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Recently, the government of Canada has produced new rules in relation to the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), otherwise known as a visitor visa, application. Now you may be thinking, “Why are there constant changes to the requirements in the visitor visa application? What is the big difference?” Well, these requirements are quite important and does have a big difference on one’s future visitor visa application. Changes made by Canadian immigration officers are a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. Always remember, entry into Canada is not a right, but indeed one’s privilege. It is important for you to know and understand what application you are applying and what it entails. Not only will these changes affect future visitor visa applications but will also affect those already withholding this permit. By following the minor adjusted requirements, it will make both your application and the officer’s job go smoothly.
A visitor visa or temporary resident visa is an official document granted by immigration officials to show that you are eligible to travel into Canada and have surpassed the basic requirements asked for. This mini document is usually stapled to your passport and is viewed by the Canadian immigration officers when travelling into Canada. Now, there are many reasons for one to apply for a TRV, like if you are visiting as a tourist on vacation, visiting family members, planning on studying in Canada or working in Canada. Whatever the case may be, it is your responsibility as the principle applicant to be aware of any new changes being made to the permit you are applying for in order to come visit Canada.
In general, there are many requirements needed to be met when applying for a visitor visa. Primarily, one must need to prove that they will return to their home country when their stay has expired. This is a mandatory requirement to follow and is crucial for your application as this alone can be the sole reason for a person being denied entry into Canada. The reason why this is a major deal for immigration officers is because many people who receive their TRV tend to overstay their visit and live illegally in Canada. To prevent and limit the amount of people illegally overstaying their visit, immigration officers are required to be strict and not lenient in relation to these applications. Some other requirements include proof of funds from the applicant and principle applicant, having no criminal record, not being a danger or threat to Canadian society, a medical examination, police background check, and a few more essential documents. For the full list of required documents under the visitor visa application, feel free to contact Akrami and Associates at 905-477-2545 or check out our website listed in the contact section of this blog.
If you have already applied for a visitor visa and the application was completed and submitted before July, 31 2018 than you do not need to worry. If you one of many who are just starting the process or are in the midst of their application but believe that it cannot be submitted before this time, then the information below is for you. Primarily, there will be an expansion on their fingerprint and photo requirements. This requirement will only pertain to those living in the countries mentioned, which include places in Europe, the middle East, and Africa. Anyone planning to visit Canada from those areas are expected to submit their biometrics (fingerprints and photo identification) along with the other essential requirements needed in the visitor visa application. Starting from December 31. 2018, permanent residents or citizens of Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas will also need to include their biometrics in their application to visit Canada. Aside from just being a new requirement in the visitor visa application, it is also demanded in the work permit, study permit, permanent residence, and refugee or asylum status applications.
Well, with all rules comes exceptions. There are ways to be exempt from giving in your biometrics to Canadian immigration officials and they include the following; children below the age of 14, Canadian citizens or permanent residents, head of state or heads of government, applicant exceeding the age of 79, etc. The full list can be viewed on our website.
For the applicant, they will only need to provide their fingerprints and photos once every 10 years. If you due pertain to any of the 29 countries or 1 territory listed, already have a valid study permit, work permit, or visitor visa, and go to submit your application, you will need to send in your biometrics again before July 31, 2018. You do not need to give in your biometrics on or after July 31, 2018, if the submission is still valid. From the day you send in your biometrics, they will remain valid until the tenth year period of expiry.
Throughout this blog, we have looked at what a visitor visa is, the original requirements pertaining to this application and the new requirements being added as of July 31, 2018 and December 31, 2018. Hopefully, you learned more about what the TRV application entails and what requirements will soon be needed when applying. Trying to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), known as a visitor visa, is a complicated and lengthy process that can be confusing especially with the growing list of documents and requirements needed in one’s application. But do not let this discourage you from applying as there is an easier way to complete this process. By uniting with our team of experienced lawyers here at Akrami and Associates, we can help you through any of your toughest and complicated immigration matters. With more than a decade’s worth of experience, we can easily guide you through any immigration related application, relieving your greatest cause of stress. Please, do not hesitate to contact us at 416-477-2545 requesting a consultation to begin your journey here with us. Do not forget to check us out on our Facebook page and our website (www.thevisa.ca) for more information on your local Canadian immigration matters.
