Foreign workers navigating Canada's entry requirements at a busy airport
On This Page You Will Find:
- Clear breakdown of when you need an eTA versus a visitor visa as a foreign worker
- Complete list of countries exempt from eTA requirements and special cases
- Step-by-step process for getting your entry documents with your work permit
- 2026 updates including new Qatar exemption and cost changes
- Money-saving tips to avoid duplicate applications and unnecessary fees
Summary:
Planning to work in Canada but confused about whether you need an eTA or visitor visa? You're not alone – thousands of foreign workers face this exact dilemma every year. The good news: if you're applying for a work permit, your entry document (eTA or visa) gets processed automatically at no extra cost. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly which document you need based on your citizenship, reveals the countries with special exemptions, and shows you how to navigate the 2026 requirements without costly mistakes. Whether you're from a visa-exempt country flying into Toronto or a visa-required nation crossing by land, you'll know exactly what documents to prepare and how much to budget.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Work permit holders get their eTA or visitor visa automatically – no separate application needed
- Citizens from 60+ countries only need a $7 eTA for air travel to Canada
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents are completely exempt from eTA requirements
- Qatar citizens can now apply for eTA instead of visitor visa (effective November 2025)
- Land border crossings don't require eTA – only air travel does
Maria Rodriguez stared at her laptop screen at midnight, frantically googling whether she needed both a work permit AND a visa to start her new job in Vancouver. As a Spanish software engineer, she'd already spent weeks gathering documents for her work permit application. Now she was panicking about additional visa requirements and fees.
If you've ever felt this same confusion, you're experiencing what immigration lawyers call "document overwhelm" – and it affects nearly 400,000 foreign workers who come to Canada each year.
Here's what Maria (and you) need to know: Canada has streamlined the process so your entry document comes with your work permit approval. No separate applications, no double fees, no administrative nightmares.
Understanding Canada's Two-Document System
When you're coming to Canada for work, think of it like needing two keys to unlock the same door. You need:
- A work permit (your legal right to work in Canada)
- An entry document (your legal right to enter Canada)
The entry document is either an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa, depending on your citizenship and how you're traveling to Canada.
Here's the relief: if you're approved for a work permit, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) automatically processes your entry document. You don't pay twice, and you don't apply twice.
Who Needs an eTA vs. Visitor Visa
eTA Requirements: The $7 Solution
If you're a citizen of a visa-exempt country and flying to Canada, you need an eTA. This electronic authorization costs just CAD $7 and covers citizens from:
Major European Countries:
- All European Union member states (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, etc.)
- United Kingdom and Ireland
- Switzerland and Norway
Asia-Pacific Region:
- Japan and South Korea
- Australia and New Zealand
- Singapore and Taiwan
The Americas:
- Mexico and Chile
- Most Caribbean nations
The complete list includes over 60 countries. If you're unsure about your country's status, check the official IRCC website using your specific nationality.
Visitor Visa Requirements: The Traditional Route
Citizens from visa-required countries need a visitor visa instead of an eTA. This includes:
- Most African nations
- Many Asian countries (China, India, Philippines, etc.)
- Several South American countries
- Some Eastern European nations
The visitor visa process is more comprehensive than eTA but gets processed simultaneously with your work permit application.
Special Exemptions: The Lucky Few
U.S. Citizens: You're completely exempt from both eTA and visitor visa requirements. Just bring a valid U.S. passport when you travel.
U.S. Permanent Residents: If you hold a valid green card, you're also exempt from eTA requirements. Carry your green card and valid passport from your country of citizenship.
Qatar Citizens (2026 Update): As of November 25, 2025, Qatar joined the visa-exempt list. Qatari citizens can now apply for an eTA instead of a visitor visa when traveling by air.
The Automatic Processing Advantage
Here's where Canada's system becomes beautifully simple. When you submit your work permit application, IRCC's system automatically:
- Determines your entry document needs based on your citizenship
- Processes your eTA or visa application alongside your work permit
- Issues both documents together if approved
- Charges no additional fees for the entry document
This means Maria, our Spanish software engineer, only needed to apply for her work permit. Her eTA was processed automatically at no extra cost.
