THE High Commission of Canada in Jamaica has announced changes to the fee structure for temporary resident visas which will see a reduction in the fee for a multiple entry visa and an increase for that of the single entry as well as study and work permits.

In a release yesterday, the high commission said the multiple-entry visa fee has been reduced by a third, from Can$150 to Can$100, while the single has been increased to Can$100 from Can$75.

However, the multiple-entry visa fee for whole families has moved up from Can$400 to Can$500 as do the fees for study and work permits, which have moved from Can$125 to Can$150, and Can$150 to Can$155, respectively. The fee for work permits for a group of performers/artistes that number three or more has also been adjusted up from Can$450 to Can$465. The changes took effect on Thursday.

According to the high commission, the harmonisation of the single and multiple-entry visas is to simplify the application process.

“By harmonising the single and multiple-entry visas, the visa application process will become simpler for applicants, and promote tourism and trade by increasing the number of eligible travellers who are able to make multiple visits to Canada,” the release stated.

According to the high commission, multiple-entry visas make it easier for travellers to visit Canada.

“Multiple-entry visas may be issued with a maximum validity of 10 years, or up to the expiry date of the passport, whichever comes first. Multiple-entry visas allow qualified visitors to enter Canada multiple times for a maximum stay of six months at a time during the validity of the visa,” it explained.