Program delivery update – August 1, 2015

Launch of the Electronic Travel Authorization Program for visa-exempt foreign nationals

Summary

As of August 1, 2015, visa-exempt, non-U.S. foreign nationals can apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada by air mode. This new entry requirement, which will become mandatory as of March 15, 2016, is a key commitment under the Canada–U.S. Beyond the Border Action Plan and will streamline entry into Canada, as travellers will be pre-screened before they travel. Most applications will be approved automatically through the Global Case Management System (GCMS), while those that match certain identified criteria will be referred to officers for manual review. Detailed information on eTA and procedures for processing eTA applications have been added to the program delivery instructions and corresponding manual chapters.

New instructions

• eTA overview
• Manually processing eTA applications

Updated instructions

• Temporary residents overview
• Temporary resident: Visitors
• What is a temporary resident visa?
• Temporary resident permits
• Temporary resident: Students
• Temporary foreign workers
• Table of contents
• Place of application for a temporary resident visa, study permit, work permit
• Study permits: Assessing the application
• Study permits: Final decisions
• Study permits: Making an application
• Temporary Foreign Worker Program and International Mobility Program: Applying at a visa office before entry
• Temporary Foreign Workers Program and International Mobility Program: Assessing foreign workers (procedure)
• Foreign workers: Eligibility and admissibility – Conditions including validity period
• Temporary residents: Diplomatic and official visas
• Temporary residents: Super Visa
• Legal references
• TRV and eTA fees
• Immigration fees and procedures
• Glossary

Updated manual chapters

• ENF 2: Section 7 and 11
• ENF 4: Section 7, 8, 11, 13 and Appendix D (PDF, 1.53MB)
• ENF 27: Section 7 (PDF, 800.61KB)