Regulation 22 — Temporary resident visa — issuance
Text of provision
Persons who have claimed refugee protection, if disposition of the claim is pending, and protected persons within the meaning of subsection 95(2) of the Act are exempted from the application of paragraph 40(1)(a) of the Act.
Plain English
Regulation 22 provides that an officer shall issue a TRV to a foreign national who meets the requirements of r 20 and is not inadmissible. The officer may issue a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. A multiple-entry visa is valid for up to ten years or until the passport expiry, whichever is earlier.
Nationals of countries that do not require a TRV (visa-exempt countries, such as the UK, Australia, and US) are not subject to this provision — they enter on their passport and may need an eTA instead.
Practical effect
Since 2016, IRCC policy has been to issue a multiple-entry visa by default where the applicant meets the requirements. Single-entry visas are issued where there are specific concerns. The TRV is issued electronically and stamped in the passport. Holding a valid TRV does not guarantee entry to Canada — a CBSA officer at the port of entry may still deny entry on inadmissibility grounds. The TRV authorises the officer to allow entry; it does not guarantee entry.