What is my eTA status?

Updated: Dec 09, 2023 | Tags: Canada eTA Status, Check Canada eTA Application

How do you check to see your eTA status? If you are not sure about your status, you should check to ensure your eTA is valid for your trip to Canada. You will need an eTA for your trip to Canada if you are arriving by airplane and are from an eTA eligible country. This article provides information on how to check your Canadian eTA status as well as provides an overview of the possible types of eTA application status results you could receive.

What is my eTA status?
What is my eTA status?

What is an eTA?

A Canadian eTA, or Electronic Travel Authorization, functions in much the same way as a Canadian visa. It allows you to pass in and out of Canada as a tourist. However, unlike a visa, it is not physical. An eTA is electronically connected to your passport number. You must apply for an eTA online. Although the process can take several months in rare cases, most eTAs are completed and approved the same day. If your application is not automatically approved, you can check your application status online whenever you like.

Am I eligible for an eTA?

Not everyone is eligible for an eTA. If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you will be eligible for an eTA. Legal residents of the United States are also eligible for an eTA. If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need an eTA or a visa to enter Canada. If you are a citizen of a country that is not visa-exempt in Canada, then you cannot apply for an eTA and you must apply for a visa instead. If you are not sure which document to apply for, you can check the list of eligible nationalities.

How do I check my eTA status?

If you have already applied for an eTA, or if you have an existing eTA, you can easily check your eTA status online. Here, you will be taken to a page where you can enter your information and receive your status. First, you must select whether you are checking on an application status or the validity of an existing eTA. You must also enter your passport number, country of issue, issue date, and expiration date. Once you have entered this information, you can learn your eTA status. There are several possible status’ returned by the eTA status check:

"Additional Information Required"

The application could not be processed with the information provided and additional information or documentation is required. You may receive a message detailing what further details are needed to proceed with your application.

"Application Received"

This status is for applications that have been received by the Canadian Immigration system, yet have not yet been processed. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few weeks before an application is commences processing.

"Approved"

Your eTA application has been approved. You are now authorized to travel to Canada. The eTA is electronically linked to the passport you used in the application. Approved eTA applications are valid for a period of five years, or until the date of passport expiry, whichever date comes first. An approved eTA does not guarantee admission into Canada, and the final decision of entry rests on IRCC.

"Cancelled"

This indicates that an eTA that was previously granted has been cancelled due to specific reasons which could range from security concerns to finding out the information provided during the application was false.

"Expired"

Your previously approved eTA is now expired. An eTA is usually valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

"Not Authorized"

If your eTA application has been processed and is refused, then you will not be able to travel to Canada using an eTA. However, you may still be eligible to apply for a Canadian tourist visa to visit Canada.

"Not Found"

This means either you entered the wrong information when checking your eTA status, such as the wrong application number, passport number, passport issue or expiry dates, or that you did not actually submit an eTA application. If you have recently applied your status returns 'eTA Not Found', and you are 100% sure the information you provided on the eTA status check form is correct, this means the system may still be in the early stages of processing your application. Wait a few hours and check the system again.

"On Hold"

This status may be used for applications that are suspended for reasons such as awaiting the outcome of another visa or immigration process.

"Under Review"

If your eTA application has triggered a manual review, you will likely be notified of the status and will be requested to provide additional documentation to support your eTA application, such as scans of your passport, police records if you have previous criminal history, or any other documents Canadian Immigration personnel would need to verify before reaching a decision on your application.

"Withdrawn"

The application has been withdrawn by the applicant or the authorities. You may need to submit a new application if you wish to travel.

Conclusion

Checking your eTA status is simple. All you need is your passport, your eTA number or eTA application number, a mobile device or computer and an internet connection. If you’re not sure about your current status, take a few minutes to check your eTA status and ensure you have a valid eTA on your departure to Canada.