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Over 35 million come to Canada on a Temporary basis each year, with that number only projected to increase. If you are from a visa exempt country such as the United states, you are entitled to remain in Canada for up to 6 months at a time, as long as you meet the ‘admissibility requirements’ to enter Canada (it is important to note that if you are a visa exempt individual residing anywhere other than the US or Saint Pierre and Miquelon, as of the fall of 2016 you will required to obtain an electronic travel authorization document before entering Canada via air). If you are not from a visa exempt country, you are required to apply for, and be granted a visitor visa (also known as a temporary resident visa) before you can enter Canada.
A visitor visa is a document issued by a Canadian visa office that provides proof that you have met the requirements to enter Canada for a temporary period as a visitor. This documents is placed in your passport, to be shown to the Border Officer at the port of entry when you arrive in Canada.
Having a visitor visa does not guarantee your entry to Canada; you may still be asked questions regarding the length of time you intent to stay in Canada, who you plan to stay with, how you will support yourself during your stay, and why you want to come to Canada. The purpose of these questions is for the Officer to determine if you plan on leaving Canada before the expiry date of your visa as required, and to ensure you have the funds to support yourself while in Canada (you cannot legally work in Canada while on a visitor visa) as well as for your return travel home.
Visitor visas (TRVs) are typically issued for a 6-month duration. The applicant could be awarded either a single entry visa, or a multiple entry visa.
Single Entry Visa allows you to enter Canada on one occasion, and remain in Canada for up to 6 months (or for the duration of the visa if different). Even if you do not stay for the full duration of your visit (i.e. you only stayed in Canada for 1 month instead of 6) you cannot return to Canada after leaving. You will have to reapply for and be granted a new TRV/visitor visa before returning.
Multiple Entry Visa allows you to enter Canada on multiple occasions, for up to 6 months at a time for the duration of your TRV. This means you will not have to reapply for a new TRV before returning to Canada while your visa is valid.
It is now standard practice for every visitor visa application to be considered for ‘multiple entry’, even if the application is only requesting a single entry visa. This is in order to cut down on the amount of repeat visa applications that need to be processed by Immigration, Refugee & Citizenship Canada (IRCC), but also to make it easier for temporary resident travellers to visit Canada on multiple occasions. Having a multiple entry visa means you can come and go to Canada as needed, without the hassle of having to apply for a new visa before each trip.
Multiple entry visitor visas are typically awarded for 10 years, or until 1 month prior to the expiry date of your passport. This means that you can stay in Canada for up to 6 months at a time, on multiple occasions during the duration of your permit.
If your passport is expiring soon, it is recommended that you renew your passport before applying for the multiple entry visitor visa; this way you will not have to reapply for another Canadian visitor visa when you get your new passport.
If you are in Canada in a visitor visa which is going to expire soon, and you would like to extend your stay as a visitor, you can apply for an extension on your visitor visa application. This application can be completed either online or via paper application. As long as the extension application is submitted before your visit duration expires (6 months from the day you arrive, even if you have a multiple entry visa), you can remain in Canada until IRCC issues a decision on your visa. If approved, you can remain in Canada until the new expiry date, if denied you must leave Canada immediately. Another benefit of the multiple entry is that if your extension is denied, you can leave the country, and return shortly after for another 6 months.
The applicant is eligible for a fee-exemption, and the purpose of their entry to Canada is limited
The application is participating in a ‘one-time only’ event
Due to country specific guidelines
Passport is expiring
Valid passport
Be in good health
Cannot have any criminal or immigration related convictions
Have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family (if applicable) during your stay in Canada, as well as for your return travel home
May be required to provide an invitation letter from someone in Canada
May be required to complete a medical exam (typically only for visits over 6 months)
Convince the Officer processing your multiple entry visitor visa application that you have strong ties to your home country- if the Officer does not see a strong tie to your home country, they may not believe that you will return home after the duration of their visit expires; this could result in a possible rejection. Proof of ties could include: proof of employment, proof of home ownership, community ties, dependent children or spouses remaining at home, family relationships, bank accounts and assets, etc.
The purpose of the visit- the stronger the reason for the visit, the more likely the Officer will approve the application (i.e. to be present for the birth, attend a funeral, visit family members that you have not seen for many years, to visit a sick family member; these are all strong and valid reasons to visit Canada.)
Establish a strong financial situation- It is best if you have a strong financial situation when applying. The Officer will like to see that you are able to financially return home when necessary, and that you can support yourself during your trip while you are legally unable to work.
The political and economic environment of your home country- if you are travelling to Canada from a country in turmoil, the Officer may question if you will return home after the expiry of your visit’s duration, or if you may try to apply as to remain in Canada as a refugee.
Invitation from Canadian host- having a strong invitation and support letter from your family or friends in Canada will only increase the chances of a positive decision on application.
If you are interested in coming to Canada as a visitor whether it is to visit a family member, a friend, or just to experience all that Canada has to offer, Akrami & Associates can help. We have experience assisting hundreds of clients come to Canada on multiple entry visitor visas, and are skilled in preparing professional applications that satisfy the Officer’s requirements. Contact us today for a consultation regarding your case.
With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!
