Canadian citizens can legally help relatives apply for travel authorization
On This Page You Will Find:
- Complete step-by-step process for applying on behalf of relatives and friends
- Essential requirements and information you must have ready
- Common mistakes that delay applications and how to avoid them
- Cost breakdown and processing timeline expectations
- Expert tips to ensure smooth approval for your loved ones
Summary:
Canadian citizens can legally help non-Canadian relatives and friends apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) - and many don't realize this option exists. Whether you're assisting elderly parents who struggle with online forms or helping friends navigate the $7 CAD application process, IRCC explicitly permits this assistance. Most applications get approved within minutes when completed correctly, but entering wrong passport details or email addresses can cause significant delays. This guide reveals the exact steps, required information, and insider tips to successfully submit eTA applications for your international loved ones.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Canadian citizens can legally complete eTA applications for non-Canadian relatives and friends
- You must declare yourself as a representative at the start of the application process
- Enter the applicant's email address (not yours) so IRCC communicates directly with them
- Applications cost only $7 CAD and most are approved within minutes
- Have all passport and travel information ready before starting - forms cannot be saved
Maria Santos stared at her phone, frustrated. Her 68-year-old mother in the Philippines had been trying to complete her eTA application for three days, but kept getting confused by the online form. "Can't you just do it for me?" her mother asked during their video call. Like many Canadian citizens, Maria wondered if helping with government applications was even allowed.
The answer might surprise you: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) not only permits this assistance - they've built the system specifically to accommodate it.
Understanding eTA Representative Applications
An Electronic Travel Authorization serves as a digital entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. While the application process is designed to be straightforward, language barriers, technical challenges, or unfamiliarity with Canadian immigration terminology can create obstacles for international applicants.
IRCC recognizes these challenges and has created a formal pathway for Canadian citizens to assist their relatives and friends. This isn't a workaround or gray area - it's an officially supported feature of the eTA system.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Representatives
Starting the Application
When you access the eTA application portal, you'll encounter a crucial initial question: "Are you a representative or a parent/guardian applying on behalf of an eTA applicant?"
Your answer here determines the entire application flow. Select "yes" to proceed as a representative.
Special Considerations for Minor Children
If you're applying for someone under 18 years old, you'll see an additional question: "Are you applying on behalf of a minor child?" This triggers additional verification steps and parental consent requirements.
Answer "yes" if applicable, as this ensures the application follows proper protocols for minor applicants.
Representative Information Section
After declaring your representative status, the system will request your personal details. This section serves multiple purposes:
- Identity Verification: IRCC needs to know who is completing the application
- Contact Trail: Creates an audit trail for the application process
- Accountability: Ensures someone can be contacted if issues arise
Complete this section with your accurate information as the Canadian citizen representative.
Completing the Main Application
Once you've provided your representative details, you'll access the standard eTA application form. This is where you'll enter all information about the person who will be traveling to Canada.
Critical Requirements for Success
Passport Accuracy is Everything
The most common reason for eTA delays or rejections involves passport information errors. Double-check every character of the passport number, ensuring you distinguish between similar-looking characters like:
- The number "0" versus the letter "O"
- The number "1" versus the letter "I" or "L"
- The number "8" versus the letter "B"
Even a single incorrect character will cause problems at the airport, potentially preventing your relative or friend from boarding their flight to Canada.
Email Address Strategy
Here's where many well-intentioned representatives make a crucial mistake: they enter their own email address instead of the applicant's.
You must enter your relative or friend's email address in the Contact Details section. IRCC will send all official communications - including the eTA approval - directly to the applicant. This serves important legal and practical purposes:
- Legal Compliance: The eTA belongs to the traveler, not the representative
- Direct Communication: IRCC needs to communicate directly with the person entering Canada
- Documentation: The traveler needs their own copy of the approval for travel
Information Preparation Checklist
Before starting the application, gather these essential details about your relative or friend:
Personal Information:
- Full legal name (exactly as it appears on passport)
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Gender
- Marital status
Passport Details:
- Passport number
- Country of issue
- Issue date and expiry date
- Previous passport information (if applicable)
Contact Information:
- Current address
- Email address (theirs, not yours)
- Phone number
Travel and Background Information:
- Employment details
- Previous travel to Canada
- Any criminal history or medical conditions
- Purpose of visit to Canada
Understanding Costs and Processing
Financial Investment
The eTA application fee is $7 CAD per person. This fee is non-refundable, even if the application is refused. Payment must be made by credit or debit card during the online application process.
