A delayed Canada eTA can disrupt your travel plans, especially if your flight is approaching. While most eTA applications receive approval within minutes, some require additional processing that can take hours or even days. Understanding why delays happen and what steps to take can save you from last-minute stress.
Why Is My Canada eTA Delayed
Canada eTA delays occur when your application is flagged for additional security screening, contains inconsistencies, or is submitted during a high-volume period. The majority of eTA applications are processed automatically within minutes, but approximately 5 to 10 percent require manual review by an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officer.
Common reasons for eTA delays include:
- Security screening triggers – your name, date of birth, or nationality may match records in Canadian or international security databases. This does not mean you are a security risk; common names frequently trigger false positives
- Criminal history flags – any past criminal convictions, even minor ones, can cause your application to be routed for manual review. This includes DUI charges, which Canada treats as a serious offence
- Previous immigration issues – overstays, visa refusals, or deportation orders in Canada or other countries may trigger additional scrutiny
- Incomplete or inconsistent information – discrepancies between your eTA application and passport details, or missing fields, can slow down processing
- Peak travel periods – during summer months (June to August), holiday seasons, and major events, IRCC receives significantly more applications, which can slow automated and manual processing times
How Long Can a Delayed eTA Take
A delayed Canada eTA can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the reason for the delay. There is no guaranteed timeline for applications under manual review.
| Delay Type | Expected Timeframe |
|---|---|
| High volume backlog | 1 to 72 hours |
| Additional security screening | 72 hours to 2 weeks |
| Document request from IRCC | Varies based on your response |
| Manual officer review | Up to several weeks |
| Criminal record assessment | Several weeks to months |
The official Government of Canada guidance states that most eTAs are processed within 72 hours. However, applications requiring deeper security or criminal background checks can take considerably longer. If your eTA has been pending for more than 72 hours, it does not necessarily mean it will be refused – it simply means additional verification is underway.
What to Do If Your eTA Is Taking Too Long
If your Canada eTA is delayed beyond 72 hours, take proactive steps to check your status, prepare alternative travel documentation, and contact IRCC if your departure date is approaching.
Step 1: Check Your eTA Status Online
Use the official IRCC online status tool at canada.ca to check whether your application is still pending, has been approved, or has been refused. You will need:
- Your eTA application number (from the confirmation email)
- Your passport number
- Your country of citizenship
Check the status at least once daily while your application is pending. Some applicants report receiving approval notifications in their spam folder, so check all email folders regularly.
Step 2: Review Your Confirmation Email
Your original eTA confirmation email contains your application number and a summary of submitted details. Verify that all information matches your passport exactly:
- Full name (as printed on passport)
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Passport expiry date
- Country of citizenship
If you find a mistake, you may need to submit a new application with corrected information.
Step 3: Contact IRCC Directly
If your flight is within 48 hours and your eTA is still pending, contact IRCC through their web form at canada.ca/ircc/contact or by phone:
- From inside Canada: 1-888-242-2100
- From outside Canada: +1-613-944-4000
When contacting IRCC, have the following ready:
- Your full name and date of birth
- Your passport number
- Your eTA application number
- Your flight date and booking reference
Important: IRCC agents cannot expedite eTA processing. They can only provide information about your application status and advise on next steps.
Step 4: Consider Applying for a Visitor Visa
If your eTA remains pending and your travel date is imminent, you may want to apply for a Canadian visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) as a backup option. While visitor visas take longer to process in general (typically 2 to 8 weeks), having an active application in a different category ensures you are exploring all pathways.
Step 5: Contact Your Airline
Airlines will not allow you to board a flight to Canada without a valid eTA or visa. If your eTA is delayed, contact your airline to understand their rebooking policies. Many airlines offer flexible rebooking options for passengers who have not yet received travel authorization.
Can I Travel to Canada While My eTA Is Pending
No, you cannot board a flight to Canada without an approved eTA. Airlines verify your travel authorization electronically before allowing you to check in. If your eTA status shows “Pending,” the airline will deny boarding.
This rule applies regardless of:
- How close your flight is
- Whether you have a return ticket
- Whether you have accommodation booked in Canada
- Whether you have traveled to Canada before on a valid eTA
The only exception is if you hold a valid Canadian visitor visa or permanent resident card, which allows entry without an eTA.
What If My eTA Is Refused After a Long Delay
If your delayed eTA is ultimately refused, you will receive a refusal letter from IRCC explaining the reason. A refusal does not mean you can never visit Canada – it means you do not qualify for the streamlined eTA process and may need to apply for a visitor visa instead.
After an eTA refusal, you can:
- Apply for a visitor visa – submit a full Temporary Resident Visa application at a Canadian visa office or online through the IRCC portal
- Address the refusal reason – if the refusal was due to inadmissibility (criminal record, health, or financial reasons), you may be eligible for Criminal Rehabilitation or a Temporary Resident Permit
- Reapply for an eTA – if the refusal was due to a change in circumstances (e.g., a criminal conviction that has since been pardoned), a new eTA application may be approved
You can reapply for an eTA at any time. There is no waiting period after a refusal, and the fee is CAD $7 per application.
How to Prevent Canada eTA Delays
The best way to prevent eTA delays is to apply well in advance of your travel date and ensure all information is accurate and complete.
| Preventive Measure | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Apply at least 2 weeks before travel | Allows time for manual review if needed |
| Double-check passport details | Prevents processing errors from mismatches |
| Use the exact name on your passport | Avoids identity verification delays |
| Declare any criminal history honestly | False declarations can lead to refusal and future inadmissibility |
| Apply during off-peak hours | Avoids server slowdowns during high-traffic periods |
| Keep your confirmation email | Provides your application number for status checks |
If you have a common name, a past criminal record, or previous immigration issues, apply at least 4 weeks before your trip. These factors significantly increase the likelihood of manual review.
Related Guides
Read also: Canada eTA Processing Time – understand standard processing timelines, How to Apply for Canada eTA – step-by-step application guide, and Canada eTA Status Check – how to verify your application status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait before worrying about my eTA
Most eTAs are approved within minutes. If your application has been pending for more than 72 hours, it is likely under additional review. Check your status online daily and ensure your confirmation email has not gone to spam.
Will my eTA be approved faster if I pay more
No. There is no expedited processing option for Canada eTA. Every application costs the same flat fee of CAD $7, and processing order is determined by security screening requirements, not by payment.
Can I get a refund if my eTA is delayed too long
No. The CAD $7 eTA fee is non-refundable, even if processing takes longer than expected or if you no longer need the eTA due to changed travel plans.
Does a delayed eTA mean it will be refused
Not necessarily. A delay simply means additional verification is required. Many delayed applications are ultimately approved. Only applications that fail security, criminal, or immigration checks are refused.
Can I speed up my eTA processing by calling IRCC
No. IRCC agents cannot expedite eTA processing. They can only provide status updates. The review process follows its own timeline based on the complexity of the security checks involved.
What happens if my eTA expires while I am in Canada
Your eTA must be valid when you board your flight to Canada, but it does not need to remain valid for the duration of your stay. As long as you enter Canada before the eTA expires, you can stay for the duration authorized by the border officer (typically up to 6 months).
