Starting March 15, 2016, visa-exempt nationals will be required to register for Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to obtain pre-approval for travel to Canada. The application system will be available online on August 1, 2015. U.S. citizens and Canadian Permanent Residents are exempt from the eTA requirement. The eTA will be valid for five years and will cost CAD$7.
Background
The eTA’s main goal is to expedite travel for visa-exempt nationals and to prevent security threats to North America. The eTA program will mirror the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program to ensure a common screening approach. The Canadian government estimates that prescreening will prevent more than 60,000 inadmissible foreign nationals, such as those with criminal records, those with no-fly orders, or those without the required documentation for travel to Canada, from flying to Canada over the next decade.
In addition to the eTA, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is also expected to implement an Interactive Advance Passenger Information (IAPI) system to screen passengers on international flights to Canada prior to boarding. This will allow the government to confirm with airlines whether travelers requiring an eTA are properly documented for travel to Canada and to prevent travel for those who are not.
eTA Application Process
Applicants will be able to apply for the eTA on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website by submitting personal information such as name, date of birth and possibly a copy of the foreign national’s fingerprints. Most travelers will likely be able to receive approval within minutes, and other eTA decisions will likely be made within 72 hours.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
Visa-exempt nationals should benefit from the eTA program as it should expedite travel to Canada. Affected foreign nationals who have questions about the program should contact their immigration professional.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe discusses what is considered US residency now that Prince Harry has changed his primary residence from the UK to US.
Media mentions
Director Willys Mac’Olale shares the impact the AfCFTA will have on Kenya’s economy and immigration policies.
Video
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio explains the process for posting foreign workers to France during the eagerly awaited 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Pierce shares how a Supreme Court visa denial case could impact challenges to employment-based visa denials.
Awards
Partner Kevin Miner is selected by the Daily Report as a finalist in the “Legal Innovators” category of the publication’s 2024 Southeastern Legal Awards.
Blog post
This blog considers how employer sponsorship of long-term residence permits in Europe could be a means for retaining their talent.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of Switzerland's family reunion process for EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals.
Awards
Four Fragomen professionals are recognised in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia in the field of immigration law.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha quais indústrias estão recrutando talentos estrangeiros no Brasil.
Blog post
Partner Rahul Soni and Senior Associate Xiaodan (Susan) Song help international commercial enterprise investors make informed decisions by explaining the differences between EB-5 rural projects and high unemployment projects.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses how those planning to attend the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Games in Paris can prepare for their trip from an immigration perspective.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of immigration programs and relief options by USCIS for Venezuelan nationals amidst the political and economic crisis in Venezuela.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe discusses what is considered US residency now that Prince Harry has changed his primary residence from the UK to US.
Media mentions
Director Willys Mac’Olale shares the impact the AfCFTA will have on Kenya’s economy and immigration policies.
Video
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio explains the process for posting foreign workers to France during the eagerly awaited 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Pierce shares how a Supreme Court visa denial case could impact challenges to employment-based visa denials.
Awards
Partner Kevin Miner is selected by the Daily Report as a finalist in the “Legal Innovators” category of the publication’s 2024 Southeastern Legal Awards.
Blog post
This blog considers how employer sponsorship of long-term residence permits in Europe could be a means for retaining their talent.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of Switzerland's family reunion process for EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals.
Awards
Four Fragomen professionals are recognised in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia in the field of immigration law.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha quais indústrias estão recrutando talentos estrangeiros no Brasil.
Blog post
Partner Rahul Soni and Senior Associate Xiaodan (Susan) Song help international commercial enterprise investors make informed decisions by explaining the differences between EB-5 rural projects and high unemployment projects.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses how those planning to attend the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Games in Paris can prepare for their trip from an immigration perspective.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of immigration programs and relief options by USCIS for Venezuelan nationals amidst the political and economic crisis in Venezuela.