Processing Timeline Expectations
IRCC processes most eTA applications within minutes of submission. However, some applications may require additional review, which can take several days or weeks.
Factors that might trigger extended processing include:
- Previous immigration violations
- Criminal history
- Medical inadmissibility concerns
- Incomplete or inconsistent information
- Technical system issues
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
The "Save and Continue Later" Myth
Unlike many online forms, eTA applications cannot be saved for completion later. Once you start, you must finish the entire application in one session. This means having all required information ready before you begin.
If you lose your internet connection or accidentally close the browser, you'll need to start completely over.
Multiple Application Confusion
Each person needs their own individual eTA, even if they're traveling together. You cannot apply for multiple family members on a single application form.
If you're helping several relatives, you'll need to complete separate applications for each person, paying the $7 fee for each application.
Timing Your Application
While most eTAs are approved quickly, don't wait until the last minute. Apply at least 72 hours before your relative or friend's planned departure to Canada. This buffer allows time to resolve any unexpected issues.
What Happens After Submission
Immediate Confirmation
Upon successful submission, you and the applicant will receive confirmation that the application has been received. This doesn't mean approval - it simply confirms the application is in the system.
Approval Notification
When approved, IRCC sends the eTA confirmation directly to the applicant's email address. This email contains crucial information they'll need for travel, including their eTA number.
Travel Documentation
The eTA is electronically linked to the applicant's passport. They don't need to print anything, but many travelers prefer to have a copy of the approval email for their records.
Special Situations and Considerations
Previous Visa Holders
If your relative or friend previously held a Canadian visa, they might still need an eTA depending on their current status and citizenship. The eTA system will guide you through these determinations.
Dual Citizens
Canadian citizens (including dual citizens) cannot apply for an eTA. They must enter Canada using their Canadian passport, regardless of any other citizenship they may hold.
Transit Passengers
Even travelers who are only transiting through Canada to reach another destination typically need an eTA, with limited exceptions for certain countries and circumstances.
Supporting Your Loved Ones Beyond the Application
Preparing for Travel
Once the eTA is approved, help your relative or friend understand what to expect:
- Airport check-in procedures
- Canadian border requirements
- Customs declarations
- Duration of authorized stay (typically up to six months)
Renewal Planning
eTAs are valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Help your loved ones track these dates to avoid last-minute renewal stress.
When Professional Help Makes Sense
While you can complete most eTA applications yourself, consider consulting an immigration professional if:
- The applicant has a complex immigration history
- Previous applications were refused
- There are criminal or medical inadmissibility concerns
- You're unsure about any aspect of the application
Conclusion
Helping your non-Canadian relatives and friends apply for an eTA represents more than just filling out a form - it's removing barriers that separate you from the people you care about most. The process is straightforward when you understand the requirements, but attention to detail makes the difference between smooth approval and frustrating delays.
Remember that while you can complete the application, the eTA belongs to your relative or friend. Ensure they receive all communications directly and understand their travel authorization before heading to Canada. With proper preparation and careful attention to passport details and contact information, you can successfully guide your loved ones through this essential step in their journey to visit you in Canada.
FAQ
Q: Can I legally apply for an eTA on behalf of my non-Canadian family members or friends?
Yes, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) explicitly permits Canadian citizens to complete eTA applications for their non-Canadian relatives and friends. When you start the application, you'll see a question asking "Are you a representative or a parent/guardian applying on behalf of an eTA applicant?" Simply select "yes" to proceed as an authorized representative. This isn't a loophole - it's an officially supported feature designed to help people who may struggle with language barriers, technical challenges, or unfamiliarity with Canadian immigration processes. You'll need to provide your own information as the representative first, then complete the main application with your relative or friend's details. This system is particularly helpful for elderly parents, friends with limited English proficiency, or anyone who finds online government forms challenging to navigate.
Q: What specific information do I need to gather before starting an eTA application for someone else?
Before beginning the application, collect all essential details about the traveler since eTA forms cannot be saved for later completion. You'll need their full legal name exactly as it appears on their passport, date and place of birth, gender, and marital status. Passport information is critical - gather the passport number, issuing country, issue and expiry dates, and any previous passport details if applicable. For contact information, you must use their email address (not yours) and their current address and phone number. Additionally, prepare employment details, information about any previous travel to Canada, and disclosure of any criminal history or medical conditions. Having their purpose of visit clearly defined also helps. Double-check passport numbers character by character, as distinguishing between similar characters like "0" versus "O" or "1" versus "I" is crucial - even one incorrect character can cause airport boarding issues later.
