SINGLE-ENTRY VS. MULTIPLE-ENTRY VISAS
Immigration law
21 Feb
Most visitors
will need a visa to visit Canada, unless you’re a moose-then you’re good to go.
A visa grants a foreign national permission to enter Canada through a port of
entry as a visitor, worker, or student. Visas are usually stamped in the
visitor's passport. You can find a list of countries that require a visa on
Canadian website.
Certain visitors,
like US citizens and green card holders, don’t need a visa or an eTA to enter
Canada-lucky them. For everyone else, the eTA is like the VIP pass of travel:
it’s quicker and easier to get than a visa and allows entry from visa-exempt
countries. So, while your friends are waiting in line for a visa, you could
already be sipping maple syrup in Canada.
Single-entry
visas, permit only one entry into Canada and are
typically valid only for the specific purpose of the applicant’s visit. If the
applicant leaves Canada and wishes to re-enter, they will need to apply for a
new visa.
Once you leave
Canada, your visa expires, and you’ll need to apply for a new one to return unless
you're traveling to the United States or the nearby French territory of St.
Pierre and Miquelon. In that case, you can re-enter Canada without a new visa,
as long as you return directly from those locations.
On the other
hand, A multiple-entry visa allows the holder to enter and exit Canada
as many times as needed within its validity period. These visas can be valid
for up to 10 years or until the applicant's passport, travel document, or
biometrics expire, whichever comes first.
It’s perfect for
frequent travelers-whether you’re visiting family, attending conferences, or
soaking in Canada’s diverse culture. Just keep in mind, though, that the final
call on your visa type is up to the immigration officers, who have a whole
checklist of factors they’ll consider during the application process. So, no
pressure.
Now the QUESTION
is what kind of Visa you require?
When applying
for a visa to Canada, applicants may be eligible for either a single-entry or
multiple-entry visa. Think of it like choosing between a one-way ticket and an
unlimited ride pass. If you just want to dip into Canada for a quick visit, the
single-entry visa is your one-way ticket. But if you're planning to make Canada
your second home (or at least, visit frequently for poutine and hockey), the
multiple-entry visa is your all-access pass.
IRCC officers
are guided to take the following factors into account for each of these areas
when issuing a visa to Canada:
Purpose of
visit: The type of visa issued to an applicant
can depend on several factors: whether the visit is for a one-time event, like
a conference, training, or tourism, or if the applicant plans to visit Canada
regularly, such as to see close family; whether the applicant is a short-term
student or worker who doesn’t need a work or study permit; if the applicant
needs parental consent for each visit, like an unaccompanied minor attending a
summer program; or if the visit is for compassionate reasons, such as caring
for a critically ill or dying family member.
Funds
available: The applicant’s ability to make
multiple trips to Canada depends on a few things: whether they have a steady
income, like from a job, to pay for the trips; if someone in Canada is paying
for their expenses, whether they can prove their relationship with the host and
if the host is financially stable; if the host has invited others and can
support everyone for multiple visits; and if the applicant’s employer is paying
for the trip (for something like a business meeting), whether they’ve provided
a supporting letter.
Need for
medical treatment: The applicant’s health may
be a factor in their visa application, including whether they have any health
conditions that could worsen over time; if they are traveling to Canada for
medical treatment; and whether they have provided a plan to manage potential
health risks during their stay, such as proof of valid health insurance.
Other
factors: The applicant’s ties to their home
country may be considered, such as whether they have stable employment or
family responsibilities. Other factors include whether they have traveled
outside their home country before, including to Canada, and if
they followed visa conditions during those trips. Additionally, the
applicant’s history of visa denials, either for Canada or other countries, may
also be taken into account.
When determining
the validity period of a visa, especially for multiple-entry visas, it may be
shorter than the maximum allowed. The IRCC takes several factors into account,
including the purpose of the visit, the applicant’s status in their current
country of residence and whether their ties to their home country or Canada are
likely to change in the future, and the political or economic conditions in the
applicant's home country, which could affect their ability to return.
It’s always a
good idea to consult with an immigration
expert to figure out if you’re eligible and to make sure your application
ticks all the right boxes. Plus, getting expert help can make the process a lot
smoother-like having a GPS for your visa journey, but without the annoying
“recalculating” every time you take a wrong turn.
From stunning
natural landscapes to bustling cities, Canada offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re dreaming of a single unforgettable trip or planning to return
multiple times, understanding your visa options is the first step to making
your travel dreams a reality.
So, start planning, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the Great White North. Safe travels...