eTA vs. Visitor Stay in Canada: Understanding the Difference

eTA stands for “Electronic Travel Authorization,” an online travel authorization required when travelling to Canada by air. The application is simple, and once approved, an eTA number (a combination of letters and numbers) is issued. You need to obtain this eTA number before travelling, and you will be asked for it when checking in for your flight.

However, an eTA only authorizes you to travel; it does not guarantee “entry” or “stay.” Whether you can actually enter Canada is decided by the border services officer on arrival. Also, an eTA is not required if you enter Canada by land from the United States or arrive by sea.

A visitor stay is a status for staying in Canada for a short period. Because its purpose is tourism, you are generally not allowed to work or study at a school. However, as an exception, study is permitted for short-term programs of less than six months.

Most visitors can stay in Canada for up to six months. Even when you are allowed to enter Canada, the border services officer may authorize a stay of less than six months or more than six months. In that case, the date by which you must leave is written in your passport. However, this period of stay may vary depending on the judgment of the border services officer.

In short, their respective uses can be summarized as follows:

• An eTA is a travel authorization
  An eTA is permission to travel to Canada and does not guarantee status to stay. You are only granted status to stay after you pass the immigration inspection at the airport upon arrival.
• Visitor status is granted after entry
  Visitor status is granted by the border services officer and allows you to stay for up to six months. Even if your eTA expires during your stay, it has no effect, but you will need to obtain a new eTA when you travel to Canada again.

There is no rule that leaving Canada and coming back automatically gives you a new six-month stay. If you visit only the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon and return to Canada before the end of your authorized period of stay, you can generally re-enter Canada (even on a single-entry visitor visa). However, each time you re-enter, a border services officer decides whether to admit you and until what date you may stay: the officer may allow you to stay only until the end of your original period, or may authorize a different period. Travel to other countries, such as Mexico, is treated as a new trip, so you need a valid eTA or visa to return. If you want to stay longer, do not rely on a trip across the border; apply to extend your stay before your current status expires.

• eTA validity
  An eTA is valid for up to five years, but if your passport expires in less than five years, the eTA is linked to that passport and expires on the same date.
• Visitor stay validity
  Visitor status is granted by the border services officer and allows you to stay for up to six months. However, if you wish to extend your stay, you must follow the proper procedures.

To check your eTA’s expiry date, you can use the official website of IRCC. Simply click “Check your status” and enter the required information. Note, however, that an eTA issued together with a study permit or work permit cannot be checked this way.

Many people may be thinking of extending their stay as a visitor to enjoy Canada after their study permit or work permit expires. To avoid staying in Canada without status, you need to apply to extend your stay, but you do not need to apply for an eTA. When you leave Canada and re-enter, you will need a valid eTA number.

It is important to have a correct understanding of your status and the relevant procedures.

If you have any concerns or questions about staying in Canada, please feel free to contact us.

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