Visitor visa or eTA

Most visitors need either a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). Which one depends on your passport. You need a visa if you can’t use an eTA.

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Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson International Airport — Photo: Qyd · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons

Step-by-step checklist

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1. Check which one you needWhat to expect: Use IRCC’s “Find out if you need a visa or an eTA” tool with your passport and how you travel.
2. Gather your documentsWhat to expect: You need a valid passport; a visa can’t last longer than your passport. The IRCC Portal gives you a personal checklist.
3. Pay the feesWhat to expect: Visa: processing fee plus biometrics fee. eTA: one small fee paid by card.
4. Apply onlineWhat to expect: Visa: IRCC Portal or IRCC secure account. eTA: a short online form that cannot be saved, so finish it in one go.
5. Give biometrics (visa only, if needed)What to expect: Wait for your biometrics instruction letter, then book an appointment as soon as possible.
6. Wait for the decisionWhat to expect: IRCC says most eTA applications are approved within minutes by email. If more documents are needed, instructions come within 72 hours.

Documents you usually need

Valid passport (a copy, for a visa)
Proof of funds, such as bank statements
Travel plan or itinerary
Letter of invitation, if someone invites you
Employer or school letter, if you have one
Letter for a travelling minor, if it applies
eTA: passport from a visa-exempt country, email address and a payment card

Government fees

CAD

Visitor visa (per person)	$100
Biometrics (one person)	$85
eTA	$7

Fees as listed by IRCC on 2026-10-30. Fees change; always check the official fee list. IRCC fee list ↗

After you apply

Visa: biometrics letter, then processing, then the decision in your account.
eTA: an email, usually within minutes. It links to your passport, so travel with the same passport.

Processing times change every week. Check today’s times on IRCC’s official tool. Check processing times ↗

Official sources:

Checked against IRCC pages on 2026-10-30.

General information only. This is not legal advice and does not check whether you are eligible. Your own checklist in your IRCC account is what counts. Last checked 2026-10-30.

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