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By Jessica Thakur, November 16, 2024
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently updated its guidelines for immigration officers regarding the issuance of single or multiple-entry visas for visitors to Canada. This change reflects a shift away from the previous default practice of granting multiple-entry visas.
Who Needs a Visa?
Most foreign nationals require a visa to visit Canada, whether as a tourist, worker, or student. A visa is typically stamped in a traveler’s passport, granting them the right to cross a Canadian port of entry. Nationals of visa-exempt countries, on the other hand, only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, which is easier to obtain than a visa.
Certain individuals, such as U.S. citizens or U.S. green card holders, may not require either a visa or an eTA to travel to Canada.
Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry Visas
When foreign nationals apply for a visa to Canada, immigration officers may issue either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.
- Single-Entry Visa: Permits one entry into Canada and is generally issued for a specific purpose, such as attending a conference, receiving medical treatment, or visiting family. If the individual leaves Canada, they must apply for a new visa to return.
- Multiple-Entry Visa: Allows holders to enter and exit Canada multiple times over the visa's validity period, which can last up to 10 years or until the expiration of the applicant’s passport, travel document, or biometrics, whichever comes first.
How IRCC Determines Visa Type
IRCC immigration officers consider several factors when deciding between a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. These factors fall under four key themes:
1. Purpose of Visit
- Is the visit for a one-time event (e.g., conference or tourism) or frequent trips (e.g., family visits)?
- Is the applicant a short-term student or worker exempt from requiring a study or work permit?
- Is the visit for compassionate reasons, such as caring for a critically ill family member?
2. Financial Stability
- Does the applicant have sufficient funds or a stable income to support multiple trips to Canada?
- If a host in Canada is funding the visit, is their financial status and relationship with the applicant well-documented?
3. Medical Needs
- Is the applicant traveling for medical treatment or at risk of health complications during their stay?
- Has the applicant submitted proof of health insurance to cover potential risks?
4. Other Factors
- Does the applicant demonstrate strong ties to their home country, such as family or employment?
- Have they adhered to visa conditions on prior trips to Canada or other countries?
Determining Visa Validity Period
While multiple-entry visas can be valid for up to 10 years, IRCC officers may issue shorter validity periods based on:
- The purpose of the visit (e.g., short-term business trips);
- The applicant’s ties to their home country;
- Political or economic conditions in the applicant’s country of residence.
What Happens if a Visa is Refused?
IRCC may refuse a visa application if an officer is not convinced the applicant will leave Canada after their authorized stay or if the applicant is inadmissible due to medical or criminal reasons.
Applicants cannot formally appeal a visa refusal. However, they can reapply if their circumstances have significantly changed. Examples of significant changes include:
- Approval for criminal rehabilitation;
- A change in medical conditions that previously rendered the applicant inadmissible.
IRCC officers document their decisions and reasons for refusal in the Global Case Management System (GCMS). Applicants can request these GCMS notes to understand the reasons for their refusal and make necessary changes in a new application.
Conclusion
With stricter guidelines now in place, visitors planning to apply for a Canadian visa should ensure their applications comprehensively address the factors considered by IRCC officers. Whether they are applying for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, demonstrating financial stability, a clear purpose of visit, and strong ties to their home country will significantly enhance their chances of approval.
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