Do I need to extend my eta if I am flying to another country for 3 days?

[angel321]

Hi, need your help!

Are there any rules that require minimum number of days to be out of the country then re-enter Canada? I have been staying here for almost 5 months now and I have plans to go to another country but only for 3 days.
Do I still need to apply for eta extension in this case or will it be automatic that I have another 6 months once I re-enter? (Since cic.gc.ca states I have to apply 30 days before every 6 months)

Thank you for replying!

 

[21Goose]

Hi, need your help!

Are there any rules that require minimum number of days to be out of the country then re-enter Canada? I have been staying here for almost 5 months now and I have plans to go to another country but only for 3 days.
Do I still need to apply for eta extension in this case or will it be automatic that I have another 6 months once I re-enter? (Since cic.gc.ca states I have to apply 30 days before every 6 months)

Thank you for replying!

There's no minimum number of days that you have to be out.

Is your ETA still valid? If it is valid, you don't need an extension. If it isn't valid any more, you should get a new ETA before you enter. ETA's don't get extended - you apply for an extension of status in Canada if you're in the country and it's been longer than six months, but if you're leaving the country, you just need a valid ETA to reenter.

That being said, CBSA can question you and ask why you're doing such a short trip outside - if they feel it's merely to reset the clock, they can give you a shorter visitor record (shorter than six months). However, if this is your first time trying to hop out of Canada and hop back in, it's quite likely that they will wave you through and give you a six-month extension.

 

[angel321]

Yes, it is still valid until Year 2022.

Alright, thank you for your response!

 

[Bs65]

As per 21Goose do not be surprised if CBSA do not ask a few more questions about your intentions if you have already been in the country for 5 months given they may suspect you are trying to live in Canada as a visitor and they may only let you stay on for weeks not months there is no way to predict. If allowed in this time around possibly not a good idea to chance your luck again later on or apply for an extension after this entry without spending an equal amount of time outside of Canada.

For clarification an ETA is just an authority valid 5 years from issue date that allows you to board a plane destined for Canada, it is not a visa or an authority to enter Canada, that decision is made by CBSA at the border/POE.