For those seeking a change, there is no better option than traveling to Canada. The Land of Maple Syrup offers travelers a stunning landscape of scenic beauty and a high quality of life. And the procedure of traveling to Canada is all the more easy for Australians! All you have to do is submit a Canada visa application online and begin your journey to explore the majestic charm of Toronto or witness the once-in-a-lifetime wonder of Niagara Falls.
Being a citizen of Australia, you must already know that your country falls in the category of one of those 50 nations that do not need a visa. This means that you can easily travel to the foreign land for a short period without a visa, but you do need to acquire an eTA (a digital travel permit that lets you freely roam around the country and explore its beauty).
The introduction of eTA back in 2015 has naturally reduced the number of visa applications and has made the procedure much easier for Australians by eliminating the need to stand in long immigration queues or visit the Embassy for a time-consuming application process.
Australians Applying for an eTA to Travel to Canada
Citizens of Australia have it easy as they do not have to apply for a visa to travel to Canada for short visits, but they do have to acquire an eTA or an Electronic Travel Application.
The Canada eTA is directly linked to your passport and lets you enter the foreign land without any hassle. However, note that you are applying for an eTA only if you are flying to Canada. In case you are going there via road by taking a bus or car or via water by boat, you must hold a Canada Visitor Visa. This is mandatory even if you are eligible for an eTA.
The Canadian eTA allows Australians a pass for:
- Tourism
- Passing through Canada to travel to another country
- Medical consultations
Australians traveling to Canada with a visa can explore the land for up to six months. Post that, you have to return to your homeland. If you desire longer stays, it is better to take the longer route and apply for a Canadian visa. Needless to say, this is more time-consuming and requires you to go through an extensive procedure.
Applying Online for the Canada eTA
Even if you are merely passing through the airport in Canada, you will need to show your eTA. Arrivals via sea or land might not require an eTA, but you will still need to show relevant travel documentation and identification.
Unlike the tiring procedure of visiting the Embassy, the Canada visa application online is quite simple and can be done in a moment! You just need 3 things – your passport, a debit or credit card, and a valid email address.
- Step 1 is the online application. Fill in the blank spaces with correct personal details like name, DoB, passport info, etc. and furnish digital versions of the documents. The form fill-up usually gets done in about 30 minutes once you have all the information in front of time. Make sure you own a passport that is valid at least for the next six months.
- Once the form is filled out, make the payment via a debit or credit card suitable for online transactions. Most online application sites use a safe and secure payment gateway, so you need not worry about facing any failed transaction or online fraud. Also, make sure that the payment details you have given are correct so as to avoid any delays.
- All that is left now is for you to receive the eTA in your email ID! Ensure that you have entered a valid email ID where the authorities will send you a digital copy of the document as soon as it is approved.
Note: Most Australians get their eTA approved within the shortest time possible. However, those who have made spelling mistakes or have been dishonest about their personal details stand the chance of not receiving the travel permit.
The total time needed to acquire the eTA is summed up in the table below.
| Task | Time Required | Details |
| Getting done with the application form | If you have all the documents in front and are quick, it will be done in about 10 minutes. But it is advisable to be cautious and fill out every detail slowly. Take about 30 minutes to check everything before the final submission. | You need all personal and passport details for this. |
| Paying the application fee | It gets done immediately via the secure payment gateway (only if you do not put in incorrect card details) | You need a valid credit or debit card and make the payment via Secure PayPal gateway. |
| Receiving eTA approval | The final step gets done within the next 72 hours. That is the maximum time limit. It can even be emailed to you within minutes. | You need to put in a valid email ID where the eTA will be processed to you after authentication and verification. Check the mail ID for notifications. |
eTA Validity and Usage for Australians
Australians traveling to Canada with a visa can simply apply online and then proceed to plan the itinerary easily. Neither do you have to spend a whole lot of time applying for the visa nor do you have to worry about misplacing the visa anytime! The eTA remains electronically linked to your passport.
While this handy little document gives you access to multiple things, there are still some rules to keep in mind.
A valid eTA lets you stay in the country for a good six months. Owing to this time period, you can pop in or out of Canada anytime you want. The eTA’s validity lasts 5 years or till your passport expires, whichever comes first.
| What You Need to Know | Details |
| Remains valid for | Up to a period of 5 years or until the expiration date of the passport comes |
| Stay per visit | For up to 6 months |
| No. of entries | Unlimited |
With the Canada visa application online, you can enjoy a whole lot of things. However, what does that encompass? Know that for a hassle-free visit.
| Activity | Can it be done? |
| Tourism | Yes |
| Business | Yes |
| Transit | Yes |
| Work | No (calls for a work permit) |
| Study | No (calls for a study permit) |
All Set to Fly to Canada?
Australians traveling to Canada with a visa do not have to go through a rigorous process; it can be easily done online. All you have to do is be careful about the online application and make sure to put in all relevant details for guaranteed approval. With a little care and caution, you can now plan and prepare for your journey ahead. Explore the land and indulge in a whole lot of maple syrup and waffles.
Do not let the daunting aspect of applying for a visa hold you back. The prospect of applying online has made the procedure considerably easier. Visit a reliable online site and apply for an eTA from there. The helpdesk is here for you to address any query.
