Travel from Italy to Canada with Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Canada is home to millions of visitors all over the globe. In fact, more than 20% of Italian use to visit Canada every year to enjoy some opportunities the country has to offer, including family and friends, students, businessmen and women, tourists, researchers, etc. If you wish to come to Canada for a temporary purpose, you may need a Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), unless you are a citizen from a “visa exempt” country

Eligibility Requirements for the Italian moving to Canada

Since Canada allows only certain foreign nationals to visit the country without a Visa, Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is necessary; you must be eligible for eTA only if you are a citizen of one of the countries you are going to see below: 

Citizen of any of these under-listed visa-exempt countries:

Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See (holders of a passport or travel document issued by the Holy See), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel (holders of Israeli national passport), Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania (holders of a biometric passport/e-passport issued by Lithuania), Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland (holders of a biometric passport/e-passport issued by Poland), Portugal, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (holders of the ordinary passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes their personal identification number).

                                       OR

A British citizen or British overseas citizen. British overseas territories include Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, St. Helena, or the Turks and Caicos Islands.

• Holder of a British National (Overseas) passport issued by the United Kingdom to persons born, naturalized, or registered in Hong Kong.
• British Subject or holder of a British Subject passport issued by the United Kingdom, which gives the holder the right of abode in the United Kingdom.
• Holder of Special Administrative Region passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
• Citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States with a Green card or any other proof of permanent residence.

If your country is not on the list of visa-exempt countries for Canada above, then you might be eligible for the Canadian Visa instead.

What Are the Required Documents for a Canada Visa?

Here are the required Documents for a Canadian visa:

• Your passport.
• Appropriate Canada visa application form.
• Proof of paid Canada visa fees.
• Evidence of clean criminal record.
• Proof of being in good health through a medical exam.
• Photographs in accordance with the photo requirements for a Canada visa.
• Proof of financial means.
• Proof you will return to your home country once the Canadian visa expires.
• Identity and Civil Status Documents.
• A cover letter that explains the purpose of your travel to Canada.
• Letter of support/invitation to Canada.

However, some Italians will like to travel to Canada for studies, tourists, visits, business, etc which may last up to three years are also required to have a Canada visa. Let's look at Italian visiting Canada for reasons.

Italians Visiting Canada for Work

In order for Italians visiting Canada to obtain work, they must first acquire a work permit while still in Italy. A work permit will not be issued once the individual has landed in Canada.

To apply for a work permit, the applicant must submit the same documents as they would for a temporary resident visa, but they must also include a letter from the employer proving the date of hire, type of employment, position held, and leave approval.

These documents must be accompanied by an official translation in French or English. In addition, the applicant must also submit his or her biometrics (photo and fingerprints) to obtain the permit. Finally, a fee must be paid before the processing of the application can begin.

Italians Visiting Canada to Study

Foreign students wishing to study in Canada need a study permit. In order to receive their study permit on time for registration, individuals are encouraged to apply for the permit at the time they receive their letter of acceptance from the Canadian academic institution to which they have applied.

In addition to the application form, you must submit proof of acceptance, proof of identity, proof of sufficient funds, biometrics, plus a letter of explanation, if applicable. For those aged 18 or older, a police certificate (Casellario Giudiziale and Carichi Pendent) must also be provided. In some cases, a personal interview or medical exam may be requested.

Note: a study permit is typically valid for the entire term of the study program, plus an additional 90 days.

International Experience Canada

International Experience Canada (IEC) is valid for those between the age of 18 and 35 years, in both Canada and Italy. Individuals can participate only once in this program, and do so with the intention of learning about the culture, language, and customs of the country.

Italians visiting Canada under this program are granted an open work permit for a period of up to 12 months, which allows them to seek and obtain employment in the country during this time. Eligibility requirements include being a permanent resident of Italy. Those wishing to take part in the IEC program must submit a completed application and pay a participation fee.

Assistance

Italians visiting Canada in need of assistance can contact the Canadian Embassy in Rome. Italian embassies in Canada can be found in the cities of Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, and Vancouver.

Some likely Questions about Canadian visas and

eTA.

Does an approved eTA guarantee entry into Canada?

No, an eTA only guarantees that you can board a flight to Canada. The border officials at the airport can deny you entry if you do not have all your documents, such as your passport, in order, if you pose any health or financial risk, and if you have previous criminal/terrorist history or previous immigration issues.

Can the applicant correct a mistake on their Canada eTA application?

No, in case of any mistake, a fresh application for Canada eTA must be submitted. However, if you haven’t received the final decision on your first application, a fresh application might cause delays.

Can one apply for the eTA on somebody else’s behalf?

The parent or legal guardian of someone below 18 may apply for them on their behalf. You need their passport, contact, travel, employment, and other background information. You would also need to specify in the application that you are applying on somebody else’s behalf and your relationship with them.

What should the applicant do if their application for the Canada eTA is rejected?

In such a case, you can try applying for a Canada Visa from the Canadian Embassy or Canada Consulate.

How do I apply for Canada  Electronic Travel Authorization?

The application process for the Canada eTA is entirely online. The application has to be filled with relevant details online and submitted after the application payment is made. The applicant will be notified of the result of the application via email.

Are there any age requirements for the Canada eTA?

No, there are no age requirements. If you are eligible for the Canada eTA, you need to obtain it to travel to Canada regardless of your age.

Do I need a Canada eTA if arriving by a cruise ship or by driving across a border?

No, you do not need Canada eTA if you intend to travel on a cruise ship to Canada. An eTA is required for travelers who are only arriving in Canada via commercial or chartered flights.

In what other situations does one need to re-apply for the Canada eTA?

Other than in case of receiving a new passport, you also need to re-apply for the Canada eTA in case your previous eTA has expired after 5 years, or you have changed your name, sex, or nationality.

Is my Canada visa valid on a new passport or do I need to apply again?

You will need to again apply for the new one if you have received a new passport since your last visa approval.

How long does it take to get an eTA approved?

Most eTA applications are approved within 24 hours, however, some could take up to 72 hours. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will contact you if further information is required to process your application.

What are the criteria and evidence for getting Canada eTA Visa?

You must have a valid passport, and be in good health.

Does an Italian citizen need a visa for Canada?

Italian citizens are required to apply for a Canada eTA visa to enter Canada for visits for up to 90 days for tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes. eTA Canada Visa from Italy is not optional but a mandatory requirement for all Italian citizens traveling to the country for short stays.

Can I live in Canada with an Italian passport?

Luckily, Italians don't need a visa to travel to Canada but will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Once you've been authorized, the eTA should be valid for 5 years but keep in mind that each visit to Canada is limited to 180 days unless you apply for permanent residency.

Conclusion

The article "Travel from Italy to Canada with Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)" is a post that lists what Italian citizens to travel to the country of Canada should have.

The post went further to analyze the eligibility requirements for Canadian visas, the list of Canada visa exemption countries, those Italian visiting Canada for studies, work, etc. some frequently asked questions by applicants.