Air Travel vs. Land/Sea Entry
The eTA requirement has one crucial limitation: it only applies to air travel.
If you're flying to Canada: You need either an eTA (visa-exempt countries) or visitor visa (visa-required countries).
If you're entering by land or sea: You don't need an eTA, regardless of your citizenship. This includes:
- Driving across the U.S.-Canada border
- Taking a bus or train from the United States
- Arriving by cruise ship or ferry
- Any other non-air entry method
However, visa-required country citizens still need a visitor visa even for land/sea entry.
Cost Breakdown and Validity Periods
eTA Costs and Duration:
- Application fee: CAD $7
- Validity: Up to 5 years or until passport expiration
- Multiple entries allowed
- Processing time: Usually within minutes
Visitor Visa Costs:
- No additional cost when processed with work permit
- Validity: Typically matches work permit duration
- Multiple entries allowed
- Processing time: Same as work permit processing
Work Permit Fees:
- Standard work permit: CAD $155
- Open work permit: CAD $255
- Biometrics fee: CAD $85 (if required)
Essential Travel Documents Checklist
When you travel to Canada, carry these documents:
Always Required:
- Valid passport (same one used for applications)
- Letter of introduction from IRCC
- Work permit (if already issued)
Additional for eTA Holders:
- Confirmation of your eTA (though it's linked electronically to your passport)
Additional for Visa Holders:
- Visitor visa (stamped in passport or separate document)
For U.S. Citizens/Residents:
- Valid U.S. passport
- Green card (if applicable)
Common Mistakes That Cost Time and Money
Using Different Passports: If you applied with one passport and travel with another, you'll face entry problems. The eTA or visa is linked to your specific passport number.
Assuming eTA Works for All Travel: Remember, eTA only covers air travel. If you fly to the U.S. and then drive to Canada, you don't need the eTA for the Canada entry portion.
Applying Separately: Don't apply for an eTA or visitor visa separately if you're also applying for a work permit. You'll end up paying unnecessary fees.
Ignoring Passport Expiration: If your passport expires before your eTA's 5-year validity, the eTA becomes invalid when the passport expires.
2026 Updates and Changes
Qatar Exemption: The biggest recent change affects Qatari citizens, who can now use the simpler eTA system instead of applying for visitor visas.
Processing Improvements: IRCC has streamlined the automatic processing system, reducing delays between work permit approval and entry document issuance.
Digital Integration: Enhanced electronic systems now better link eTAs to passport information, reducing border processing times.
What Happens If Your Application Is Denied
If your work permit is denied, your eTA or visitor visa application is automatically cancelled. However, if you have a valid eTA from a previous application, it remains valid for its original duration.
If only your entry document is denied (rare), you can reapply specifically for the eTA or visitor visa without resubmitting your entire work permit application.
Planning Your Timeline
For eTA Processing: Most eTAs are approved within minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before travel as a safety buffer.
For Visitor Visa Processing: Processing times vary by country but typically align with work permit processing (4-12 weeks for most applications).
Rush Situations: If you need to travel urgently and your work permit is approved but entry documents are delayed, contact IRCC immediately. Emergency processing may be available in genuine urgent situations.
Conclusion
Understanding Canada's eTA and visitor visa requirements doesn't have to be complicated. The key insight: if you're applying for a work permit, your entry document gets handled automatically. Focus your energy on preparing a strong work permit application, and let the system take care of your entry authorization.
Whether you're like Maria, stressing over multiple applications, or planning months ahead, remember that Canada designed this system to be worker-friendly. Your biggest decision is simply understanding which category your citizenship falls into – and now you have that knowledge.
The 2026 updates, particularly the Qatar exemption, show Canada's continued commitment to simplifying immigration for skilled workers. As you prepare for your Canadian work opportunity, you can move forward confidently knowing exactly which documents you need and how the process works.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to apply for both a work permit and an eTA/visitor visa separately when coming to Canada for work?
No, you don't need to submit separate applications. When you apply for a work permit, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) automatically processes your entry document (either an eTA or visitor visa) at the same time. This means you only pay the work permit fee (CAD $155 for standard permits) and don't pay additional costs for the entry document. The system determines what you need based on your citizenship and processes everything together. This streamlined approach saves you from the hassle of multiple applications and prevents duplicate fees. However, make sure you're using the same passport for both applications and travel, as your entry authorization is linked to your specific passport number.
