Indian citizens with a valid US non-immigrant visa or a Canadian visa issued in the past 10 years can now apply for a Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) instead of a full visitor visa. The eTA costs CAD $7, takes about 10 minutes to apply for online, and is valid for up to five years. This guide covers eligibility, documents, the step-by-step application process, and common mistakes Indian passport holders should avoid. For a general overview, see our Canada eTA guide.
Can Indian Citizens Get a Canada eTA?
Yes – but only Indian citizens who meet specific eligibility criteria can apply for a Canada eTA. India is not a visa-exempt country for Canada, which means most Indian nationals need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada. You can check the full list of eligible countries for Canada eTA to see which nationalities are visa-exempt. However, since June 2023, Canada expanded its eTA program to include citizens of 13 countries, including India, under certain conditions.
You are eligible for a Canada eTA as an Indian citizen if either of the following applies:
- You currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa (such as a B1/B2 tourist visa, H-1B work visa, or F-1 student visa)
- You have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years – even if that visa has now expired
If you do not meet either of these conditions, you must apply for a standard Canadian visitor visa (TRV) instead. The eTA is not available to all Indian citizens – only those with a qualifying travel history to the US or Canada.
Key Facts for Indian Citizens
- Cost: CAD $7 (approximately INR 430 to INR 450 depending on exchange rate)
- Validity: Up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
- Processing time: Most applications are approved within minutes; some take up to 72 hours
- Allowed stays: Up to six months per visit
- Entry type: Multiple entries allowed during the validity period
- Applies to: Air travel only – eTA is not required for land or sea entry
When Indian Citizens Do NOT Need an eTA
- Entering Canada by car or train from the US – eTA is only required for air travel
- You already hold a valid Canadian visa – if you have a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit, you do not need a separate eTA
- You are a dual Indian-Canadian citizen – Canadian citizens must travel with a valid Canadian passport
- You are a Canadian permanent resident – you need your PR card instead
Canada eTA Requirements for Indian Passport Holders
To apply for a Canada eTA as an Indian citizen, you need a valid Indian passport, a qualifying US or Canadian visa, an email address, and a credit or debit card. Every detail on your application must match your passport exactly to avoid delays or refusals. For the full list of required items, see our Canada eTA requirements guide.
Passport Requirements
Your Indian passport must meet these conditions:
- Valid for the duration of your trip – your passport must not expire while you are in Canada
- Machine-readable passport – all modern Indian e-passports are machine-readable. If you have an older handwritten passport, renew it before applying
- Same passport used for travel – your eTA is linked to your passport number. If you get a new passport after your eTA is approved, you must apply for a new eTA
Qualifying Visa Requirement
Unlike citizens of visa-exempt countries (such as the UK or Australia), Indian citizens must hold one of the following to be eligible for an eTA:
- A valid US non-immigrant visa – this includes B1/B2 (tourist/business), H-1B (work), L-1 (intracompany transfer), F-1 (student), J-1 (exchange visitor), and other non-immigrant categories. The visa must be valid at the time of your eTA application
- A Canadian visa issued within the past 10 years – this can be an expired Canadian visa. The 10-year window is calculated from the date the Canadian visa was issued, not the expiry date
Other Required Items
- Email address – the Government of Canada sends your eTA confirmation and any status updates to this email. Use an address you check regularly. Check your spam or junk folder if you do not receive a confirmation within 72 hours
- Credit or debit card – Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and prepaid cards are accepted. The CAD $7 fee is non-refundable
Information You Will Enter
- Full name – exactly as it appears on your passport
- Date of birth
- Passport number and country of issue
- Current address
- Email address and phone number
- Employment status and employer details
- Background questions – covering criminal history, previous visa refusals, and medical conditions
How to Apply for Canada eTA from India: Step-by-Step
Applying for a Canada eTA from India is a fully online process completed through the official Government of Canada website. The entire application takes 10 to 20 minutes if you have your documents ready. For a detailed walkthrough of each form section, see our Canada eTA application guide.
Step 1: Visit the Official Government of Canada Website
Go to canada.ca/eta – this is the only official website for Canada eTA applications. The Government of Canada warns against third-party websites that charge extra fees.
