Canada’s New TRV Processing Guidelines: What Applicants Need to Know

The recent updates to Canada’s TRV processing guidelines mark a shift in how immigration officers are encouraged to use their discretion when issuing visas. Historically, officers typically issued multiple-entry visas with maximum validity (up to 10 years or until the applicant’s passport expires). 

Now, officers are encouraged to make individualised determinations regarding both the type of visa — single or multiple-entry — and the duration of its validity.

This change aims to ensure that each visa aligns more closely with the specific circumstances of each applicant. But from an applicant’s perspective, it means less transparency and more uncertainty during the application and decision-making process.

Key Takeaways:

• IRCC officers are now encouraged to assess whether to issue single or multiple-entry TRVs with customised validity, moving away from the default multiple-entry, 10-year visa validity.
• Officers will consider the applicant’s travel purpose, financial stability, medical history, and home country ties, with those showing stronger stability or ties more likely to receive multiple-entry visas.
• These guidelines affect all TRV applicants, including workers and students, introducing a more tailored approach to each application.

What Is A TRV?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also referred to as a visitor visa, is an official document issued by a Canadian visa office that is placed in an applicant’s passport to show that they meet the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident (either as a visitor, a student, or a worker).

Some visa-exempt visitors to Canada do not require a TRV and instead require an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). Whether someone requires a TRV or eTA, or neither, is determined largely by their country of citizenship — but also potentially by their prior visa history or status in a third country.

What Was The Standard Practice For Issuing a TRV?

Although IRCC officers have always had discretion when it comes to how and when they issue TRVs, the standard practice was to issue approved applicants for a multiple-entry visa with the maximum validity (10 years or until the applicant’s travel document expires).

What Factors Will Now Be Taken Into Consideration When Issuing a TRV? 

The new TRV guidelines encourage officers to use greater discretion when processing TRV applications. Instead of following standard issuance practices, officers are now encouraged to use their judgment in deciding between single or multiple-entry visas and establishing the validity period of the visa issued.

The new guidelines published offer some questions the officer should consider when deciding to issue a single or multiple-entry visa, as well as how they should determine the validity. These questions offer us some insight into what factors a processing officer will consider and include:

Purpose of Visit: 

The officer will determine the nature of the visit to see whether someone should be issued a multiple-entry visa or a single-entry visa. 

Although we don’t know how this will be applied in practice, those undertaking work or study in Canada will likely still receive a multiple-entry visa for the duration of their work or study approval. Those visiting family in Canada may now only receive a single-entry visa unless they specifically demonstrate an intent, eligibility, and ability to return on multiple occasions. 

Funds: 

The officer will take into consideration how much funds the applicant has available to them.

Those with more financial stability are more likely to get a multiple-entry visa for a longer period of time whereas those with limited funds are more likely to get a single-entry visa only.  

Medical: 

The officer will review the applicant’s medical background to determine whether a multiple or single entry makes sense. 

It is likely that an applicant with a medical condition that will worsen over time will only be given a single-entry visa. Where there is uncertainty around an applicant’s medical prognosis, a multiple-entry visa may be more appropriate but with a limited validity period.

Other Factors: 

The officer will also take other elements of the applicant’s application into consideration including home country ties, travel history, and prior visa compliance.

Other factors give the officer a wide level of discretion. If the applicant is not able to show strong ties to their home country,  previous travel history, and prior compliance, they will likely only get a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa with a limited validity period.

What Is The Difference Between A Single Or Multiple-Entry Visa? 

A single-entry visa allows the holder to enter Canada once. After leaving, they’ll need a new visa to re-enter, except in a limited number of cases. On the other hand, a multiple-entry visa allows multiple entries during its validity period, with the applicant able to come and go as they wish. 

The nature of the single-entry visa means that the applicants must apply for a new visa every time they travel to Canada. This requires a new application with up-to-date supporting documentation to demonstrate eligibility.

It is important to note, that even with a multiple-entry visa, the holder can only stay for a limited period with each entry, and should still be able to demonstrate up-to-date eligibility each time they enter Canada 

Who Will Be Affected By These New Guidelines?

Any applicant who needs a Temporary Resident Visa or visa will be affected by the push for officer discretion when processing visa applications. Many visitors need a Temporary Resident Visa to travel to Canada. This is determined by the nationality of the applicant.

A full list of who needs a TRV to enter Canada can be found here.

It is important to note that a visa does not give the holder the right to work or study in Canada. In most cases, anyone looking to work or study in Canada will need an appropriate permit in addition to the visa. 

Why have These Guidelines Been Introduced? 

Greater scrutiny and individualised assessment of applications are in line with the direction of IRCC this past year. For the first time, in October 2024, IRCC announced a target on the number of temporary residents it will admit over the next three years, drastically cutting in all areas. Although visitors to Canada are not included in the target, these new guidelines show that IRCC is taking steps to better control the number of TRVs (including students and foreign workers) who have the authority to enter Canada.

To overcome this newly clarified discretion, applicants will need to present a well-prepared, thoroughly supported application that addresses financial stability, travel purpose, and strong ties to their home country to improve their chances of obtaining a multiple-entry visa for the maximum duration.