Single vs. Multiple Entry Visa: How IRCC Decides for Canada Visitors

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently introduced updated guidelines for its officers on deciding between single-entry and multiple-entry visas for visitors. Here’s a comprehensive look at the criteria used and what applicants should consider.

Visa Requirements: Who Needs a Visa?

Most travelers to Canada require a visa to enter as visitors, students, or workers, stamped directly onto their passport. However, some individuals from select countries are visa-exempt but need an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is typically easier and quicker to obtain. Specific exemptions apply to U.S. citizens and green card holders who do not need a visa or eTA.

Single vs. Multiple-Entry Visas: Key Differences

Multiple-Entry Visa

• Permits Repeated Entries: Holders may enter and leave Canada as often as needed.
• Validity: Up to 10 years, contingent on passport expiration or other factors such as biometric validity.

Single-Entry Visa

• Allows One-Time Entry: Generally valid for the duration of the applicant's purpose of visit.
• Reapplication Needed for Re-entry: Exiting Canada requires obtaining a new visa for future visits.

Criteria for Visa Type Decision

When determining the appropriate visa type, IRCC officers evaluate several aspects, outlined below:

1. Purpose of Visit

• One-time or Recurring Need: For unique events (e.g., conferences or tourism) versus frequent visits (e.g., family in Canada).
• Student/Worker Exemptions: Temporary students or workers not needing a permit may influence the visa type.
• Parental Authorization: Required for unaccompanied minors in some cases.
• Compassionate Grounds: Special considerations for applicants visiting critically ill family members.

2. Financial Resources

• Self-Funding: Evidence of stable income or assets for multiple trips.
• Host Sponsorship: Proof of relationship and the host’s financial stability.
• Employer-Sponsored Trips: Supporting documentation from the employer if applicable.

3. Medical Considerations

• Health Stability: Evaluation of any health conditions that may impact travel.
• Purpose of Visit for Medical Reasons: Traveling to Canada for treatment may affect visa type.
• Health Insurance: Proof of adequate health coverage for the visit duration.

4. Additional Considerations

• Home Country Ties: Strong family or employment ties in the applicant’s home country.
• Travel History: Past international travel compliance, particularly with previous Canadian visas.
• Previous Visa Refusals: Any past rejections from Canada or other countries.

Determining Visa Validity

For multiple-entry visas, the duration of validity may vary based on the purpose of the visit, the applicant’s residence status, and external factors such as political or economic conditions in the applicant’s home country.

Refusal and Reapplication: What to Do Next?

A visa may be refused if:

• The officer is unconvinced the applicant will depart Canada after their authorized stay.
• The applicant is deemed inadmissible due to criminal or medical reasons.

There is no formal appeal process for visa refusal, but reapplication is possible if circumstances have significantly changed, such as:

• Approved criminal rehabilitation.
• Improved medical conditions.
• Qualification for a temporary resident permit despite past inadmissibility.

Accessing GCMS Notes for Refusal Insight

Refusal notes entered by IRCC officers into the Global Case Management System (GCMS) document the officer’s rationale and decision-making process. Accessing these notes may provide clarity for applicants seeking to understand a refusal and plan for reapplication.

This overview provides a clear structure on IRCC’s approach to issuing single and multiple-entry visas, helping prospective visitors better navigate the application process and understand the factors that may influence visa decisions.