- Avoid unofficial sites – many third-party services charge $50 to $150 in additional “service fees” on top of the official CAD $7 government fee
- Select English as your language (French is also available)
- Click “Apply for an eTA” to start
Step 2: Enter Your Personal Information
Fill in your details exactly as they appear on your Indian passport:
- Family name (surname) and given name(s) – including middle names if shown on your passport
- Date of birth – use the drop-down menus
- Country of citizenship – select India
- Passport number – enter this carefully. A single wrong digit is the most common cause of eTA problems
- Passport expiry date
Tip: Double-check every field before proceeding. The system does not allow you to go back and edit previous sections.
Step 3: Answer Background Questions
You will answer a series of yes/no questions about:
- Criminal history – any past convictions or charges
- Previous Canadian visa or eTA refusals
- Medical conditions – communicable diseases or conditions that might require hospital care in Canada
- Previous deportation or removal from any country
Answer honestly. Providing false information can result in a permanent ban from Canada.
Step 4: Review and Pay
- Review all entered information for accuracy
- Pay the CAD $7 fee using a valid credit or debit card
- Submit your application
Step 5: Receive Your eTA Decision
- Most Indian applicants receive approval within minutes by email
- Some applications require additional processing and may take up to 72 hours
- In rare cases, you may be asked to submit additional documents
- Check your spam or junk folder if you do not see the confirmation email
Canada eTA Processing Time for Indian Citizens
Most Canada eTA applications from Indian citizens are approved within minutes of submission. The automated system reviews your application instantly and, in the majority of cases, sends a confirmation email right away.
| Processing Scenario | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Automated approval (most common) | Within minutes |
| Additional review required | Up to 72 hours |
| Requested additional documents | Varies – up to several weeks |
Factors That May Delay Processing
- Criminal record – even minor offences can trigger additional review
- Previous visa or eTA refusal – Canada keeps records of all refusals
- Inconsistencies in your application – mismatched names, wrong passport numbers, or conflicting answers
- Medical conditions – certain communicable diseases require further assessment
- Visa verification – since Indian citizens need a qualifying US or Canadian visa, any issues verifying that visa can add processing time
Recommendation: Apply for your eTA at least one to two weeks before your flight to allow time for any unexpected delays.
Canada eTA Validity and Multiple Entries for Indian Travelers
A Canada eTA is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Indian citizens can use the same eTA for multiple trips to Canada during the validity period without reapplying.
Validity Details
- Duration of validity: Up to five years from the date of approval
- Linked to passport: If your Indian passport expires, your eTA expires with it – even if the five-year period has not ended
- Multiple entries: You can enter Canada as many times as you want during the eTA validity period
- Maximum stay per visit: Up to six months – the border officer at the airport makes the final decision on how long you can stay
What Happens When Your Passport Expires
If you renew your Indian passport, you must apply for a new eTA using your new passport number. Your old eTA is automatically invalidated when your old passport expires. There is no way to transfer an eTA from one passport to another.
Canada eTA vs Canada Visitor Visa for Indian Citizens
Indian citizens who do not qualify for an eTA must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) instead. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right path. For a broader comparison, see our Canada eTA vs visa guide, and check our Canada eTA fee breakdown for full cost details.
| Feature | Canada eTA | Visitor Visa (TRV) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | CAD $7 | CAD $100 |
| Processing time | Minutes to 72 hours | 2 to 8 weeks or longer |
| Application method | Online only | Online or at visa application centre |
| Validity | Up to 5 years | Varies (single or multiple entry) |
| Biometrics required | No | Yes (for most applicants) |
| Eligibility for Indians | Only with valid US visa or prior Canadian visa | All Indian citizens |
When Indian Citizens Must Apply for a Visa Instead of an eTA
- You do not hold a valid US non-immigrant visa and have not held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years
- Planning to work in Canada – you need a work permit, which requires a separate application
- Planning to study in Canada – you need a study permit for programs longer than six months
- Staying longer than six months – you need a visitor visa or status extension
- Your eTA application was refused – you can apply for a visitor visa instead
Common Reasons Canada eTA Applications Are Refused for Indian Citizens
While most eligible Indian citizens receive eTA approval quickly, some applications are refused. Understanding the common reasons for refusal helps you avoid mistakes.
