How do I modify an eTA for travel to Canada?

The eTA is an electronic travel authorization, set up by the Canadian government, which aims to facilitate the administrative procedures for travelers wishing to visit Canada. In fact, thanks to the digital format of the ESTA, the traveler can complete their application online and the Canadian authorities can analyze the eTA application using electronic systems.

For a stay of less than 6 months in Canada : You can carry out the formalities for entering Canada directly via the Internet by clicking on the online form. It is not necessary to obtain an appointment at the Canadian embassy or consulate.

When a traveler obtains it, the eTA is valid for 5 years. However, over the years, the personal situation of the traveler evolves. It may then be that certain information present in the eTA document needs to be modified, because it simply no longer corresponds to reality. In this case, is it possible to modify the eTA? If not, what is the procedure for changing eTA?

Can I modify the eTA if my personal data has changed?

Unfortunately no. If your personal data (user name, first names, country, etc.) changes during the validity date of the eTA (5 years), you must submit a new request.

Only certain information (such as the telephone number or the maiden name) can be modified free of charge and without renewing the eTA. To change your contact details on the eTA, you must complete an online request form. However, it is the Canadian government that will decide whether the request is still valid or not.

The same applies to the change of passport. If the passport number you previously used to obtain the eTA no longer matches your current passport number, you must change the eTA. To do this, you will have to reapply for an eTA by filling out the online form a second time and paying your application fees again.

Canadian authorities require that the passport number entered on the eTA be the same as the passport with which the traveler wishes to travel to Canada. Why ? Because your eTA authorization will be electronically linked to the passport. When you arrive on Canadian soil, customs will check your eTA by scanning the chip in your electronic or biometric passport.

Can I modify the eTA after having made a mistake in the copy of my information?

If you have not proceeded to the payment of the AVE form, you can always modify the errors committed in the eTA.

However, if the eTA payment has already been made, unfortunately you cannot turn back.

How to avoid having to change the eTA?

First, it is essential that you take the time to complete your eTA application form. An error quickly arrived and it would be a pity to have to pay the document fees again ($7 Canadian) and to wait once again for the response from the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship).

We advise you to check that you meet the conditions required to obtain an eTA (travel or transit through Canada by air and for a maximum of 6 months) and to have a valid passport.

At the end of the filling, the official site of the Canadian government will propose to you to check the AVE and the completeness of the answers which you brought to it. Do not miss this decisive step, because it may be this step that will allow you to detect copy errors.

If you would like support in filling out the online form, our partner’s private site offers personalized help in filling out and correcting your form before sending it.

How to modify the eTA after having obtained a refusal?

If you have received a refused eTA application, it means that you are not authorized to travel to Canada and that you are therefore not authorized to modify your eTA.

However, being unable to change your eTA does not mean that you will never be able to discover Canada. Indeed, most travelers need a Canadian visa or an eTA travel authorization to travel to Canadian soil by plane.

For people who do not have access to the eTA, simply apply for a Canadian visa from the consular services of the Canadian embassy or consulate.

In order to obtain a visa, make sure you meet these conditions:

• possess a valid passport;
• not be a carrier of any disease;
• not have been guilty of criminal activity or immigration offences;
• prove to the consular officer that the reason for your trip is not to settle illegally and that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay.