In Canada, a 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, has a maximum validity date of up to 10 years or the expiry date of either the travel document or biometrics, whichever comes first and can still be valid if affixed in a full or complete passport or travel document.
IRCC has now modified the guidelines for the Officers to exercise their judgement in deciding whether to issue a single- or a multiple-entry visa. Some factors to consider:
- 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?
- Medical
- Has the applicant indicated any health conditions that may worsen over time?
- Is the applicant coming for medical treatment?
- Has the client provided a mitigation plan, such as proof of health insurance? If so, how long is it valid for?
- Other factors
- Has the applicant demonstrated strong ties to their home country such as employment or family obligations?
- Has the applicant travelled outside their home country? Have they previously travelled to Canada? If so, did they comply with the terms and conditions of their visa?
- Was the applicant previously refused a visa for Canada or any other country?
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), based on factors such as:
- 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?
At NPZ Law Group, our U.S. and Canadian lawyers seek to assist clients with regard to employment and family immigration issues. If you or your friends or family should have any questions about any aspect of U.S. and Canadian Immigration Law, please feel free to contact us at info@visaserve.com or you can call our office at 551-291-1154 (ext. 104). We look forward to being able to assist you.