sea), the purpose of your visit and how long you plan to stay, so you can first work out whether you need an eTA or a Visitor Visa.
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02
Prepare your application details and documents
Match the name as written in your passport, your date of birth, sex, nationality, passport number and issue and expiry dates exactly to the passport data page. An eTA requires a valid passport, an email address and a means of payment.
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03
Submit the application
An eTA is applied for online. A Visitor Visa requires more detailed application information and a documentary assessment, so submit the application with the required documents.
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04
Additional requests · biometrics
Some applications may need extra documents, and the Government of Canada will let you know by email. Where biometrics are required for a Visitor Visa, give them at the designated collection point after you receive the official instruction letter.
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05
After approval, check your passport and status
An eTA approval is linked electronically to the passport used in the application. Check the approval status and confirm once more that it matches the passport details in your flight booking.
05 — Status check
Already applied for a Canada eTA or visa?
Already applied for a Canada eTA or visa?
Check where it stands now
You can check your eTA status and the progress of a Visitor Visa application with the passport number and email used in the application. If you have trouble checking, send us a status check request.
06 — Frequently asked questions
The questions people check most
01 Do Korean travellers need a visa to visit Canada? Visa
In the ordinary case where a Korean passport holder flies to Canada or transits by air, you are in the category that needs an eTA, and a Visitor Visa is usually not required. The rules can differ if you use another nationality or passport, or in special circumstances. This does not mean that no documents at all are needed.
02 If I have an eTA, can I stay for 5 years continuously? eTA
No. An eTA is generally valid for up to 5 years, or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first, but the validity of the eTA and the length of stay allowed on a single entry are two different things. An ordinary short stay is usually within a maximum of 6 months, and the period actually allowed may be decided at the border.
03 Where do I check the status of a visa or eTA? Status check
The status of an eTA or Visitor Visa application can be checked with the passport number and email used in the application; if you cannot confirm it, send us a status check request. Not finding a record does not necessarily mean you have been refused; the application may not be in the system yet, or the identifying details may have been entered incorrectly.
04 If I am refused, can I reapply straight away with the same content? Refusal
IRCC advises that applying again with the same information is unlikely to change the previous decision. First check the reasons for refusal in the decision letter, then consider whether a change in your circumstances or new evidence would genuinely address those reasons. If you believe the process was unfair or there was an error of law, you can explore the possibility of a judicial review at the Federal Court of Canada with a qualified professional.
There are no questions in this category.
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