FAQ

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires. With a valid eTA, you can travel to Canada as often as you want for short stays, typically up to six months at a time. However, an eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an eTA to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. Certain citizens of visa-required countries may also apply for an eTA if eligible. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents of the U.S. are exempt from the eTA requirement but must carry proper identification such as a passport or equivalent documents.

You can apply for an eTA online. The application process is straightforward and requires a passport, credit card, and an email address. Most approvals are issued via email within minutes, but some applications may take several days. It costs CAD $7 per application. Ensure your passport number is entered correctly to avoid issues.

You need to bring the passport that is linked to your approved eTA. At check-in, airline staff will scan your passport to confirm the eTA. If the passport details do not match your eTA, you will not be allowed to board the flight.

If the passport number on your eTA does not match your actual passport, you will not be able to board your flight. Double-check your eTA approval email and ensure the numbers match. If they do not, you must apply for a new eTA.

The application fee for an eTA is CAD $7. Each application is processed individually, and payment must be made during the application process.

An eTA is valid for up to five years or until the passport used to apply for it expires, whichever comes first. If you obtain a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA.

An eTA is not required for domestic travel within Canada. It is only needed for visa-exempt travelers entering Canada by air.

A Permanent Resident (PR) is an individual who has been granted permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada but is not a Canadian citizen. PRs are typically citizens of other countries or stateless persons. They have the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada and receive most social benefits that Canadian citizens do.

Permanent Residents must carry and present a valid PR card or Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) when traveling to Canada via commercial carriers. They are required to ensure their PR card is valid upon returning to Canada and to apply for a new card before the current one expires. PRs must also pay taxes and adhere to all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels.

To maintain PR status, an individual must reside in Canada for at least 730 days within the last five years. These days do not need to be consecutive. Certain time spent abroad may count towards this requirement under specific conditions, such as accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or working for a Canadian business.

Permanent Residents are entitled to most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including health care coverage and the ability to work and study anywhere in Canada. They are protected under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and can apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting certain criteria.

Permanent Residents cannot vote or run for political office and are ineligible for jobs that require a high-level security clearance.

If your PR card expires while you are outside Canada, you must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return to Canada via a commercial carrier. It's advisable to ensure your PR card is valid before traveling abroad to avoid complications.

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged PR card, you need to apply for a replacement through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application involves submitting required documents and paying applicable fees. It's important to report a lost or stolen card to prevent misuse.

Yes, in certain situations, time spent outside Canada can count towards the 730-day residency obligation. This includes accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or common-law partner, being employed full-time by a Canadian business, or working for the Canadian government abroad.

If you choose to renounce your PR status, you must submit an application to voluntarily give up your status. This decision is often made if you no longer wish to reside in Canada or fulfill the obligations of a Permanent Resident.

No, the expiration of your PR card does not mean you have lost your Permanent Resident status. However, without a valid PR card or PRTD, returning to Canada via commercial transport can be challenging. It's important to renew your PR card before it expires to maintain proof of your status.

A Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) is a temporary official document that allows Canadian permanent residents without a valid Permanent Resident (PR) card to return to Canada. It is typically valid for a single entry and should be used to re-enter Canada when the PR card is not available. Once back in Canada, it's advisable to apply for a new PR card promptly.

Permanent residents of Canada who are outside the country without a valid PR card and plan to return to Canada by commercial carrier—such as airplane, boat, train, or bus—need to apply for a PRTD. This document is essential for re-entry into Canada under these circumstances.

To apply for a PRTD, you must be outside Canada. The application process involves completing the necessary forms, providing required documents, and paying the applicable fee. Detailed instructions and forms are available on the official Government of Canada website. It's important to ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays.

A PRTD is generally valid for a single entry into Canada. After using it to re-enter, you should apply for a new PR card to facilitate future travel.

If your PR card expires while you're abroad, you must apply for a PRTD to return to Canada by commercial carrier. Once back in Canada, promptly apply for a new PR card to avoid future travel inconveniences.

No, you can only apply for a PRTD from outside Canada. If you're in Canada and your PR card has expired or is about to expire, you should apply for a new PR card directly.

The application fee for a PRTD is CAD $50. This fee is non-refundable once processing begins, so ensure your application is complete and accurate before submission.

Processing times for PRTD applications vary based on factors such as application volume and the ease of verifying your information. It's recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to accommodate any potential delays.

Without a valid PR card or PRTD, you may be denied boarding by commercial carriers and unable to return to Canada. It's crucial to have one of these documents when traveling back to ensure a smooth re-entry process.

Yes, if you wish to give up your permanent resident status and enter Canada as a visitor, you should not apply for a PRTD. Instead, you need to apply to voluntarily renounce your permanent resident status through the appropriate channels.

The "Come to Canada" tool is an online questionnaire designed to help individuals determine their eligibility for various Canadian immigration programs, including options for working, studying, visiting, transiting, or living permanently in Canada. By answering a series of questions about personal circumstances, users receive information on programs they may qualify for and guidance on the next steps.

To use the tool effectively, you should be prepared to provide details about your nationality, age, language proficiency, family members, education, work experience, income and net worth, and any job offers. Providing accurate information ensures the tool can assess your eligibility for different immigration programs accurately.

Completing the questionnaire typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes. It's important to answer all questions accurately to receive the most relevant information regarding your eligibility for Canadian immigration programs.

If the tool indicates that you're eligible for a specific program, it will provide detailed instructions on the next steps, including how to apply and what documents are required. Following these instructions carefully will help ensure a smooth application process.

No, the tool itself does not facilitate direct applications. Instead, it guides you to the appropriate application processes based on your eligibility. After completing the questionnaire, you'll receive information on how to proceed with your application through the correct channels.

Yes, the tool is available in both English and French, Canada's official languages. You can select your preferred language at the beginning of the questionnaire.

No, using the tool does not guarantee acceptance. It provides guidance on potential eligibility, but all applications are subject to review by immigration officers in accordance with Canadian immigration laws and policies.

If you experience technical difficulties, ensure that your internet connection is stable and that you're using a compatible web browser. If problems persist, you can contact the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Help Centre for assistance.

Yes, the information you provide is used solely to assess your eligibility for Canadian immigration programs and is protected under Canada's privacy laws. It's important to provide accurate information to receive the best guidance.

Yes, the tool can help determine your eligibility to extend your stay in Canada, whether you're seeking to continue working, studying, or visiting. By answering the questionnaire, you'll receive information on the appropriate steps to take for extending your stay.