Apply for a visitor visa and eTA from outside Canada: When you have already applied

Canada has implemented restrictions for entry at the borders and you are not allowed to travel unless you are exempted from the travel. An applicant with the essential purpose may travel to Canada if it is valid.

Canada is temporarily changing how to apply for a visitor visa (including transit visa), eTA, study permit, or work permit. Please note that Until June 9, 2020, there will be a suspension of some application procedures.

If you have already made an application for a visitor visa or eTA, you may check the following process.

Before you plan your travel, make sure you meet one of the criteria

If already applied for Visitor Visa:

1. Email at IRCC.COVID-TravelExemptions-Exemptionsdevoyage-COVID.IRCC@cic.gc.ca and give them below details like you are exempted from travel and if the application was made by paper or online.
2. While sending an email, provide the details like…
   1. Your application number
   2. Unique card id
   3. Unique Client Identifier (UCI)
   4. Current country of residence
   5. If you are outside the US, which exemption criteria you meet with evidence
   6. Evidence on why you have to travel to Canada
   7. Travel itinerary in case you have pre-booked travel that includes flight number, departing and arriving location along with time
3. You will receive a notification that states whether your visa is approved or refused. If you have not given your biometrics due to service disruption, you will receive 90 days instead of 30 days.

If already applied for eTA:

If you have already applied for eTA, then follow the below step.

1. Send a Web form to inform the authority the following details
   1. You are exempt from restrictions and reason stating your travel is for the essential purpose
2. While filling the form, please note the following things
   1. From the drop-down menu, under Type of application/inquiry, select “Electronic Travel Authorization” and then “Case Specific Enquiries.”
   2. In the text box, mentioned that you already applied for eTA and you meet the exemption criteria along with the essential purpose
3. After filling out the form, make sure to do the following
   1. Answer “yes” to the question “Would you like to include a document with your submission?” and then upload evidence showing you meet one of the exemption criteria and are traveling for an essential purpose. Your evidence may depend upon the criteria you are eligible for.
4. Once the officer is satisfied with your application, you will receive an email from IRCC for the next steps.

Please note that you have to prepare properly before arriving at the airport.

You have to bring evidence in case you are traveling from outside the US, and after checking the same, you will be allowed to board your flight.

Airlines officials will be conducting the health check and anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 will not be able to board their flight.

On arrival in Canada, you have to go through your health assessment before you leave the airport.

You must have a plan to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive in Canada. This is mandatory, even if you have no symptoms. If you don’t have a plan, you should not travel to Canada.