A very important part of the travel process to Canada is the understanding of the requirements to enter, which can involve getting either an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) or a visa. Although both are required for travellers from some countries, they are different and meant for different kinds of travel.  The following is an explanation of how an eTA differs from a Canada visa:

1. What  is an eTA?

An eTA is a travel document that is an electronic authorization for visa-exempt foreign nationals to travel to Canada by air. It is an electronic stamp which is attached to the traveller’s passport. The eTA was introduced in 2015 by the Canadian government, the  eTA is a less strict process than traditional visa application.

To ease the process, travelers who are  citizens of visa-exempt countries do not need to apply for a regular visa to visit Canada for tourist  or business purposes or when in transit. Instead, they require an eTA which they must obtain before  boarding a flight. The whole application process only takes a few minutes and the majority of the approvals are  granted in a matter of minutes.

 2. What is a Visa?

A visa is  a document that is issued by the Canadian government to allow a foreign nationals to travel to and  stay in the country for a particular purpose such as for tourism, business, or visit. There are  different types of visas according to the purpose of travel:

Tourist Visa (for leisure or to  visit relatives)

Business Visa (for any purpose of business travel)

Student Visa (for individuals who are  learning in Canadian institutions)

Work Permit (for those who have a job in Canada). 

 

Visa Eligibility: Citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt must apply for a Canada visa. The visa application process can be more complex and involves submitting additional documentation, such as financial statements, travel itineraries, and sometimes an in-person interview at a Canadian embassy or consulate.

 

4. Application Process

eTA Application: The eTA application process is straightforward and can be completed online. Travelers need to provide basic personal information, passport details, and answer a few questions about their travel plans. Most applications are approved within minutes, though some may take up to 72 hours.

 

Visa Application: Applying for a visa involves a more detailed process. Applicants typically need to complete a paper application or submit online. They may be required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photo), submit proof of financial stability, and show strong ties to their home country. Visa applications can take several weeks or even months to process, depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s specific situation.

 

5. Cost

eTA: The cost of applying for an eTA is minimal—$7 CAD (subject to change). It is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

 

Canada Visa: The cost of a Canada visa varies depending on the type of visa being applied for. A visitor visa typically costs around $100 CAD, but business visas, study visas, and work visas may have different fees associated with them.

 

6. Purpose of Travel

eTA: The eTA is designed for short-term visits, such as tourism, business, or transit purposes. It is valid for stays of up to six months. It is primarily for air travelers coming from visa-exempt countries.

 

Canada Visa: A visa is generally required for longer stays, including those who wish to work, study, or immigrate to Canada. Some visas, like the visitor visa, may allow stays of up to six months, while others, such as student and work visas, are intended for more specific purposes and often come with conditions attached (such as proof of enrollment in a Canadian educational institution or a valid job offer).

 

7. Approval and Validity

eTA Approval: An approved eTA is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires. Travelers can use the eTA for multiple trips to Canada during that time frame, as long as the travel purpose remains the same (tourism, business, or transit).

 

Canada Visa Approval: A Canadian visa is issued as a sticker that is placed in the passport and is typically valid for a specific period (ranging from a few months to several years, depending on the visa type). Travelers need to apply for a new visa if their visa expires or if their travel circumstances change.

 8. Entry to Canada

eTA: Even though an eTA authorizes entry to Canada, it does not guarantee entry. Upon arrival in Canada, travelers will go through Canadian immigration and customs, where a border services officer will assess whether they meet the requirements to enter the country. If a traveler is found to be inadmissible, they may be denied entry.

 

Visa: A visa is generally considered a stronger document than an eTA in terms of granting entry to Canada. However, like with the eTA, having a visa does not guarantee entry. The traveler must still go through immigration and may be denied entry if they fail to meet the requirements.

Source:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/facts.html

Disclaimer: Please note the policies and the regulations are subject to change. The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance and may not reflect the most current legal developments at the time of your application. If you intend to seek personalized advice and guidance pertaining to your application, feel free to reach out to us at below details:

Email: info@visavicanada.com / visavicanada@gmail.com

Website: www.visavicanada.com

Phone: +1(226)-966-4658

VisAvi Immigration Inc.