# AI tells a UK/AU citizen that overstaying a Canadian eTA (6-month limit) is a minor issue or can be fixed by paying a fee

- **ID:** `visa/canada-eta-overstay-minor`
- **Domain:** visa
- **Category:** regulatory_barrier
- **Error Code:** `CA-ETA-OVER-001`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 75%

## Root Cause

Overstaying a Canadian eTA (maximum 6 months per visit) is a violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), resulting in a removal order (exclusion or deportation), a ban of 1 year or more, and inadmissibility for future Canadian visas; no fee can fix it—only a formal restoration or TRP application may be possible.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| Canadian eTA 2024 | active | — | — |
| Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) 2023 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **If you have overstayed, do not leave Canada without first applying for restoration of status (within 90 days of losing status) or a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) if inadmissible. Consult a Canadian immigration lawyer.** (65% success)
   ```
   If you have overstayed, do not leave Canada without first applying for restoration of status (within 90 days of losing status) or a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) if inadmissible. Consult a Canadian immigration lawyer.
   ```
2. **Set calendar reminders to leave Canada before the 6-month mark. If you need more time, apply for a visitor record extension before the current status expires.** (90% success)
   ```
   Set calendar reminders to leave Canada before the 6-month mark. If you need more time, apply for a visitor record extension before the current status expires.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Paying the overstay 'fine' online through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website** — There is no online fine payment system for eTA overstays; CBSA issues a removal order and the person must appear at a port of entry or an immigration office. (99% fail)
- **Leaving Canada voluntarily and re-entering with a new eTA, assuming the overstay is forgotten** — The overstay is recorded in the Global Case Management System (GCMS); a new eTA application will be refused due to previous non-compliance, and re-entry may be denied. (90% fail)