Planning to apply for a tourist visa to Canada in 2023? If you’re a Filipino who’s been wanting to travel to Canada but is daunted by the visa application process then you might be in luck. You might be one of the eligible ones for an etA instead of a visa.
Canada has recently announced that the Philippines has been added to the countries included in its electronic travel authorization (eTA) program.
Find out below if you’re eligible and how to apply for eTA so you can travel to Canada:
Who’s eligible to apply for Canada eTA:
- Travelers who have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years
- Travelers who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa
- Travelers going to Canada by air
How much is Canada’s eTA application fee?
The fee is $7 CAD. You will be asked to pay after you complete the form. The fee is non-refundable.
When to apply for Canada eTA?
According to the official website, travelers should apply for an ETA before booking the flight.
What to prepare?
- Valid passport
- Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, JCB Card)
- previous Canadian visa or valid US non-immigrant visa number
- valid e-mail address
Application for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – Canada
Fill up the online form at Canada’s official website. Make sure the information you have answered is complete and accurate.
You’ll be asked for the following information:
- Passport details of the applicant
- Personal details of the applicant
- Employment information
- Contact information
- Residential Address
- Travel information
- Background information
Pay the eTA application fee right after you complete the form.
Wait for the email about your eTA application. What is the eTA processing time? According to the Canadian Government, ‘most applications are approved within minutes.
What are the questions on the Canada eTA application form?
Are you interested to know beforehand what are the questions required when filling up the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)? Check out below.
- What travel document do you plan to use to travel to Canada?
- Select the code that matches the one on your passport
- Are you a lawful permanent resident of the United States with a valid US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) number?
- What is the nationality noted on this passport?
- Are you traveling to Canada by air?
- In the past 10 years, did you hold a valid Canadian temporary resident visa?
- Do you currently hold a valid US nonimmigrant visa?
- US nonimmigrant visa number
- Date of expiry of US nonimmigrant visa
- Passport number
- Surname, given name/first name, date of birth, gender, country/territory of birth, city/town of birth
- Date of issue of passport
- Date of expiry of passport
- Additional nationalities
- Marital status
- Have you ever applied for or obtained a visa, an eTA or a permit to visit, live, work or study in Canada?
- Occupation
- Preferred language to contact you
- Email address
- Residential address
- Do you know when you will travel to Canada?
- Have you ever been refused a visa or permit, denied entry to, or ordered to leave Canada or any other country/territory?
- Have you ever committed, been arrested for, been charged with or convicted of any criminal offence in any country/territory?
- In the past two years, were you diagnosed with tuberculosis or have you been in close contact with a person with tuberculosis?
- Do you have one of these conditions? (Check the dropdown menu to see the listed medical conditions if you have them)
Canada eTA validity
When I received my eTA approval in the email address I provided, it showed the status (approved), name, passport number, eTA number, and expiration.
How long is Canadian eTA valid? The validity of the eTA is 5 years (or until your passport expires – whichever comes first).
Do you need to present the eTA approval email when traveling to Canada? You only need to present the passport you used to apply for your eTA (they’re electronically linked).
How long can I stay in Canada if I get an eTA?
Generally, visitors are allowed to stay for up to six months but it will still depend on the border services officer at the airport upon entry the final length of time you will be allowed, according to the Government of Canada.
Source: Government of Canada; Cover image: Unsplash
