Why does the eTA application require employment information?

Updated: Jan 09, 2024 | Tags: Canada eTA Requirements, Canada eTA Application Form, Canada eTA Questions

The Canada electronic travel authorisation (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. It's an electronically linked authorization to the traveller's passport and is valid for five years or until the passport expires.

The Canada eTA is designed to pre-screen travellers before they arrive in Canada by air. It is a security measure that helps immigration officials assess potential risks and streamline the entry process at Canadian borders.

The Canada eTA application process for entry into Canada requires applicants fill out various form fields, a few of which are employment information. This article aims to provide a thorough understanding of why employment information is a critical component of the eTA application.

Why does the eTA application require employment information?
Why does the eTA application require employment information?

The role of employment information in eTA applications

Canada Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requests information on a traveller’s existing occupational circumstances to help demonstrate visitors are not coming to Canada to seek employment. Employment information also helps IRCC evaluate applications should they be manually reviewed for authenticity, immigration or security purposes.

[1] Assessing the applicant's stability and ties to their home country

Employment information helps immigration officers assess the stability and ties an applicant has to their home country. A steady job indicates a likelihood of the traveller returning to their country after their visit to Canada.

Unemployed applicants or those with unstable job histories should be prepared to provide additional information demonstrating their ties to their home country.

[2] Determining the purpose of the visit

The nature of one's employment can give insights into the purpose of the visit. For instance, a business person might travel for meetings or conferences, which aligns with their employment background.

Applicants should ensure their stated purpose of visit correlates with their employment information to avoid discrepancies.

[3] Evaluating economic means and intentions

Knowing an applicant's employment status helps in assessing their economic means to support themselves during their stay in Canada. It also aids in understanding their intentions, whether they are purely for tourism, business, or possibly for seeking employment in Canada, which is not permitted under an eTA.

Applicants should be honest about their financial situation and intentions for visiting Canada.

[4] Security and background checks

Employment information forms part of the background checks for security purposes. Certain employment sectors might warrant additional checks due to their nature.

Applicants working in sensitive or high-security industries should be prepared for potential additional scrutiny.

Tips when completing the Employment Section

Providing accurate and up-to-date information

Accuracy in providing employment details is crucial. False or misleading information can lead to the denial of the eTA.

Tip: Make sure to keep employment information, including the company's name, address, and your role, updated and accurate.

Address unemployment or retirement

If you are unemployed, retired, or a student, you should state this clearly. Being unemployed does not automatically disqualify you from receiving an eTA.

Tip: Supplement your application with information about other ties you have to your home country or financial means to support your stay in Canada.

Special considerations and scenarios

Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals

Freelancers or self-employed individuals should provide details of their work, nature of business, and financial stability.

Tip: It might be helpful to have financial statements or business registrations ready, in case further information is requested.

Frequent travellers and business visits

For those travelling frequently to Canada for business, their employment information becomes a critical factor in establishing the pattern and purpose of their visits.

Tip: Maintain a record of business-related travels, invitations, and correspondence that align with your employment.

Changes in employment

If there's a significant change in your employment status after applying for an eTA but before travelling to Canada, it's advisable to update your information with Canadian immigration authorities.

Tip: Updating employment information can usually be done through the same online portal where the eTA application was submitted.

What are the employment related eTA questions?

Occupation

The first question is regarding an applicant’s occupation. Applicants must select from a list of options. If their existing occupation is not listed, they are advised to choose an option that is most similar to their line of work. The options available for selection on the occupation list are as follows:

  1. Art, culture, recreation and sports
  2. Finance and administration
  3. Education, law and social community and government services
  4. Health
  5. Homemaker
  6. Management
  7. Manufacturing and utilities
  8. Military/armed forces
  9. Natural and applied sciences
  10. Natural resources, agriculture and related production
  11. Retired
  12. Sales and service
  13. Student
  14. Trades, transport and equipment operators
  15. Unemployed

Job title

The job title question is also based on a dropdown select list from pre-determined options. The list displayed for available job titles will be based on the occupation the applicant selected in the previous question.

If you are student, homemaker or retired, you will not be requested to provide your job title.

Name of company, employer, school or facility

Canada eTA applicants that are working or studying will be requested to provide the name of the company, employer, school or facility where their job is based. The name should always be the entity that directly employs you.

Students should enter the name of the school, university or college in this field. If you are a homemaker or retired, you will not be requested to provider information on your company, employer or school name.

Address of company, employer, school or facility

Employer Country/territory – Applicants will need to select the country where their employer or school is located.

City/town – In this field, type the city where their employer or school is located.

If you are a homemaker or retired, you will not be requested to provider information on your company, employer or school address.

Start year for employment or school course

In this field eTA applicants will need to select the year they started their course or job from the dropdown menu.

If you are a homemaker or retired, you will not be requested to provider information on your start date for any existing or previous employment or academic occupations.

Conclusion

The employment questions on an eTA application are intended to assist IRCC with not only verifying traveller information but also assist in identifying instances where visitors may be arriving to Canada as economic migrants. It's essential for applicants to provide accurate and honest employment details to avoid complications. Understanding the rationale behind this requirement not only prepares applicants for the application process but also aligns their expectations regarding the scrutiny their application might undergo. Remember, the eTA is a crucial document for a hassle-free entry into Canada, and its thorough vetting process is part of maintaining the integrity and safety of Canadian borders.