UK nationals studying in Canada for under 6 months at a Designated Learning Institution need only a CAD $7 eTA. Programmes lasting 6 months or longer require a CAD $150 study permit from IRCC. Temporary workers always need a work permit; an eTA alone never authorises employment.
The eTA costs far less than a study permit and is usually approved within minutes. Confusing the two can lead to refused boarding by carrier enforcement or denial of entry at Canadian border control.
Published: 8 September 2026 | Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or IRCC. Always verify requirements on the official canada.ca website.
What Is a Canada eTA and Do UK Students Need One?
Canada’s eTA costs CAD $7, is valid for up to 5 years, and does not guarantee entry. It is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. The eTA Canada for UK students is available because the UK is a visa-exempt country, but a CBSA officer retains final authority at the port of entry. Do not confuse this with the UK’s own ETA system, which costs £20 and lasts 2 years.
The eTA Canada for UK students covers tourism, business visits, transit, and short-term study under 6 months. It never authorises employment. The table below compares all three entry documents side by side.
| Canada eTA | Study Permit | Work Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-exempt UK nationals visiting or studying under 6 months | UK students in programmes of 6 months or longer at a DLI | UK temporary workers in any paid role |
| CAD $7 | CAD $150 + biometrics CAD $85 | From CAD $155 (employer-specific) or CAD $255 (open) + biometrics CAD $85 |
| 5 years or until passport expiry | Duration of programme + 90 days | Varies by category |
| Typically within minutes | 8 to 16 weeks | 2 to 12 weeks |
| No | Limited on-campus and off-campus | Yes, per permit conditions |
| Not required | Required (CAD $85) | Required (CAD $85) |
When UK Students Need an eTA vs a Study Permit for Canada
UK students attending programmes shorter than 6 months at a Designated Learning Institution can enter Canada with just an eTA; courses of 6 months or longer require a study permit.
Programmes under 6 months at a DLI need only an eTA; programmes of 6 months or longer need a study permit. DLI numbers must appear on permit applications.
Obtain an acceptance letter from a DLI
Note its DLI number for your permit application.
Apply via the IRCC study permit portal
Submit your application through the IRCC study permit portal.
Pay the fees
Pay the CAD $150 permit fee plus CAD $85 biometrics fee.
Attend a biometrics appointment
Visit a UK Visa Application Centre (VFS Global).
Receive a decision within 8 to 16 weeks
Check current processing times.
Biometrics are NOT required for an eTA. A medical exam (Immigration Medical Examination, costing CAD $200 to $450) may apply to healthcare or teaching fields. Switching from visitor status to a study permit inside Canada is generally not permitted (“flagpoling”).
When IRCC approves a study permit for a visa-exempt UK citizen, it automatically issues eTA Canada for UK students with no separate application. Renewing your passport after permit approval requires a new eTA.
eTA vs Work Permit for UK Temporary Workers in Canada
An eTA never authorises employment in Canada. UK temporary workers must obtain an LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt work permit before starting any paid work.
Canadian work permits fall into two categories. An LMIA-based permit requires the employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment proving no Canadian citizen is available for the role. An LMIA-exempt permit covers scenarios such as intra-company transfers. Fees differ by type: an employer-specific work permit costs CAD $155, while an open work permit costs CAD $255. Processing typically takes 2 to 12 weeks depending on category and country of residence.
UK citizens aged 18 to 35 may qualify for the International Experience Canada (IEC) programme under the Young Professionals category, which combines a work permit with travel. Applications are submitted through the IRCC IEC portal.
When IRCC approves a work permit for a visa-exempt UK national, the eTA Canada for UK students is issued automatically and linked to the passport. No separate eTA application is required.
How to Apply for a Canada eTA from the UK
UK nationals apply online for a Canada eTA at a cost of CAD $7, with most decisions delivered within minutes. No biometrics or medical exam is required.
Gather a valid UK passport
eTA Canada for UK students is electronically linked to this document, so you must travel with the same passport used in your application.
Visit the IRCC eTA page on canada.ca
Submit your application at least 72 hours before departure via the IRCC eTA page.
Fill in personal and passport details
Complete the secure form with your personal and passport information.
Pay the CAD $7 fee
Pay by credit or debit card.
Receive confirmation by email
Typically within minutes. If your file is manually reviewed, processing can take up to 72 hours.
If an eTA Canada for UK students is refused, the applicant may apply for a Canadian visitor visa instead. Renewing your passport after approval invalidates the linked eTA, so submit a fresh application before booking flights to Canada.
FAQ: eTA Canada for UK Students
Can UK students work in Canada with just an eTA?
No. An eTA never authorises employment. A work permit is required for any paid work.
How much does a Canada eTA cost for UK students in 2026?
The fee for an eTA Canada for UK students in 2026 is CAD $7, payable by credit or debit card through the IRCC website at canada.ca.
How long is a Canada eTA valid?
A Canada eTA remains valid for 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Multiple entries are allowed during this period. Each stay can last up to 6 months, as determined by a CBSA officer at the port of entry.
Do children need a separate eTA for Canada?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants and children, requires their own individual eTA linked to their personal passport. There are no exemptions based on age.
Do I still need an eTA if I have a study permit?
IRCC automatically issues an eTA to visa-exempt nationals, including UK citizens, when a study or work permit is approved. No separate application is needed. If you renew your passport after permit approval, you may need to apply for a new eTA.
Can I switch from eTA visitor status to a study permit inside Canada?
Generally no. IRCC does not typically allow switching from visitor status to a study or work permit from within Canada. You may need to leave and reapply from outside the country.
What happens if I travel to Canada on an eTA when I need a study permit?
You risk being refused boarding by the airline or denied entry by a CBSA officer at the border. An eTA Canada for UK students covers only short-term study under 6 months at a DLI. Programmes of 6 months or longer require a full study permit.
Is the Canada eTA the same as the UK ETA?
No. Canada’s eTA costs CAD $7 with a 5-year validity, while the UK ETA costs £20 with a 2-year validity. They are entirely separate systems managed by different governments.