Q: How much does it cost to apply for an eTA for family members, and how long does processing take?
Each eTA application costs $7 CAD per person, payable only by credit or debit card during the online process. This fee is non-refundable even if the application gets refused, so accuracy is essential. You cannot apply for multiple family members on a single application - each person needs their own individual eTA and separate $7 payment. Most applications receive approval within minutes of submission, but some may require additional review taking several days or weeks. Factors triggering extended processing include previous immigration violations, criminal history, medical concerns, or incomplete information. To avoid last-minute stress, submit applications at least 72 hours before planned departure. The approved eTA remains valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, making it a worthwhile investment for relatives who visit Canada regularly. Processing is typically faster during weekdays compared to weekends and holidays.
Q: What's the biggest mistake people make when applying for eTAs for family members, and how can I avoid it?
The most critical error is entering your own email address instead of the applicant's in the contact section. Many representatives instinctively use their email thinking it's more convenient, but IRCC must communicate directly with the actual traveler for legal and practical reasons. The eTA approval, important updates, and any additional requests will be sent to whatever email address you enter in the applicant's contact information section. Use their email address so they receive their approval directly and have their own documentation for travel. The second major mistake involves passport details - even one incorrect character in the passport number creates problems at airport check-in when airlines verify eTA status against passport information. Before submitting, verify every passport detail twice, paying special attention to easily confused characters. Also remember that applications cannot be saved, so if you lose internet connection or accidentally close your browser, you'll start completely over and pay another $7 fee.
Q: Do I need to apply for separate eTAs if my family is traveling together to Canada?
Yes, every individual traveler needs their own eTA, regardless of age or family relationship, with one important exception: Canadian citizens cannot and should not apply for eTAs since they must enter Canada using their Canadian passport. This applies even to dual citizens who hold both Canadian and foreign passports. For traveling families, you'll complete separate applications for each non-Canadian family member, paying $7 CAD per person. Children, including infants, require individual eTAs with their own passports. If you're helping multiple relatives, gather each person's complete information separately and submit individual applications. The process becomes more efficient once you understand the form flow from the first application. While you can complete applications for multiple family members as their representative, each person receives their own eTA number electronically linked to their specific passport. Plan accordingly for costs - a family of four non-Canadian visitors would require four separate $7 applications totaling $28 CAD.
Q: What happens after I submit the eTA application for my relative, and what should they expect when traveling?
After submission, both you and the applicant receive immediate confirmation that IRCC has received the application. When approved, the eTA confirmation goes directly to the applicant's email address with their unique eTA number and important travel information. The eTA is electronically linked to their passport, so they don't need to print documentation, though many travelers keep a copy of the approval email for peace of mind. At the airport, airlines automatically verify eTA status when checking passengers in for Canada-bound flights - this is why passport accuracy during application is crucial. Upon arrival in Canada, border officers can access eTA information electronically, though travelers should be prepared to answer questions about their visit purpose and duration. The eTA typically allows stays up to six months, but the final decision rests with the border officer. Help your relative understand that having an approved eTA doesn't guarantee entry - they must still meet standard admissibility requirements including sufficient funds, ties to their home country, and a legitimate purpose for visiting Canada.
Q: Are there situations where I should seek professional help instead of applying for an eTA myself?
While most eTA applications are straightforward, certain circumstances warrant professional immigration assistance. Consult an immigration lawyer or consultant if your relative has a complex immigration history, including previous visa refusals, deportation orders, or overstaying in Canada or other countries. Criminal history, even minor offenses, can complicate applications and may require additional documentation or explanations that affect approval chances. Medical inadmissibility concerns, particularly communicable diseases or conditions requiring significant healthcare resources, also benefit from professional guidance. If previous eTA applications were refused, don't simply reapply with the same information - seek expert advice to address the underlying issues. Additionally, if you're uncertain about any application responses or your relative's eligibility status, professional consultation can prevent costly mistakes. Immigration consultants understand IRCC processing patterns and can identify potential red flags before submission. While the $7 application fee is modest, the consequences of incorrect applications can include travel delays, additional costs, and complications for future Canadian travel, making professional fees worthwhile in complex situations.
