A Canada eTA cannot technically be “renewed” – when it expires, you must apply for a completely new eTA through the same online process as your original application. The good news is that applying for a new Canada eTA is quick, costs only CAD $7, and most applications are approved within minutes. Whether your eTA has expired, is about to expire, or your passport has changed, this guide covers everything you need to know about getting a new Canada eTA.
Can You Renew a Canada eTA?
No. There is no renewal process for a Canada eTA. When your eTA expires, you must submit a brand-new application. The Government of Canada does not offer an extension, renewal, or re-issuance option for eTAs. Each eTA is a one-time authorization linked to a specific passport, and once it expires or becomes invalid, the only way to restore your travel authorization is to apply again.
This surprises many travelers, especially those accustomed to visa renewal processes in other countries. However, because the eTA application is entirely online and costs just CAD $7, applying for a new one is essentially as simple as a renewal would be.
Key facts about eTA “renewal”:
- There is no renewal form – you use the same application as first-time applicants
- You do not receive a reminder from IRCC when your eTA is about to expire
- You can apply for a new eTA at any time, even before the old one expires
- The new eTA is independent of the old one – no reference to previous authorizations is needed
- Each application is assessed on its own merits
When Should You Apply for a New Canada eTA?
You should apply for a new Canada eTA whenever your current one has expired, your passport has changed, or your personal circumstances have changed since your last application. There is no requirement to wait until your eTA expires – you can apply for a new one at any time.
Situations that require a new eTA:
| Situation | Urgency | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| eTA has expired | Before next trip | Apply for new eTA |
| Passport renewed or replaced | Immediately | Apply with new passport |
| Passport lost or stolen | Immediately | Get new passport, then new eTA |
| Name changed (marriage, legal) | Before next trip | Get new passport, then new eTA |
| eTA about to expire with upcoming travel | Recommended early | Apply for new eTA now |
| Criminal record since last application | Before travel | Disclose in new application |
Best practice: Apply at least one to two weeks before your planned travel date. While most eTA applications are approved within minutes, some require additional processing that can take up to 72 hours. In rare cases, IRCC may request additional documentation, which can extend processing to several weeks.
How to Apply for a New Canada eTA
Applying for a new Canada eTA follows the exact same steps as your original application – go to the official IRCC website, fill out the online form, pay the fee, and submit. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step-by-step application process:
- Go to the official IRCC website at canada.ca/eta and select “Apply for an eTA”
- Have your passport ready – you need the passport number, country of issue, and expiry date
- Provide personal information – full name, date of birth, country of citizenship, and contact details
- Answer background questions – questions about your health, criminal history, immigration history, and employment
- Provide your email address – this is where your eTA confirmation will be sent
- Pay the application fee – CAD $7, payable by credit card or debit card
- Submit the application – review all information before submitting
- Check your email – most applicants receive a confirmation within minutes
Documents and information you need:
- A valid passport from a visa-exempt country
- A credit or debit card for the CAD $7 payment
- An email address you can access
- Your travel itinerary (optional but helpful)
- Employment and background information for the questionnaire
Important: Use the passport you will travel with. If you apply with one passport and travel with another, the eTA will not be recognized at check-in.
How Much Does a New Canada eTA Cost?
A new Canada eTA costs CAD $7 (approximately USD $5.20, GBP 4.15, or EUR 4.85). This fee is set by the Government of Canada and applies to every eTA application, whether it is your first or your fifth. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
The CAD $7 fee covers:
- The eTA application processing
- Electronic linkage to your passport in the Canadian immigration database
- Authorization to board flights to Canada for up to five years
The fee does not cover:
- Travel to Canada (flights, accommodation, etc.)
- Entry to Canada (the border officer makes the final admission decision)
- Any third-party service fees (if you use a visa agency instead of applying directly)
Warning about third-party websites: Many unofficial websites charge $30 to $80 or more to submit an eTA application on your behalf. These services are unnecessary – the official application at canada.ca/eta is straightforward and costs only CAD $7. Always apply through the official Government of Canada website.
How Long Does a New Canada eTA Take to Process?
Most Canada eTA applications are approved within minutes of submission. The automated system checks your information against Canadian immigration and security databases and returns a decision almost instantly.
