How to Check Your eTA Status for IEC Travel to Canada

The short answer: yes, you need an eTA, even if you already have a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. The good news is that most IEC participants already have one automatically issued with their permit. 

Below, we break down three reliable ways to check your eTA status so you can travel with confidence.

Do IEC permit holders need an eTA? 

All visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada must have a valid eTA. For International Experience Canada (IEC) participants (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op), the eTA is usually issued at the same time as the work permit approval and is electronically linked to the passport you used in your application. 

That said, issues can arise – especially if you’ve renewed your passport since applying. That’s why checking your eTA before booking flights is essential.

How to Check you eTA Status

1. Check your Port of Entry (POE) Letter

Your POE Letter of Introduction is the first place to look. 

When you open the document, the first page typically displays: 

• Your eTA number

• The expiry date of the eTA 

If you see an eTA number listed, that means an eTA was issued with your IEC permit and is linked to the passport you used at the time of application. 

2. Log in to your IRCC account

Another way to confirm your eTA is through your IRCC online account (GCKey or sign-in partner). 

Once logged in: 

• Open your IEC application

• Navigate to your document or application details

• Look for the eTA or document status section 

Here, you’ll be able to see: 

• Whether your eTA is valid

• Which passport number it’s linked to 

If you’ve applied for a new eTA since receiving your IEC approval, it’s normal for the original one to appear as “not valid.” Only one eTA can be active per passport. 

3. Use the Government of Canada’s eTA status tool 

The online eTA status check tool is useful in specific situations, such as: 

• You applied for an eTA separately before receiving your IEC approval

• You obtained a new passport and applied for a new eTA 

This option is not recommended if your eTA was automatically issued with your IEC permit and you never received an eTA confirmation email. 

To use the tool, you’ll need: 

• Your eTA number (usually starts with a “J”)

• Passport details (number, country of issue, issue date, expiry date) 

Once submitted, your eTA should display as approved if everything is in order. 

New passport? You’ll need a new eTA 

This is one of the most common issues IEC travellers face. 

Your eTA is electronically linked to your passport, not your work permit. If you’ve renewed or replaced your passport since your IEC approval: 

• Your original eTA is no longer valid

• You must apply for a new eTA before flying 

Before you travel to Canada, take a moment to confirm that your eTA is approved, that it’s linked to the same passport you’ll be using to enter with, and that your passport will remain valid for the full duration of your IEC. A quick check now can save you a lot of stress when you travel later. 

Further Resources for IEC Candidates 

• Check your real-time odds of receiving an Invitation to Apply for IEC. 
• Learn more about the latest IEC draws and pool updates. 
• Increase your chances by applying for the best IEC program for your profile. Read our article about  Which IEC Category is Right for me?
• Improving your chances: Can You Enter More Than One IEC Pool at the Same Time? Find out here.