Understanding the timeline, costs, and validity of your Canadian eTA is essential for travel planning. This comprehensive guide covers processing times, fees, how long your eTA remains valid, and the rules for multiple entries into Canada.
Typical Processing
Instant - 72 Hrs
Application Fee
$35
Validity Period
5 Years
Entries Allowed
Multiple
One of the most appealing aspects of the Canadian eTA is its fast processing time. Most applicants receive a decision almost immediately, though some applications may require additional review.
Most applications are processed and approved immediately upon submission. You receive your eTA approval confirmation instantly and can begin your travel plans right away.
Some applications require minor verification or additional information review. Processing typically completes within a few minutes to several hours.
A small percentage of applications require additional review due to information discrepancies, background checks, or other security considerations. These applications take up to 72 hours (3 business days) to process.
Unlike traditional visitor visas which require an embassy appointment and can take weeks to months, eTA provides approval in minutes for most applicants, making last-minute travel planning possible.
While most approvals are instant, it's recommended to apply at least a few days before your travel date to account for rare cases requiring the full 72-hour review period.
The Canadian eTA application fee is one of the most affordable travel authorization options globally. Understanding what you're paying for and what's included helps you make informed decisions.
The official electronic travel authorization application fee charged by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
If using a third-party service provider, they may charge an additional service fee on top of the $35 base fee. Official government applications do not charge service fees.
When applying through official channels, the total cost is simply $35 (approximately USD $5.25)
Once approved, your Canadian eTA remains valid for 5 years, allowing multiple trips during this period without needing to reapply. Understanding the validity rules ensures smooth travel.
eTA is valid for 5 years from the date of approval, OR until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Your approval confirmation email clearly states your eTA expiration date. You can use this eTA for:
You must reapply for a new eTA when:
Rather than reapplying for each trip, you get authorization valid for 5 years, making frequent travelers to Canada extremely convenient. This is one of the longest validity periods among travel authorizations.
If your passport expires before your 5-year eTA validity ends, your eTA expires with your passport. You'll need to renew both your passport and reapply for a new eTA.
Canadian eTA allows unlimited entries, but each entry has specific rules and limitations. Understanding these rules helps you plan your travels without issues.
eTA allows unlimited entries to Canada during its 5-year validity period. There is no limit on how many times you can visit.
Each entry to Canada allows you to stay for up to 6 months (180 days). This is the maximum per visit.
Note: The exact duration is at the discretion of the border officer. Frequent short stays might trigger further questioning about intent.
You cannot spend more than 6 months total per calendar year in Canada. This includes multiple visits within the same year.
For example: You could stay 3 months (March-May) and then 2 months (September-October) in the same calendar year = 5 months total (within limit)
Between each entry to Canada, you must return to your home country or leave Canada. eTA doesn't allow continuous residence.
Visit Canada multiple times per year for 2-3 week trips without issues, as long as you stay under 6 months per year total.
✓ Allowed with eTA
Return to home country for 1-2 weeks between visits to Canada, then come back for another trip. Multiple visits allowed.
✓ Allowed with eTA
Spend exactly 6 months in Canada on your first visit, then return home, then come back for another 6-month stay in the next calendar year.
✓ Allowed with eTA
Attempting to stay 8-9 months per calendar year or spending 12 months continuously in Canada may result in entry denial.
✗ Not allowed with eTA
Refund policies vary. If your eTA is denied, you cannot get a refund for the $35 fee. However, you can reapply and pay the fee again. Contact your payment provider if you believe there was an error.
Yes, each application incurs a $35 fee. If rejected, you can reapply but will need to pay the fee again with the new application.
Yes, the $35 fee applies to all applicants regardless of nationality, as long as they're from eTA-eligible countries.
Your existing eTA becomes invalid when you get a new passport. You'll need to apply for a new eTA with your new passport number. The previous eTA cannot be transferred.
No, eTA cannot be extended. Once it expires (after 5 years or when your passport expires), you must apply for a new one if you want to travel to Canada again.
Overstaying beyond your permitted stay can result in fines, deportation, and being banned from entering Canada in the future. Always comply with the 6-month per entry and 6-month per calendar year limits.
Now that you understand processing times, fees, and validity, explore these complementary guides to prepare your Canadian eTA application.
With fast processing (instant to 72 hours), affordable fees ($35), and 5-year validity, eTA is the most convenient way to travel to Canada by air.
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