Typical processing times:
| Application Status | Processing Time | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Approved immediately | Minutes | Check email for confirmation |
| Additional processing required | Up to 72 hours | Wait for email notification |
| Documents requested | Days to weeks | Submit requested documents promptly |
| Denied | Immediate | Review reasons, consider reapplying or applying for a visa |
Factors that may delay processing:
- Previous immigration issues with Canada or other countries
- Criminal record or pending charges
- Inconsistencies in the information provided
- Name matches with individuals on security watchlists
- High application volumes (rare, but possible during peak travel seasons)
If your application takes longer than 72 hours, check your email (including spam/junk folders) for any requests from IRCC. You can also check your application status online using the application number provided in your confirmation email.
What Happens to Your Old eTA When You Apply for a New One?
When you apply for a new Canada eTA with the same passport, the new application typically supersedes the old one. The old eTA becomes irrelevant once the new one is approved. If you apply with a new passport, the old eTA (linked to the old passport number) is automatically invalidated.
There is no formal cancellation process for an old eTA. You do not need to contact IRCC to cancel it, and there is no penalty for having an expired eTA. The system simply recognizes the most recent valid authorization for your passport number.
What happens in different scenarios:
- Same passport, new eTA: The new eTA replaces the old one in the system. Your passport number now has one active eTA
- New passport, new eTA: The old eTA (linked to the old passport) remains in the system but is irrelevant. Your new passport gets its own eTA
- Old eTA still valid, applying early: If your old eTA has not expired and you apply for a new one with the same passport, the new application may supersede the old one. There is no refund for the remaining validity
Can you have two valid eTAs at the same time? Generally, no. Each passport can only have one active eTA. If you hold two passports (dual citizenship), each passport can have its own separate eTA, but you should use the same passport for your eTA application and your travel to Canada.
Canada eTA Renewal vs. First-Time Application
There is no difference between “renewing” a Canada eTA and applying for the first time – you use the same form, the same website, and the same fee. The system does not recognize “renewals” as a separate category.
| Aspect | First-Time Application | “Renewal” Application |
|---|---|---|
| Application form | Same | Same |
| Website | canada.ca/eta | canada.ca/eta |
| Fee | CAD $7 | CAD $7 |
| Processing time | Minutes to 72 hours | Minutes to 72 hours |
| Required documents | Passport, payment card | Passport, payment card |
| Background questions | Same set | Same set |
| Validity on approval | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years |
The only practical difference is experience: If you have applied before, you know what to expect from the background questions and can complete the form more quickly. The questions about criminal history, health, and immigration history remain the same regardless of how many times you have applied.
One important consideration: If your circumstances have changed since your last application (for example, you now have a criminal conviction, you were previously denied entry to Canada, or you overstayed on a previous visit), you must answer the background questions honestly. IRCC compares new applications against its database, and inconsistencies can lead to denial or future complications.
Do You Need a New eTA If You Get a New Passport?
Yes. If you get a new passport for any reason, you must apply for a new Canada eTA – your old eTA is automatically invalidated when the passport it is linked to is no longer valid. This applies regardless of how much validity remained on the old eTA.
Common passport changes that require a new eTA:
- Passport renewal – your passport expired or is about to expire, and you received a new one
- Name change – you changed your name (marriage, legal name change, gender transition) and received a new passport reflecting the change
- Lost or stolen passport – you reported your passport lost or stolen and received a replacement
- Damaged passport – your passport was damaged and you obtained a new one
- Passport correction – an error in your passport details required a new document
Important: Do not attempt to travel with an eTA linked to an old passport. The airline verifies your passport number against the eTA database at check-in. If the numbers do not match, you will be denied boarding.
What to do:
- Obtain your new passport first
- Apply for a new Canada eTA using the new passport number
- Wait for the eTA confirmation email before booking flights (or at least before your travel date)
- Travel with the passport you used for the eTA application
Tips for a Smooth Canada eTA Application Process
Following these practical tips will help ensure your Canada eTA application is processed quickly and without complications. Most delays and denials result from preventable errors in the application.
