How IRCC Decides Between Single-Entry and Multiple-Entry Visas for Visitors to Canada

Recently, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated their guidelines for issuing single-entry versus multiple-entry visas, introducing more restrictions on who can receive a multiple-entry visa. Here is a simple breakdown of how IRCC makes this decision and what factors are considered.

Visa Basics: Who Needs a Visa?

Most travelers from around the world need a visa to enter Canada as a visitor, worker, or student. A visa, typically stamped on a visitor's passport, allows entry through Canadian ports. However, visitors from certain countries can instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), a quicker and easier process than a visa. U.S. citizens and green card holders often do not need either a visa or an eTA. Details on whether a visa is required depend on nationality and other conditions.

Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry Visas

When someone applies for a visa to Canada, they may be eligible for either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa:

• Multiple-Entry Visa: This allows the holder to travel to and from Canada as often as needed during the visa’s validity, which can extend up to 10 years or until the expiry of the passport, travel document, or biometrics—whichever comes first.
• Single-Entry Visa: This type of visa allows just one entry into Canada. If a traveler leaves, they must apply for a new visa to return.
  
  

Key Factors IRCC Considers When Issuing a Visa

IRCC officers evaluate each application on multiple factors that fall into four main categories:

1. Purpose of Visit:
• Is the trip for a one-time event, such as a conference or tourism?
• Will the traveler need to return frequently, for example, to visit family?
• Is the applicant a short-term student or worker exempt from a study or work permit?
• Are compassionate reasons, such as caring for a sick family member, involved?
2. Funds Available:
• Does the traveler have stable income to fund multiple trips?
• If a host is covering expenses, is proof of relationship and financial stability provided?
• Is the employer funding the trip for a business reason and have they submitted supporting documentation?
3. Medical Considerations:
• Does the applicant have any worsening health conditions?
• Are they traveling for medical treatment and have they submitted a plan to manage health risks, like insurance coverage?
4. Other Factors:
• Has the applicant shown strong ties to their home country, such as work or family commitments?
• Have they traveled outside their country, including to Canada, and adhered to visa conditions?
• Have they ever been denied a visa to Canada or elsewhere?
  
  

Factors Influencing Visa Validity

The duration of a multiple-entry visa may be shorter than the maximum period allowed. IRCC considers:

• The purpose of the visit.
• The applicant’s status in their home country and whether their ties to Canada or their home might change.
• Political and economic conditions in their home country that could impact their ability to return.
  
  

What Happens If Your Visa is Refused?

A visa can be refused if IRCC is not convinced that the applicant will leave Canada after their stay, or if they are inadmissible due to medical or criminal reasons. There is no formal appeal process for refusals, but applicants can re-apply if their circumstances have meaningfully changed, such as through criminal rehabilitation or changes in medical conditions.

GCMS Notes for Refusals

IRCC officers document decisions and reasons for refusals in the Global Case Management System (GCMS). Ordering these notes can offer valuable insights into why an application was denied and guide future applications.

This simple guide outlines the updated criteria and considerations for visitors applying to enter Canada, helping applicants understand their options and prepare accordingly.