Canada announces new rules for issuing multiple-entry visas
Canada has issued new rules to indicate that multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered to be the standard document.
Going forward, IRCC may exercise their judgement in deciding whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa, and in determining the validity period. The main difference between these two visa types is that a single-entry visa allows entry to Canada for one time only and a multiple-entry visa allows entry many times.
Till now, a multiple entry visa was what all visa applicants were automatically considered for. Now, IRCC will review your application and issue you a visa depending on your situation.
The multiple-entry visa allows the holder to seek entry to Canada from any country as often as necessary during the visa’s period of validity. It has a maximum validity date of up to 10 years or the expiry date of either the travel document or biometrics, whichever comes first.
For multiple-entry visas, officers may decide to issue the visa with a validity period shorter than the maximum (10 years or the expiry of either the passport or biometrics, whichever comes first).
Some factors to consider are
Is there a short-term purpose for the visit, for example, a business visitor providing after-sales support as part of a warranty or sales agreement?
What is the applicant’s status in their current country of residence? Will their ties to their country of residence and to Canada change over time?
Are economic or political conditions in the applicant’s home country unstable?
Several considerations must be examined when choosing whether to award a single or multiple-entry visa, including the purpose of the visit, funds, medical grounds, and any other relevant information.
Purpose of visit
Is the applicant coming for a one-time event, such as a conference, training session or tourism, or will they be returning to Canada on a regular basis, such as to visit close family members?
Are they a permit-exempt short-term student or worker? Do they require parent authorization to travel for each visit (for example, as an unaccompanied minor coming for a summer program)?
Is the visit for compassionate purposes, such as to care for a family member who is critically ill or dying?
Funds
Does the applicant have a stable, ongoing source of funds, such as employment, that would be sufficient to finance multiple visits to Canada?
If the host (family or friend) in Canada will cover the applicant’s expenses, is proof of relationship provided, and is the host well established in Canada?
Has the host also invited other people? Do they have sufficient resources to provide for all invited individuals for multiple visits?
Will the funds be provided by the applicant’s employer (such as for a one-time conference or business meeting)? Has the employer submitted a letter attesting to this fact?
A temporary resident visa (TRV) is an official counterfoil document issued by a visa office that is placed in a person’s passport to show that they have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident. Holding a TRV does not guarantee entry to Canada. The admission of foreign nationals into Canada as temporary residents is a privilege, not a right.
Originally Published at FINANCIALEXPRESS