Before you apply:
- Check your passport expiry date – your passport must be valid for the duration of your trip. If it expires soon, renew it first and apply with the new passport
- Use the official website – always apply at canada.ca/eta. Avoid third-party websites that charge extra fees
- Have all information ready – passport number, travel dates, employment details, and background information
- Ensure your email is correct – typos in your email address mean you will not receive your confirmation
During the application:
- Answer all questions honestly – IRCC has access to immigration and security databases. False answers can lead to denial and future bans
- Double-check your passport number – a single digit error means the eTA will not match your passport at check-in
- Save your application number – write down or screenshot the confirmation number in case you need to check status later
- Pay with a valid card – ensure your credit or debit card has sufficient funds and is enabled for international transactions
After you apply:
- Check your email immediately – most approvals arrive within minutes, including in spam/junk folders
- Verify the details on your eTA – confirm the passport number and personal information are correct
- Print or save the confirmation – while the eTA is electronic, having a copy of the confirmation email provides peace of mind
- Check your eTA status before each trip – use canada.ca/eta to verify your eTA is still valid before flying
Frequently Asked Questions About Canada eTA Renewal
Can I renew my Canada eTA online?
You cannot “renew” a Canada eTA – you must apply for a new one. The process is entirely online at canada.ca/eta and follows the same steps as your original application. The fee is CAD $7 and most applications are approved within minutes.
How long before my eTA expires should I apply for a new one?
You can apply for a new eTA at any time, even if your current one has not expired. There is no requirement to wait for the old one to expire. If you have upcoming travel and your eTA is close to expiring, apply at least one to two weeks before your trip to allow for any additional processing time.
Do I need to cancel my old eTA before applying for a new one?
No. There is no cancellation process. When you apply for a new eTA with the same passport, the new application typically supersedes the old one. If you apply with a new passport, the old eTA (linked to the old passport) is automatically invalidated.
Will I be charged again if I apply for a new eTA?
Yes. Every Canada eTA application costs CAD $7, regardless of whether it is your first or a subsequent application. The fee is non-refundable. There is no discount or reduced fee for returning applicants.
Can I apply for a new eTA if my old one was denied?
Yes. You can reapply for a Canada eTA at any time, even after a denial. However, if your circumstances have not changed, the new application may also be denied. Review the reasons for the previous denial and address them before reapplying. If you were denied due to criminal inadmissibility, you may need to apply for Criminal Rehabilitation or a Temporary Resident Permit instead.
Is the application process the same as my first eTA?
Yes. The application form, fee (CAD $7), processing time, and requirements are identical whether it is your first eTA or a subsequent one. You use the same website (canada.ca/eta) and answer the same set of background questions.
What if my eTA expired while I was in Canada?
If your eTA expires while you are in Canada, it does not affect your current authorized stay. You can remain in Canada until the date specified by the border services officer when you entered. However, if you leave Canada after your eTA expires, you will need a new eTA to re-enter. Apply for the new eTA before your return flight.
Can I travel while my new eTA application is being processed?
No. You need a valid, approved eTA to board a flight to Canada. If your application is still being processed, the airline will not allow you to board. Always wait for the confirmation email before traveling. If your application requires additional processing (up to 72 hours), plan accordingly.
Do I need a new eTA if I only changed my email address?
No. Changing your email address does not invalidate your eTA. The eTA is linked to your passport number, not your email. However, if you need to check your eTA status or receive notifications, you should update your contact information through the IRCC web form.
Can someone else apply for a new eTA on my behalf?
Yes. A family member, friend, or travel agent can submit an eTA application on your behalf. However, you must provide your personal information, passport details, and answer the background questions yourself. The person submitting the application will need access to your information and a payment method for the CAD $7 fee. Be cautious of unofficial services that charge excessive fees.
How do I check if my current eTA is still valid?
Visit canada.ca/eta and select “Check your eTA status.” Enter your passport number, country of citizenship, and date of birth. The system will display your current eTA status and expiry date. You can also refer to the original confirmation email from IRCC.
What happens if I apply for a new eTA and it is denied?
If your new eTA application is denied, you will receive an email explaining the reason. Common reasons include criminal inadmissibility, previous immigration violations, or health concerns. Depending on the reason, you may be able to reapply, apply for a Temporary Resident Permit, or apply for a regular visa (Temporary Resident Visa) instead. The CAD $7 fee is not refunded on denial.
