How to Apply for a Multiple-Entry Visit Visa to Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you planning to visit Canada for tourism, business, or to see family and friends more than once over the next several years? A multiple-entry visit visa is your key to hassle-free travel to and from Canada. This visa allows you to enter the country multiple times during its validity, without needing to reapply every time you want to visit. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire application process and share helpful tips to increase your chances of success.
1. Understanding the Multiple-Entry Visa
Canada’s multiple-entry visit visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), allows travellers to enter Canada for up to six months at a time, as often as they need, for the duration of the visa. These visas are generally valid for up to 10 years or until the expiry of your passport—whichever comes first.
This visa is ideal for frequent travellers, business visitors, or those with family or friends in Canada they wish to visit regularly.
2. Who Needs a Visit Visa?
Not everyone needs a visit visa to enter Canada. If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you may only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if flying to Canada. However, citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt must apply for a visitor visa, including those applying for a multiple-entry visa.
Visit Canada’s official immigration website to check whether your country requires a visa.
3. Step-by-Step Application Process
Here is how to apply for a multiple-entry visit visa:
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before starting the application process, ensure that you meet Canada’s eligibility requirements. You must:
- Have a valid travel document, such as a passport.
- Be in good health (you may be required to undergo a medical exam).
- Have no criminal record (you may need to provide a police certificate).
- Convince an immigration officer that you have strong ties to your home country (e.g., job, home, family, or financial assets).
- Convince the officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit.
- Have sufficient funds for your stay.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
The documents required for your visa application may vary based on your country of origin, but generally, you’ll need the following:
- A valid passport (make sure it has enough validity for your planned travels).
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, pay stubs, or a letter from a host in Canada).
- A letter of invitation if visiting family or friends (optional but helpful).
- A detailed travel itinerary.
- Proof of employment or studies to show your ties to your home country.
- Digital passport-size photographs that meet Canadian visa photo requirements.
Check the specific requirements for your country on Canada’s immigration website to ensure you have all the necessary documentation.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and create an account. You can complete the application form online (IMM 5257) for a visitor visa.
In this form, you’ll be asked for personal information such as your contact details, travel history, and purpose of your visit. Make sure to indicate that you’re applying for a multiple-entry visa.
Please note: all fees may vary at the time of applications, please do reach out to FES for more informed decision making regarding your visa process.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fees
The fee for a Canadian visitor visa is CAD $100. If you need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph), there’s an additional CAD $85 fee. This is mandatory for applicants from certain countries.
You can pay the fees online using a credit or debit card. After payment, keep the receipt, as you’ll need it later in the application process.
Step 5: Submit Biometrics
Depending on your country of origin, you may need to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). You’ll receive a letter with instructions on how and where to submit this information. Visit a visa application centre to complete the biometric submission.
The biometrics you provide are valid for 10 years, meaning you won’t need to resubmit them for future applications if done recently.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Processing times for a multiple-entry visa can vary depending on your country. Typically, it takes a few weeks, but be sure to check current processing times on the official IRCC website.
During this time, IRCC may contact you for additional documents or an interview, depending on your application’s complexity.
Step 7: Receive Your Visa Decision
Once a decision has been made on your application, you’ll receive a notification. If your visa is approved, your passport will be returned to you with the visa stamp. If applying online, you may need to mail your passport to a visa office for the visa to be added.
If your application is denied, you’ll receive an explanation for the refusal. Common reasons include lack of financial support, weak ties to your home country, or missing documentation.
4. What Happens After You Get Your Visa?
Once your multiple-entry visa is granted, you’re free to travel to Canada for up to six months at a time, multiple times, over the visa’s validity period. However, a visa does not guarantee entry into Canada. The final decision lies with the immigration officer at the port of entry. Be prepared to show them your documents, such as proof of funds, return tickets, or accommodation details.
5. Tips for a Successful Application
- Double-check your documents: Incomplete applications are a common reason for refusal. Ensure every document is in order before submission.
- Write a clear letter of intent: Explain why you need a multiple-entry visa and provide details of your future visits to Canada.
- Strong ties to your home country: Emphasise your commitments back home—job, family, education, or property ownership.
- Provide accurate financial details: Ensure that your bank statements show enough funds to cover your stay.
