Single-entry vs multiple-entry visas
Dear Mr Brown:
I have never been to Canada before. I would like to know whether the best strategy is to apply for a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa on a first attempt. How long can I stay on a visa? How long do visas last?
— SL
Dear SL:
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is an official document to show that a person has met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident (a visitor, student or worker). A single-entry visa, on the other hand, allows a holder to visit Canada on one occasion. Once the holder of a single-entry visa has left Canada, he/she will need a new visa to re-enter Canada.
A multiple-entry visa allows visitors to visit Canada on multiple occasions without having to reapply each time. This type of visa may be valid for up to 10 years, or one month before your passport expires, whichever is earlier.
For both types of visitor’s visas, one must arrive in Canada on or before the expiry date of the visa. Both are valid for a fixed period and cannot be used after they expire. Visitor’s visas allow one to remain in Canada for up to six months, as a general rule. However, some visitors plan to live in Canada for more than six months or up to one or more years. For long-term visitors, a main area of concern is the host’s ability to support a long-term visitor or the financial capacity of the visitor to support a long-term stay. Once this concern is satisfied, then a long-term visa may be issued.
Since February 6, 2014, all visa applicants have been automatically considered for multiple-entry visas. In fact, one may be granted a multiple-entry visa even if one applied for a single-entry visa. Please note that not all applicants will be automatically eligible for a multiple-entry visa and that the decision remains at the discretion of a visa officer. However, a multiple-entry visa is considered the standard and a single-entry visa issuance requires an explanation.
Please visit jamaica2canada.com for additional information on Canadian Permanent Residence programmes, including Express Entry, the Study and Work programme, Visitor’s visas or Appeals, etc.
