The main difference between these two visa types is that a single entry visa allows entry to Canada for one-time only and a multiple entry visa allows entry many times.
Which type of visa to get
You don’t need to choose. A multiple entry visa is what all visa applicants are automatically considered for. We will review your application and issue you a visa depending on your situation.
Multiple entry visa
While valid, a multiple entry visa will let you travel to Canada for six months at a time as many times as you want. It will be valid for up to 10 years or one month before your passport expires, whichever is shorter. You must arrive in Canada on or before the expiry date on your visa.
Single entry visa
A single entry visa lets you travel to Canada only one time. For instance, you may only be eligible for a single entry visa if:
- you are eligible for a fee-exemption and the purpose of your entry to Canada is limited (such as, for an official visit by a foreign national)
- you are taking part in a one-time special event in Canada
- there are approved country-specific procedures or guidelines in place.
In most cases, once you have left Canada, you will need a new visa to enter Canada again.
You won’t need a new visitor visa to return to Canada if you are travelling directly to the United States (including its Territories and Possessions) or St. Pierre and Miquelon.
As a seasoned expert in immigration and visa regulations, I have a wealth of knowledge on the intricacies of different visa types and their implications. My extensive experience in this field allows me to provide valuable insights into the distinctions between single entry visas and multiple entry visas, particularly in the context of the Canadian immigration system.
The passage you provided delves into the fundamental disparities between these two visa categories, shedding light on critical aspects that applicants need to consider when navigating the Canadian visa process. Allow me to dissect and expound upon the key concepts embedded in this informative snippet:
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Single Entry Visa:
- This type of visa permits entry to Canada only once.
- Eligibility for a single entry visa may be tied to specific conditions, such as fee exemptions or limited purposes for the visit (e.g., official visits by foreign nationals or participation in a one-time special event in Canada).
- In most cases, once the individual leaves Canada, they will need a new visa for any subsequent entries.
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Multiple Entry Visa:
- Unlike the single entry counterpart, a multiple entry visa allows the holder to enter Canada multiple times.
- The visa holder can travel to Canada for up to six months at a time, with the flexibility to make multiple entries within the visa's validity period.
- The multiple entry visa is generally valid for up to 10 years or one month before the passport expires, whichever is shorter.
- There is an automatic consideration for a multiple entry visa for all visa applicants, and the issuance is based on individual circ*mstances.
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Visa Issuance Process:
- The passage suggests that all visa applicants are automatically considered for a multiple entry visa during the application review process.
- The final decision on whether to grant a single entry or multiple entry visa depends on the applicant's situation and purpose of travel.
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Validity Period:
- Both visa types have specific validity periods. A multiple entry visa remains valid for up to 10 years or one month before the passport expires, while a single entry visa is applicable for a one-time entry.
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Exception to New Visa Requirement:
- A notable exception is mentioned for individuals traveling directly to the United States (including its Territories and Possessions) or St. Pierre and Miquelon. In such cases, a new visitor visa may not be required to return to Canada.
In summary, the provided information serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to understand the nuances of single entry and multiple entry visas for Canada. The decision-making process involves careful consideration of eligibility criteria, intended purpose of entry, and the frequency of visits, with the ultimate goal of facilitating informed choices for prospective travelers.
