Single-entry visas might dominate the landscape in Canada

Author: Al Parsai, LL.M, RCIC-IRB

Last Updated On: November 8, 2024

On November 6, 2024, IRCC published a new Program Delivery Instruction (PDI) affecting Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) applicants. This policy change has implications for individuals hoping to secure 10-year multiple-entry visas to Canada. The new guidelines could mean fewer 10-year TRVs for most applicants. Let’s explore the details of this change and its potential impact.

Key points about visas from the latest PDI

The new PDI provides insight into how immigration officers determine whether to issue a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. Here are the highlights:

• Officer Discretion: Officers now have the flexibility to decide whether an applicant receives a single-entry or multiple-entry visa based on several factors.
• Eligibility Considerations: Officers must evaluate the applicant’s situation, including the purpose of their visit, the applicant’s financial stability, and other factors that demonstrate ties to their home country.
• Validity Period: The multiple-entry visa has a maximum validity of up to 10 years or until the expiry of the travel document or biometrics, whichever occurs first. Nonetheless, officers may issue a visa for a shorter period, especially when there is a short-term reason for the visit.

Factors influencing visa issuance

Under the new guidelines, IRCC has outlined several criteria that officers will consider when deciding whether to issue a single- or multiple-entry visa. These factors are crucial in shaping the fate of visa applications:

1. Purpose of the visit

The purpose of the visit plays a pivotal role in determining the type of visa issued. Officers assess whether the applicant needs to enter Canada multiple times or if their visit is more of a one-off nature. Some considerations include:

• Is the visit for a conference, training, or tourism, where the applicant won’t return regularly?
• Is the applicant visiting for compassion, such as caring for an ailing family member?
• If the applicant is a minor, does the visit require parental approval each time?

2. Financial stability

The ability to finance trips to Canada is also important. Officers will evaluate whether:

• The applicant has a stable and ongoing income source, such as employment, to support multiple visits.
• The host in Canada is well-established and can finance the applicant’s visits, particularly if the host is also inviting other individuals.
• A letter from the applicant’s employer attests to their funding the trip for work purposes.

3. Health considerations

The applicant’s health conditions are also under scrutiny:

• Does the applicant have any health conditions that could worsen over time, and if so, have they provided a mitigation plan?
• Are they travelling for medical treatment, and is adequate health insurance in place?

4. Ties to the home country

To assess whether an applicant intends to return to their home country, officers consider several aspects, including:

• Employment status, family obligations, and other strong ties demonstrate an intention to return.
• Previous travel history, including visits to Canada or other countries and compliance with visa conditions.
• Past refusals of Canadian or other visas.

Potential impact of the changes

The issuance of 10-year multiple-entry TRVs might become more selective as IRCC seeks to evaluate applicants’ eligibility on a case-by-case basis, emphasizing stronger ties to home countries and clearer financial stability.

This change means that many applicants who previously qualified for a 10-year TRV might now receive a single-entry or multiple-entry visa with a shorter validity period. The new approach reflects a shift towards ensuring applicants have legitimate reasons to visit Canada more than once and are not merely relying on the broad availability of 10-year visas. Moreover, it could help reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada.

What does this mean for applicants?

• Prepare Thorough Documentation: Applicants must provide detailed proof of financial stability and family ties to their home country.
• More Scrutiny on Purpose: Each purpose of the visit will be scrutinized. Applicants should clearly articulate their reasons for entering Canada and justify any need for frequent travel.
• Health Insurance is Crucial: Demonstrating a robust health insurance plan may help strengthen the application, particularly for applicants with health conditions or those visiting for medical reasons.

What’s Next?

The updated Program Delivery Instruction means many applicants may find the 10-year multiple-entry TRV more challenging. Immigration officers will make decisions based on multiple factors, and applicants should prepare accordingly. These changes reflect IRCC’s intention to ensure that temporary visits to Canada are for legitimate, well-supported reasons, which could affect thousands of people applying for a Canadian visa each year. Consider booking a consultation session so I can assess your circumstances. Alternatively, you may fill out the following form to contact our team.

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