/ Published in 2016, Canada Immigration News Articles

Confusion Caused Canadian Government to Extend eTA Leniency Period

Last Updated on October 14, 2016


Confusion over exactly who needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) when coming to Canada was the reason behind a recent federal government decision to extend the leniency deadline.

Confusion over exactly who needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) when coming to Canada was the reason behind a recent federal government decision to extend the leniency deadline

The requirement was expected to become mandatory on September 29, but it was pushed back to November 10 in order to give airlines and travellers more time to prepare.

“In consultation with airline partners, we’re taking further steps to minimize any travel disruptions,” said John McCallum, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC).

“We are extending the leniency period and doing another major information blitz in Canada and abroad to encourage affected travellers, including dual Canadian citizens, to plan ahead and get the necessary travel documents before they book a flight to Canada.”

To apply for an eTA click here.

Chiefly, the problems centre around dual citizens needing to use their Canadian passports to travel when entering the country by air.

Many have been taken by surprise by the new requirement, having been accustomed in the past to travelling using their non-Canadian document.

Under the eTA rules, citizens of visa-exempt countries need to secure an eTA before travel.

But Canadian citizens do not require an eTA, and, crucially, cannot get one.

For more information on the eTA click here.

It means some face a scramble to obtain their passports before approaching travel dates.

Passport fees are quite high, with an adult one costing between $120 and $160 and those for children aged 15 and under going for $57.

The IRCC has come is for criticism for not making this clear, despite a major ad campaign on the subject.

Dual citizens and permanent residents have also complained about a lack of a point of contact and confusing advice when they did eventually get through.

Do I need an Electronic Travel Authorization?

You need an eTA from November 10 if you are travelling to Canada by air from a visa-exempt country. A full list of visa-exempt countries is available here.

Anyone flying after this date will not be allowed to board the plane without an eTA.

Electronic Travel Authorization Exemptions

  • Those who have already obtained a valid visa to enter Canada.
  • Anyone entering by land or sea.
  • Armed Forces visiting Canada on official duty.
  • Students who have a valid Canadian study permit dated on or after August 1, 2015 (see below).
  • Flight crew, civil aviation inspectors, accident investigators.
  • Temporary Foreign Workers who have a valid Canadian work permit date on or after August 1, 2015.
  • French citizens who live in and are travelling from St. Pierre and Miquelon.
  • Persons entering from the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, while holding valid status in Canada.
  • Accredited diplomats.
  • Canadian citizens and dual citizens (provided you are travelling on a Canadian passport)
  • Canadian permanent residents (you need your PR card or point of entry documentation)
  • US citizens (US permanent residents, or green card holders, DO require an eTA when travelling by air)

Special Case: Mexican Nationals

Mexicans were recently granted the right to travel to Canada without a visa. This rule change will be implement from December 1. Therefore, the following applies:

  • Mexican nationals require a visa to enter Canada until November 30, 2016;
  • After November 30, Mexicans will require an eTA;
  • Mexicans with a visa still valid from before November 30 will not require an eTA.

Special Case: International Students

  • If you received your study or work permit on or before July 31, 2015, you will need to apply for an eTA if you wish to enter or return to Canada by air.
  • If you received your study or work permit on or after August 1, 2015, you were automatically issued an eTA with your study or work permit. No further action is required; however, please ensure that you travel to Canada using the same passport you used to apply for your study or work permit.

How do I get an Electronic Travel Authorization?

You can apply for an eTA through the Canadian federal government website.

Before you apply, you will need:

  • Valid passport
  • As a US permanent resident, you can apply with:
    • Valid US refugee travel document (I-571)
    • Valid permit to re-enter the US (I-327)
    • Credit card to pay the $7 fee
    • Valid email address

To apply for an eTA click here.

When should I apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization?

The Canadian government advises you to apply as soon as you know you travel itinerary.

However, an eTA can be obtained at the last minute via a smartphone. All you need is an internet connection. The email authorization often only takes a few minutes to come through.

There is no requirement to print an eTA. It is electronically linked to your passport or travel document.

How long is an Electronic Travel Authorization valid for?

An eTA can be valid for five years, or until your passport or travel document expires.

Interested employers: Kindly contact us here to receive further information.

Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with our evaluation within 1-2 business days.

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