Canada Shares Immigration Information with the United States under New Electronic Travel Authorization Program: Comments FWCanada

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FWCanada- Canadian Law Firm

It's good to see that the Canadian government is making efforts to upgrade its border services with new technology to increase security and efficiency.

Montreal, Quebec (PRWEB) February 01, 2014

Beginning in 2015, Citizenship and Immigration (CIC) plans to launch the Electronic Travel Authorization Program (eTA), which requires travellers who do not need an entry visa to obtain online authorization before arriving in the country as stated in an official release on December 6, 2013. CIC says that the eTA is established to enhance border security, as stated in the joint Beyond the Border Action Plan issued by both the Canadian and U.S governments. U.S citizens will be exempted from this program, and Canadian citizens will be exempted from a similar program run by the U.S government.

In the meantime, CIC encourages the public to give input to the eTA before its implementation, and points out the success of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization in the early detection of suspicious travellers who may pose a danger to border security. CIC also states that travellers will enjoy faster processing of their documents at the Canadian border with the eTA, as they will be required to enter online the necessary passport and background information prior to their arrival at the border, as reported in the Globe and Mail on December 10, 2013.

"It's good to see that the Canadian government is making efforts to upgrade its border services with new technology to increase security and efficiency," said Marisa Feil, supervising attorney at FWCanada, a Montreal-based immigration law firm. "Nonetheless, it is important for the Canadian government to show foreign travellers that their personal information is used responsibly."

According to the Canada Gazette on December 7, 2013, CIC will charge a cost recovery fee to foreign nationals, but it is expected to be a minimal amount. Once an eTA is granted, it will be valid for five years. However, officials at the Canadian Border Services Agency retain the authority to cancel it at any time. If a foreign traveller does not receive an eTA, he/she will be referred to an officer for further examination.

CIC forecasts that it will receive about three million eTA applications per year beginning in April 2015, and expects that most applications for the eTA will be approved, as stated in the official notice on December 6, 2013. CIC also assures travellers that it will work with the air and tourism industries, and that they will be informed about the new change.

About FWCanada:
FWCanada is a Canadian Immigration Law Firm which provides expertise in immigration services such as Temporary Resident Permits, Criminal Rehabilitation, Study Permits and Work Permits. Marisa Feil and her team ensure that each case is closely evaluated to determine the most relevant program. For more information, contact FWCanada at 1-855-316-3555.

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