Visitors will automatically be considered for multiple-entry visas

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Canada will automatically consider visitors for multiple-entry visas and will now charge the same fee of CA$100 for single- or multiple-entry visa applications.

What does the change mean? Frequent business travelers do not need to request a multiple-entry visa. A multiple-entry temporary resident visa (TRV) may be issued to remain valid for up to ten years and the visitors may stay in Canada for up to six months per visit. Application fees for other visa categories in the temporary resident program will be increased slightly.

• Implementation timeframe: Feb. 6, 2014.
• Visas/permits affected: Visitor visas, work permits/visas, study permits/visas.
• Who will be affected: Tourists, frequent business travelers, temporary foreign workers, and international students.
• Impact on processing times: None.
• Business impact: Frequent business visitors will not have to re-apply for a visa within a short period of time.

Background: Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander announced that as of Feb. 6, all visitors will be automatically considered for a multiple-entry visa. In the past, visitors had to specifically request a multiple-entry visa in the application and pay CA$150 (CA$75 for a single-entry visa). The government will now charge a single fee of CA$100 to process all TRV visas.

BAL Analysis: The change will facilitate business travel and reduce the hassle of having to apply for a visa frequently.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact GlobalVisaGroup@bal.com.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.