Guberman//Appleby Immigration Update: May 2026
Welcome to the Guberman // Appleby Immigration Update. We hope you find the information provided relevant to your immigration needs. Our objective is to highlight recent updates in immigration that are of interest to our readers. If you have questions about how these changes impact you, we invite you to contact our Canadian immigration lawyers for tailored guidance.
Today’s topic:
eTA-X Program Expansion: Indonesia and Malaysia
As of May 26, 2026, Canada has partially lifted its visa requirement for citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia, adding both countries to the list of eligible nations under the Electronic Travel Authorization Expansion (eTA-X) program.
It is important to understand what this change does – and does not – mean. Indonesia and Malaysia remain visa-required countries. However, select citizens of these countries may be eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) rather than a full Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), provided they meet specific criteria.
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible under the eTA-X program, an Indonesian or Malaysian citizen must be travelling to Canada by air, and at the time of application, must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- They have held a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) at any point in the past 10 years; or
● They currently hold a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa (NIV).
If neither condition is met, citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia will need to make a complete and formal application for a Temporary Resident Visa
What is the eTA-X Program?
The eTA-X program was designed to facilitate easier air travel to Canada for citizens of visa-required countries who have already demonstrated a degree of trustworthiness through prior engagement with Canadian or American immigration authorities. Rather than requiring an entire Temporary Resident Visa application, eligible travellers can apply for an eTA — a simpler, faster, and lower-cost authorization that is linked electronically to the traveller’s passport.
Note that the eTA only applies to air travel. Travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia who are entering Canada by land or sea will not be eligible for the eTA-X pathway and will still require a TRV.
What This Means in Practice
For Indonesian and Malaysian travellers who have previously held a Canadian visa or who currently hold a valid U.S. visa, this change is a meaningful facilitation. The eTA application process is considerably more streamlined than a full TRV application, and approvals are typically granted quickly.
However, it is important not to overstate the scope of this change. The majority of Indonesian and Malaysian citizens who do not hold a prior Canadian TRV or a current U.S. nonimmigrant visa remain subject to the full visa requirement. For those individuals, the process and requirements are unchanged.
Travellers who are unsure whether they qualify under the eTA-X program, or who are uncertain about their U.S. visa status and its impact on their Canadian travel eligibility, should seek legal advice before making travel arrangements to avoid complications at the border or airport.
Unsure whether you qualify for Canada’s eTA-X program?
Speak with a Canadian immigration lawyer at Guberman // Appleby Immigration Lawyers before making travel arrangements. Our lawyers can help you understand whether you may qualify for an eTA, whether a Temporary Resident Visa is still required, and what steps to consider before travelling to Canada.
Contact Guberman // Appleby Immigration Lawyers
// CONTACT US
We welcome you to contact us directly to discuss the above. Please contact one of our Toronto immigration lawyers by reaching out to our general line 416 548 7100 or via email at info@gaimmlaw.com. Our immigration lawyers are always available to discuss any of your specific Canadian or U.S. immigration queries either virtually or in person. We look forward to hearing from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the eTA-X program in Canada?
The eTA-X program allows select citizens of certain visa-required countries to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization instead of a full Temporary Resident Visa when travelling to Canada by air, provided they meet specific eligibility conditions.
Are Indonesian citizens now visa-free for Canada?
No. Indonesia remains a visa-required country. However, some Indonesian citizens may qualify for an eTA if they are travelling to Canada by air and have either held a Canadian TRV in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa.
Are Malaysian citizens now visa-free for Canada?
No. Malaysia remains a visa-required country. Some Malaysian citizens may now qualify for an eTA under the eTA-X program if they meet the required conditions.
Who qualifies for Canada’s eTA-X program?
An Indonesian or Malaysian citizen may qualify if they are travelling to Canada by air and either held a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa.
Do Indonesian and Malaysian travellers still need a TRV to enter Canada by land or sea?
Yes. The eTA-X pathway only applies to air travel. Travellers entering Canada by land or sea will still need a Temporary Resident Visa if they are from a visa-required country.
Can someone apply for an eTA if they have a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa?
Yes, a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa may help an Indonesian or Malaysian citizen qualify for an eTA under the eTA-X program, provided they are travelling to Canada by air and meet all other requirements.
Should travellers apply for an eTA or a Temporary Resident Visa?
That depends on their nationality, travel method, prior Canadian visa history, and current U.S. visa status. Travellers who are unsure should seek legal advice before making travel plans.
Related Immigration Resources
- Canadian Immigration Lawyer in Toronto
- Temporary Resident Visa Canada
- Business Travel to Canada
- Visiting Canada for FIFA 2026? IRCC’s New Travel Rules
