The two types of Canadian Visitor Visas:
Single Entry Visa:
This visa allows the foreign national to enter Canada only once. It is a one-time entry permit issued under specific circumstances.
Multiple Entry Visa:
This visa allows foreign nationals to enter and leave Canada any number of times they want during the visa’s validity period. Multiple entry visas permit the holder to stay in the country for six months on entry each time. The visa validity period is generally ten years. However, the exact validity period of the visas issued is at the discretion of the visa officer.
As a norm, Canada issues multiple-entry visas to all except in unique cases. Canada issues visitor visas automatically to foreign nationals who have a study permit or work permit. If you have a valid work permit and visa, you can temporarily leave and re-enter Canada during work or study.
Who needs a visitor visa?
Any foreign national wanting to enter Canada require a visitor visa. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and persons from a visa-exempt country do not require visitor visas to enter Canada.
You require a business visitor visa if you are coming on business or transiting through Canada.
A Canadian permanent resident cannot apply for a visitor visa on the expiry of their permanent resident card. They have to apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) instead.
Canadian citizens and holders of dual citizenship can travel on a valid Canadian passport. However, they are not permitted to apply for a visitor visa.
You would also like to read about Canada Temporary Resident Visa Refusal and Reasons
Visa-exempt countries:
Canada has an agreement with certain countries to exempt their citizens from requiring a visa to visit Canada for up to six months. As a result, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and citizens of visa-exempt countries do not need visitor visas to enter Canada.
Visitors from visa-exempt countries require an electronic travel authorization (eTA) if they enter Canada by air. However, they require only a valid passport of the visa-exempt country if they enter Canada by land or sea.
Canada exempts citizens of the United States from the requirement of an eTA or a visit visa. They do not need visas to stay in Canada for periods less than six months. They can travel on a valid U.S. passport.
U.S. permanent residents or green card holders, irrespective of their citizenship, are visa-exempt. However, they require an eTA, valid green card, and valid passport to enter or transit through Canada.
How to apply:
Applicants can apply online or apply in person at the Visa Accepting Centers (VAC). If the applicant is traveling with family, each family member, including dependent children, must submit individual applications.
The need for the submission of biometric information depends on the citizenship of the applicant. The biometric collection points will collect the applicant’s fingerprints and photographs. You can submit this information along with the application at the visa application center.
Extending a visitor visa:
Canada allows foreign nationals on visitor visas to reside legally in Canada only for six months at a time. After that, you must leave Canada on the expiry of the visa.
Visitors who wish to stay beyond this period can apply for an extension. You should apply at least 30 days before the expiry of your temporary resident status.
Canada allows you to stay in Canada during the visa processing period even if the current visa has expired. Therefore, while waiting for the visa decision, your stay in Canada is essentially in the ‘implied status.’
At Immilaw Immigration Law Professional Corporation, our expert team of qualified immigration lawyers ensures that our clients will get a smooth and easy Canadian immigration process. You can steer your queries to us at info@immilawimmigration.com or give us a call at 613-704-5757. We will assess your eligibility and schedule a consultation for you with an expert Canadian Immigration lawyer.
