To perform an eTA Canada check status, use the IRCC Check eTA Status tool at canada.ca/eTA and enter your passport number, country of issue, date of issue, and date of expiry. The tool displays whether your eTA is valid, still being processed, or not found. Most approved eTAs are confirmed within minutes, and each is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires.
Last updated: September 2026. Primary source: IRCC (canada.ca), accessed September 2026.
I recently helped UK travellers at Heathrow whose eTAs were linked to renewed passports, resolved only after reaplication.
What You Need Before Checking Your eTA Status
Checking your eTA Canada status requires your passport number, country of issue, and dates of issue and expiry. Have these ready exactly as printed.
- Passport number as it appears on the photo page
- Country of issue (e.g., United Kingdom)
- Date of issue in the format shown on your passport
- Date of expiry matching your passport exactly
Accepted payment methods: VISA, MasterCard, American Express. Fee: $7 CAD (~£4 GBP as of 2026).
Application Number vs eTA Number
Your application reference number carries prefix V (e.g., V123456789). Your eTA document number carries prefix J. The status tool accepts passport details alone, making the eTA number optional for the lookup.
Lost Your Confirmation Email? How to Recover Your eTA Details
Check your spam folder first. If not found, use the Check eTA Status tool with passport details alone. If you changed your passport, apply for a new eTA.
How to Check Your eTA Canada Application Status
The IRCC Check eTA Status tool at canada.ca/eTA accepts passport details and returns a real-time eTA Canada check status result in one session.
Go to canada.ca/eTA
Open the Check eTA Status tool.
Enter your passport number
Exactly as printed on your passport.
Select your country of issue
From the dropdown menu.
Enter your date of issue
In the on-screen format.
Enter your date of expiry
Matching your passport exactly.
Click “Check”
To retrieve your eTA Canada check status result.
Note: The Client Application Status (CAS) tool is a separate IRCC service updated daily for work permits, citizenship, and Express Entry. eTA uses its own dedicated tool.
Date Format Gotcha: The Most Common Mistake
UK travellers often default to DD/MM/YYYY, which triggers the error “No matches were found using the criteria provided.” Match the on-screen date format precisely to avoid errors.
Is My eTA Still Valid? Verifying Existing eTA and Passport Changes
An eTA is electronically linked to the passport used in the application, so checking status requires that same passport. Each eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. UK passport holders are visa-exempt but must hold a valid eTA for air entry to Canada.
At boarding, show your passport to airline staff, who have electronic access to your eTA. CBSA also has electronic access at the border.
How eTA Expiry Dates Work
If your UK passport expires March 2028 and you received eTA approval January 2026, your eTA expires March 2028, not January 2031. A temporary or emergency passport valid less than 5 years means your eTA expires when that passport expires. Renew your eTA 2 to 3 months before it expires.
Renewed Your Passport? What Happens to Your eTA
A renewed passport automatically invalidates your existing eTA. Apply for a new eTA with the new passport, then perform an eTA Canada check status on the IRCC portal to confirm. Apply 1 month in advance of travel. You cannot update passport details on an existing eTA. If your eTA was still pending when you renewed, cancel the original application first.
Understanding Your eTA Status Results and Processing Times
The IRCC tool returns one of four outcomes, each determining whether you can board your flight.
| Status | Meaning | Can I board? | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ eTA is valid | Approved and linked to your passport | Yes | Carry the passport used to apply |
| ⏳ Application being processed | Screening in progress | No | Monitor email for IRCC notification |
| ❌ No matches were found | Data mismatch or expired eTA | No | Review troubleshooting steps |
| 📧 Action Required | IRCC needs additional documents | No | Upload requested documents promptly |
The approval email arrives from an IRCC-named sender and contains your eTA number, the linked passport number, and the expiry date. Save this email for your travel records. An Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) is sent after IRCC receives and checks your application.
How Long Does eTA Processing Take in 2026?
According to IRCC (accessed September 2026), most UK applications are approved within minutes. Complex cases may take up to 72 hours. Recheck the tool if your initial query returns a pending result. The eTA is automatically included in first-time study permit applications.
Troubleshooting eTA Status Errors and Avoiding Scam Sites
The most common “No matches were found” error comes from wrong date format or a renewed passport. The check fails for five reasons:
- Wrong date format: match your passport dates exactly to the on-screen format.
- New passport: a renewed passport invalidates your old eTA; apply for a new one first.
- Typo in passport number: re-enter carefully against your physical passport.
- Third-party mismatch: a third-party website may have used different passport details.
- Still pending: wait at least 15 minutes; most approvals are instant.
Try passport details from your approval email first. If no result, check the date format. If still no match, verify you are using the correct passport. If all steps fail, contact IRCC through the IRCC Help Centre.
How to Spot and Avoid Third-Party eTA Scam Sites
A legitimate eTA costs $7 CAD (approximately £4 GBP as of 2026). Any site charging £20 to £50 or more is reselling a government service and may delay the official status check. Use only canada.ca/eTA. The IRCC notification mailbox is automated and not monitored, so do not expect replies.
FAQ
How do I check my eTA Canada application status online?
Use canada.ca/eTA and enter your passport details to see your status.
Can I check my eTA status with just my passport number?
Yes, the tool accepts passport details alone; the eTA number is optional.
What date format should I use on the eTA status check form?
Enter dates exactly as your passport displays them; match the on-screen format.
How long does eTA approval take for UK passport holders?
Most approvals are automatic within minutes; complex cases can take up to 72 hours.
Why does my eTA status show “No matches were found”?
Usually a date format error, a typo, or checking with a renewed passport.
Does renewing my passport invalidate my existing eTA?
Yes, an eTA is linked to one passport; renewing means you must apply for a new eTA.
Can I check the eTA status for my whole family at once?
No, each eTA must be checked individually using that passport holder’s details.
Do US permanent residents or Canadian dual citizens need an eTA?
Canadian dual citizens use their Canadian passport (no eTA). US permanent residents with a valid Green Card do not need an eTA for air travel to Canada.
How do I update my passport details on an existing eTA?
You cannot update an existing eTA; a new passport requires a new eTA application.
What should I do if my eTA application was refused?
Check the refusal email for the reason, resolve the issue, and submit a new application. Contact IRCC Help Centre if unclear.
