How can I apply for an eTA with a U.S. green card?

As of April 26, 2022, U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders) no longer require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada. They must, however, present a valid Green Card and a valid passport at check-in when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport.

As of April 26, 2022 for how long can an American green card holder visit Canada at a time?

The maximum length of stay for green card holders visiting Canada remains the same as for other visa-exempt foreign nationals: generally up to six months at a time.

It’s important to note that this is not an automatic right and the final decision on how long you can stay rests with the border services officer upon your arrival. They will consider various factors, including the following:

The purpose of your visit: Are you visiting for tourism, business, or other reasons?
Your ties to the United States: Do you have a job, home, and family in the US?
Your travel history: Have you visited Canada before and complied with visa regulations?
Your financial resources: Do you have enough money to support yourself during your stay?

What documents are required from US green card holders who want to apply for an extension to stay in Canada beyond 6 months?

To apply for an extension to stay in Canada beyond 6 months as a U.S. green card holder, the following documents will typically have to be presented:

Application form

Complete the “Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor or Temporary Resident Permit Holder” form (IMM 5708) and submit it online.

Supporting documents

Provide evidence of how you will support yourself in Canada and how you will pay for your stay, including:

– Guarantor’s letter
– Bank statement clearly showing the account holder’s name and the account number.
– Details about your plans to leave Canada, including the date and time of departure and the means of transportation.
– Passport: Submit photocopies of passport pages clearly showing the stamp made by Canadian officials.
– Biometric information: Depending on various factors, you may be required to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, at a biometric collection center
– Fee: Pay the required fee for the extension application

It is very important to apply for an extension at least 30 days before your status will expire.

Every family member also wants to remain longer in Canada must apply for permission to do so and submit a separate application form along with the required documentation and fee.

Please note that the information provided is based on the most recent available guidance and may be subject to change. It is advisable that you refer to the official website of the Government of Canada for the most current and detailed instructions on applying for an extension to stay in Canada as a U.S. green card holder.

Which countries still need an eTA to visit Canada for up to 6 months at a time?

Travelers from the following list of countries still need to apply for an eTA before visiting Canada:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, British citizen, British National (Overseas), Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, Vatican City.

Additional countries eligible for eTA

As of June 6, 2023, citizens from 13 additional countries became eligible to apply for an eTA instead of a visa to travel to Canada by air, if they meet specific conditions:

– They have held a valid Canadian visa in the last 10 years.
– They have a valid US non-immigrant visa.

The 13 additional countries include:

Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Costa Rica
Morocco
Panama
Philippines
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Seychelles
Thailand

Other exemptions

U.S. green card holders: As mentioned earlier, green card holders have been exempted from the eTA requirement since April 2022.

Individuals with specific travel documents: In certain limited cases, individuals who hold travel documents issued by certain countries or territories (e.g., British Overseas Territories citizens) might also be exempt from having to apply for an eTA. Refer to the official Canadian government website.

Can I spend six months exploring Canada from top to bottom if I have a valid eTA?

Yes, with a valid eTA, you can generally speaking stay in Canada for up to six months at a time. The eTA is typically valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This means that you can make multiple visits to Canada during that period, but you cannot stay for more than 6 months at a time. If you wish to stay for a longer period or for purposes other than business or leisure, a pre-arranged visa is normally required instead.

If my eTA will expire in 4 months can I still visit Canada for 6 months?

If your eTA will expire in four months, you will not be able to stay in Canada for the full six months. The bad news is that, if your eTA is about to expire, you will also not be able to request an extension.

The good news is that, even if your current eTA hasn’t yet run out, you can apply for a new one and visit Canada for the full 6 months you would like to. It is, therefore, highly recommended that you rather apply for a new eTA before your current one expires to avoid any travel issues.

Is it really such a big problem? What will happen if I stay in Canada past the validity of my eTA?

Overstaying an eTA in Canada can have serious consequences. If you overstay your authorized period of stay in Canada, you may be issued a removal order by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which could result in deportation and being barred from returning to Canada for a certain period.

Apart from that, you may also be deemed inadmissible, which can lead to you being denied a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), refused entry to Canada in the future, or removed from the country. It is therefore very important to comply with your authorized period of stay and to address any issues or concerns related to your immigration status promptly to avoid these and even more serious consequences.

Can I get married in Canada while visiting the country on an eTA?

Yes, you can get married in Canada while visiting the country on an eTA. Each Canadian province has its own steps to follow, but it’s relatively straightforward. If your spouse holds a passport from, for example, the US or the UK, or they just need an eTA (for example, coming from Mexico), it’s relatively easy as long as you have a valid eTA.

If your partner, however, needs a visitor visa to enter the United States, then in most cases it is not going to work, and you might have no other choice than to get married in your partner’s home country. Marriages that are legally performed in a foreign country are usually valid in Canada, and you do not need to register them in that country.

Please also be aware that Canadian consular officials do not perform marriage ceremonies, and they also do not have to attend your marriage. It’s important to contact the nearest embassy, high commission, or consulate to find out what documents you will need and whether they need to be authenticated.

What happens if I visit Canada on an eTA and I get seriously sick just before that document expires?

In a situation like this, it is very important to communicate openly with the immigration authorities, e.g. the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and to have important documents such as your passport, visa, eTA, and any documentation about extension approval ready.

If you have a valid reason for overstaying, it’s critical to notify the immigration authorities as soon as possible. It’s also advisable to contact the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) or the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) for assistance and to make sure that you comply with the various legal requirements and the authorized period of stay to avoid any detrimental effects or repercussions.

Does a valid eTA allow me to freely travel everywhere in Canada or are certain regions or provinces excluded?

With a valid eTA, you can visit anywhere in Canada. There are no regions or provinces excluded from the eTA program. It is, however, important to be aware that an eTA is only valid for entry into Canada by air. If you plan to enter Canada by land or sea, you do not need an eTA. Instead, you will be asked to present your passport or other travel documents to the border services officer at the point of entry.