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Big Changes to Canada’s Visitor Visa Process
As of November 29, 2024, Canada’s immigration policies have shifted, reflecting important updates to Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) and Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs). These changes include new guidance on visa types, costs, and exemptions, ensuring a more tailored approach to travel needs.
What’s New?
- Multiple-Entry Visas No Longer Standard:
- Previously the default, multiple-entry visas are now issued based on specific eligibility criteria. Officers may approve single-entry visas for cases like one-time events or restricted purposes.
- Updated TRV and eTA Fees:
- TRV: $100 for single or multiple-entry visas.
- Family TRV: $500 maximum for families applying together.
- eTA: $7 CAD, valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires.
Understanding Canada’s Visa Types
- Single-Entry Visas:
- Suitable for one-time visits, such as attending a conference or a specific event.
- Often issued to fee-exempt applicants or those with country-specific requirements.
- Multiple-Entry Visas:
- Enables frequent travel to Canada for legitimate travelers.
- Issued at the discretion of visa officers, ensuring the applicant meets all eligibility requirements.
- Study and Work Permits:
- Applicants for these permits are automatically issued the necessary TRV or eTA without additional fees.
- Diplomatic and Courtesy Visas:
- Diplomats and select officials traveling on official duties are exempt from TRV fees.
- Facilitation Visas:
- Special, single-entry visas issued to Canadian dual citizens abroad who lack a valid Canadian passport.
Key Fee Details
- Single or Multiple-Entry TRV: $100 CAD (individual).
- Family TRV Cap: $500 CAD for families applying together.
- eTA Fee: $7 CAD, payable during application and valid for up to 5 years.
Why the Changes?
These updates align with Canada’s broader goals to balance traveler convenience with immigration control. By no longer making multiple-entry visas the standard, the government now tailors visa issuance to individual traveler circumstances, enhancing the security and flexibility of the program.
Who Benefits from Exemptions?
- Diplomats and Officials:
- Recognized by Global Affairs Canada, traveling diplomats from visa-required countries are fee-exempt.
- Study and Work Permit Applicants:
- Applicants receive the required visa without needing to pay additional fees for a TRV or eTA.
- Performing Artists:
- Work permits and TRVs must still be paid unless exempt under specific provisions.
What Travelers Need to Do
- For eTAs:
- Apply online and pay $7 CAD.
- Valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires.
- For TRVs:
- Choose between single or multiple-entry options based on your travel needs.
- Prepare to pay $100 CAD per individual or up to $500 CAD for a family.
What Stays the Same?
- Canada continues to encourage legitimate travel and tourism with streamlined processes for both TRVs and eTAs.
- Families and frequent travelers benefit from cost caps and multi-year document validity.
Interesting Facts
- An eTA is digitally linked to your passport, eliminating the need for physical travel documents.
- Single-entry visas cater to travelers attending unique events, like the Pan-American Games or official visits.
- Visa officers retain discretion in issuing visas, ensuring tailored solutions for diverse traveler profiles.
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