Canada Visa for Australian Citizens

What is Canada eTA for Australian citizens?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an automated system introduced by the Government of Canada to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries like Australia into Canada. Instead of obtaining a traditional visa, eligible travelers can apply for the ETA online, making the process quick and straightforward. The Canada eTA is linked electronically to the Australian passport and remains valid for upto 5 (five) years, allowing them to enter Canada multiple times during its validity.

Do Australian citizens Need to Apply for Canada eTA (Online Canada Visa)?

To enter Canada for short-term visits (up to six months) for purposes such as tourism, busienss, or transit, Australian citizens need to apply for and obtain a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This mandatory travel document is designed to expedite the border clearance process and strengthen Canada's security measures. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date.

Are Permanent Residents of Australia Eligible for a Canada eTA?

If you are a permanent resident of Australia, you cannot apply for a Canada eTA. Only Australian citizens with a valid Australian passport are eligible for this pre-travel authorization.

Canada and Australia relations

The two countries are former British Dominions and enjoy a long-standing and productive relationship. Trade and economic ties date back to over one hundred year and they have had diplomatics links since 1939.

Both countries work closely on the world stage and share membership in United Nations, OECD, Cairns Group and the United Nations. Canadian and Australian also are traditional and current military allies. Their military forces fought side-by-side in both World Wars, the Korean War and in the first Gulf War. They are also members of the Five Eyes, which is among the most comprehensive espionage alliances. Canada’s defence relationship with Australia is its largest in the Asia-Pacific region.

It has been estimated that more than 50,000 people who live in Australia are born in Canada and nearly the same number live in Canada claimed ethnicity from Australia. Thanks to complimentary Working Holiday program and International Study programs, there a strong people-to-people link.

Working Holiday in Canada for Australians

The Working Holiday category is designed for Australian passport holders who intend to both travel and work in Canada. They can do by finding temporary paid employment to help pay for their trip (up to 24 months).

What are requirements of eTA Canada Visa for Australian citizens?

The requirements for Australian citizens to obtain a Canada eTA are straightforward:

Valid Australian Passport

Australian citizens must have a valid and current Passport to apply for a Canada eTA. Australian citizens with dual nationality should ensure they apply using the same passport they will travel with, as the Canada eTA will be linked to the passport used during the application process.

Online Payment

A credit or debit card is needed to pay for the Canada eTA application.

Working Email Address

Applicants must provide a valid email address to receive the eTA approval.

No Prior Criminal History

If you have previous criminal history or previous immigration issues, you are unlikely to be successful in obtaining Canada eTA approval. Instead you will need to apply for traditional Canada Visitor Visa.

How can I apply for a Canada Visa from Australia?

Canada eTA Application Process for Australian citizens:

How Long Can Australian citizens stay on Canada Visa Online?

Australian citizen's departure date must be within 6 months of arrival. Australian passport holders are required to obtain a Canada Electronic Travel Authority (Canada eTA) even for a short duration of 1 day up to 6 months. If the Australian citizens intend to stay for a longer duration, then they should apply for a relevant Visa depending on their circumstances. Canada eTA is only valid for 5 years. Australian citizens can enter multiple times during the 5 year validity of the Canada eTA.

Can Australian citizens extend their stay in Canada on Canada eTA?

By law, Canada eTA allows you to visit Canada for upto six months or upto the date authorised by CBSA(Canada Border Security Agency) officer. You can extend your stay in Canada but you must apply to extend your stay using Visitor Record. It is important to note that a Visitor Record is not an Visa or an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). Visitor Record includes a new expiry date before which you must leave Canada, so it extends the time limit of existing Visa or Canada eTA. You must apply for it before the existing allowed stay period expires.

Applying Early for Canada eTA for Australian Citizens?

Australian citizens seeking to obtain a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) are advised to submit their applications at least 72 hours (or three days) prior to their intended departure to Canada. While most eTAs are processed within 24 hours, allowing for a longer processing time can help mitigate potential delays.

It is important to note that Canada eTAs once issued are valid for up to five years (unless your Passport expires earlier). This allows for advance planning and application, even if flight details have not yet been confirmed. In rare instances, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may request additional documentation.

Additional documents could include:

• A Medical Examination - A medical examination, which may be required for certain individuals.
• Criminal record check - A criminal record check, if the applicant has a previous conviction. The Canadian Visa office will determine whether a police certificate is necessary based on the specific circumstances.

By adhering to above guidelines, Australian citizens can increase their likelihood of a successful eTA application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Canada eTA Application Form?

While Canada eTA Application process is extremely straightforward, it is worthwhile to understand the essential requirements and avoid common mistakes listed below.

• Passport numbers are almost always 8 to 11 characters. If you are entering a number that is too short or too long or outside of this range, it is quite likely that you are entering a wrong number.
• Enter information without hyphens, spaces, or special characters (like shown below)
• Another common error is swapping letter O and number 0 or letter I and the number 1.
• Name related issue like
  • Full name: Name put in Canada eTA application must match the name exactly as given in the Passport. You can look at MRZ strip in your Passport information page to make sure you have entered the full name, including any middle-names.
  • Do not include previous names: Do not include any part of that name in brackets or previous names. Again, consult the MRZ strip.
  • Non-english name: Your name must be in English characters. Do not use non-English characters like Chinese/Hebrew/Greek alphabets to spell your name.
  • Learn more at How To Enter a Name On the Canada eTA Application

Enter passport number as shown without spaces and name as given on MRZ strip

What is the summary of Canada ETA for Australian Citizens?

Canada ETA Visa for Australian Citizens is valid for the following reasons:

• Sightseeing
• Visiting Tourist Spots
• Business events and meetings
• Passing or Transit via Canadian Airport
• Medical treatment

Benefits of obtaining Canada eTA

• Canada eTA or Online Canada Visa is valid for upto 5 Years.
• It allows multiple Trips to Canada and stays of upto 180 days per trip
• Valid for travel by Air
• Does not require you to get a stamp on the passport or visit Canadian Embassy
• Sent to your electronically by email instead of a stamp on passport

Australian citizens should take advantage of ArriveCAN app

For several Canadian international airports, the advanced declaration may be made online via the ArriveCAN service. The ArriveCAN app lets you submit your customs and immigration declaration electronically up to 3 days before your flight, so you can use the express lane and get through customs faster

Australia High Commission Canada

Please apply for a Canada eTA application 72 hours before your flight to Canada.