Q: I'm from Germany and flying to Toronto for work - do I need an eTA or visitor visa, and how much will it cost?
As a German citizen, you need an eTA since Germany is a visa-exempt country and you're traveling by air. The great news is that when you apply for your work permit, your eTA gets processed automatically at no additional cost - you won't pay the usual CAD $7 eTA fee. Your eTA will be valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, allowing multiple entries to Canada. If you were driving across the U.S.-Canada border instead of flying, you wouldn't need an eTA at all - the requirement only applies to air travel. Remember to carry your passport and the letter of introduction from IRCC when you travel, as your eTA is electronically linked to your passport.
Q: What's new for Qatar citizens applying for Canadian work permits in 2026?
Starting November 25, 2025, Qatar citizens gained a significant advantage in the Canadian immigration process. Qatar joined the visa-exempt country list, meaning Qatari citizens can now apply for a simple eTA instead of the more complex visitor visa process when traveling to Canada by air. This change reduces processing complexity and aligns Qatar with other Gulf countries in Canada's visa policy. For work permit applicants, this means Qatari citizens now benefit from the automatic eTA processing system - their eTA gets issued automatically with their work permit approval at no extra cost. This represents a major simplification from the previous visitor visa requirements and demonstrates Canada's efforts to strengthen ties with Qatar while making immigration more accessible for skilled workers.
Q: I hold a U.S. green card but I'm originally from India - what entry documents do I need for my Canadian work permit?
As a U.S. permanent resident (green card holder), you're completely exempt from both eTA and visitor visa requirements, regardless of your original citizenship. This exemption applies even though India is typically a visa-required country for Canadian entry. You'll only need to apply for your work permit (CAD $155 for standard permits), and no entry document will be processed automatically since none is required. When traveling to Canada, carry both your valid passport from your country of citizenship (India) and your valid U.S. green card. This exemption works for all types of travel - air, land, or sea entry. The green card exemption is one of Canada's most generous policies, recognizing the established status of U.S. permanent residents.
Q: What happens if I need to travel to Canada urgently but my work permit is approved and my eTA/visitor visa is still processing?
While the automatic processing system typically issues entry documents simultaneously with work permit approvals, delays can occasionally occur due to technical issues or additional verification requirements. If you face this situation, contact IRCC immediately through their web form or call center, clearly explaining the urgency. IRCC may offer emergency processing for genuine urgent situations, such as immediate job start dates or family emergencies. However, prevention is better - apply at least 72 hours before travel even with automatic processing. If you have a previously issued eTA that's still valid (eTAs last up to 5 years), you can use it for travel. For visitor visas, emergency processing is more complex and may require additional documentation proving the urgency of your travel.
Q: Can I use my eTA if I fly to the United States first and then drive across the Canadian border?
No, you don't need your eTA for land border crossings, even if you originally flew to North America. The eTA requirement only applies to direct air travel to Canada. If you fly to the United States and then cross into Canada by car, bus, train, or any other land method, the eTA isn't required for that portion of your journey. However, you still need your work permit documentation and passport for the border crossing. This flexibility is particularly useful for travelers who want to visit the U.S. before starting work in Canada or those who find cheaper flights to U.S. airports near the Canadian border. Visa-required country citizens still need their visitor visa for land crossings, but eTA holders can cross by land without using their eTA.
Q: What documents should I carry when traveling to Canada with my work permit, and what are the most common mistakes that cause entry problems?
Always carry your valid passport (the exact same one used in your applications), your letter of introduction from IRCC, and your work permit if it's already been issued. The most critical mistake is using a different passport than the one in your application - your eTA or visitor visa is electronically linked to your specific passport number, and using a different passport will cause entry problems. Other common mistakes include assuming your eTA works for land travel (it doesn't), not checking passport expiration dates (your eTA becomes invalid when your passport expires), and forgetting to bring the letter of introduction. For U.S. citizens and permanent residents, carry your U.S. passport and green card if applicable. Border officers can access your information electronically, but having physical copies prevents delays and demonstrates preparedness.
