What are the rules of using a Canada eTA?

Updated: Jan 04, 2024 | Tags: Canada eTA Rules, Canada Immigration

Travelling to Canada with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) offers a more streamlined process than obtaining a visa, yet it's crucial to be aware of the specific rules and restrictions associated with this travel document. Being informed about what you can and cannot do with an eTA is key to maintaining its validity and ensuring a trouble-free stay in Canada.

What are the rules of using a Canada eTA?

Rules of using a Canada eTA

Working in Canada on eTA is not permitted

Holders of a Canadian eTA are not allowed to engage in employment or receive payment from a Canadian source. Violating this rule can lead to deportation and revocation of your eTA. If you want to work in Canada and receive payments from a Canadian source, you have to apply for a work visa.

Studing in Canada on an eTA is not permitted

If you would like to attend school in Canada, you must obtain a study visa. You cannot attend university with an eTA. In fact, institutions probably would not even allow you to enroll without the proper documentation to enter Canada as a full-time student.

Stay in Canada longer than 6 months on an eTA

Your eTA limits your stay in Canada to six months per visit. If you overstay your eTA, you may not see any immediate effects, since the immigration officer at the border may not check your passport stamp. However, if you try to re-enter Canada, Canadian Border Security will notice your previous overstay. You will not be allowed in the country, and your eTA will be revoked. Thus, don't overstay your eTA as it can lead to entry denial on future visits and revocation of your eTA.

Extending your stay in Canada on an eTA

It is possible to apply for an extension of your eTA while in Canada, but this must be done within the stipulated timeframe.

Canadian Laws that travelers should know

Do not talk on the phone while driving.

Many tourists visiting Canada don’t know that talking on the phone while driving is a strictly-enforced law. You can use your phone on a hands-free mode, but you can’t engage with your GPS or mobile phone device while driving. If you get a traffic ticket in Canada, you have to pay or face consequences. At the very least you would not be able to rent a car again in Canada.

Get health insurance coverage

Canada has a socialized health care system that is only available to nationals. You can’t walk into a health facility and receive care, even if you are in the country legally with an eTA. In order to avoid a bad emergency situation, it’s best to get international health insurance coverage before you visit Canada.

Conclusion

Entry into Canada is conditional, based on whether or not you follow the rules set in place. If you don’t follow these rules, you may find yourself in a difficult situation facing deportation or even worse, criminal charges. Depending on the breach, you jeopardize your ability to visit Canada in the future. Make sure you educate yourself on what is allowed under your eTA status and respect the limits placed on you by the Canadian government.