Top Reasons for Refusal
- No qualifying visa – the most common reason for Indian citizens. If you do not hold a valid US visa or a Canadian visa issued in the past 10 years, your application will be refused
- Criminal history – any criminal conviction, including driving offences that resulted in a conviction, can lead to refusal
- Previous overstays – if you previously stayed in Canada beyond the permitted period, your eTA may be refused
- Previous visa or eTA refusals – Canada keeps records. A previous refusal does not automatically mean another refusal, but it triggers additional scrutiny
- Health grounds – conditions that might pose a public health risk or place excessive demand on Canadian health services
- False information – providing inaccurate information on your application, even by mistake, can result in refusal
What to Do If Your eTA Is Refused
If your Canada eTA application is refused, you have a few options:
- Apply for a Canadian visitor visa (TRV) instead – this is a more detailed application process through the Canadian visa application centre (VFS Global in India)
- Address the reason for refusal – if the refusal was due to incomplete information, you can submit a new eTA application with correct details
- Seek legal advice – immigration lawyers can help if your refusal is related to criminal history or medical grounds
Tips for Indian Citizens Applying for Canada eTA
These practical tips help ensure a smooth eTA application process from India.
- Verify your eligibility first – before applying, confirm you hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have had a Canadian visa in the past 10 years
- Apply early – do not wait until the last minute. While most applications are approved in minutes, some take up to 72 hours or longer
- Use the official website only – apply at canada.ca/eta. Third-party sites charge unnecessary fees and may not protect your personal data
- Check your passport expiry – your passport must be valid for your trip. If it is close to expiry, renew your passport before applying
- Enter information exactly as on your passport – even small spelling differences can cause problems. Match your passport’s biographical page exactly
- Keep your confirmation email – save or print your eTA approval. While the eTA is electronic and linked to your passport, having a copy of the confirmation is useful
- Check your spam folder – Government of Canada emails sometimes end up in spam or junk folders
- Do not book non-refundable flights before approval – while most applications are approved quickly, it is safer to wait for confirmation
- Carry proof of your qualifying visa – when traveling, bring your US visa or evidence of your prior Canadian visa in case border officers ask for verification
FAQs About Canada eTA for Indian Citizens
Do all Indian citizens qualify for a Canada eTA?
No. Only Indian citizens who currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years are eligible for a Canada eTA. All other Indian citizens must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) through a Canadian visa application centre.
How much does the Canada eTA cost for Indian citizens?
The official government fee is CAD $7 (approximately INR 430 to INR 450). Beware of third-party websites that charge significantly more in “service fees.” The official application at canada.ca/eta costs only CAD $7.
Can I apply for a Canada eTA with an expired US visa?
No. You must hold a currently valid US non-immigrant visa to qualify for a Canada eTA. An expired US visa does not meet the eligibility requirement. However, if you held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years (even an expired one), you may still qualify under that criterion.
How long does the Canada eTA last for Indian citizens?
The Canada eTA is valid for up to five years or until your Indian passport expires, whichever comes first. You can make multiple trips to Canada on the same eTA, with each visit allowing a stay of up to six months.
Can I work in Canada with an eTA as an Indian citizen?
No. The eTA is for tourism, business visits, and transit only. To work in Canada, you need a separate work permit. To study for more than six months, you need a study permit. Some short business activities like attending meetings or conferences are allowed under an eTA.
What happens if my Canada eTA application is refused?
You can apply for a Canadian visitor visa (TRV) instead through VFS Global, which handles Canadian visa applications in India. You can also reapply for an eTA if you can address the reason for the refusal – for example, if the refusal was due to a data entry error.
Do I need a new eTA if I renew my Indian passport?
Yes. Your eTA is linked to your passport number. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA with your new passport details. You must also still meet the eligibility requirement (valid US visa or prior Canadian visa within 10 years) at the time of the new application.
Can I apply for a Canada eTA from my phone?
Yes. The official Government of Canada website at canada.ca/eta is mobile-friendly. You can complete the entire application from a smartphone or tablet. However, a desktop or laptop makes it easier to verify details and avoid typos.
Is the Canada eTA a visa?
No. The eTA is a travel authorization, not a visa. It is a simpler, faster, and cheaper process than applying for a visa. However, for Indian citizens, the eTA is only available if you already hold a qualifying US or Canadian visa – it does not replace the visa requirement entirely.
Can I transit through Canada with an eTA as an Indian citizen?
Yes. If you are an eligible Indian citizen with an approved eTA, you can transit through a Canadian airport on your way to another destination. The eTA covers transit as well as tourism and business visits. Without an eTA or visa, airlines will not allow you to board a flight that connects through Canada.
