Long Term Visitor Visa for Spouse of Canadian Living Abroad

[mikestewart]

Dear All,

I am a Canadian citizen and my wife is not. She is a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter Canada and we both live overseas. Any ideas how we can apply for short stay tourist visa for her without having any set travel dates that is multiple entry and of a long term nature?

In the past when we have visited, she was only given a short term (3 month) tourist visa (or whatever it's called). (Mind you, we were not married at that time).

We've called the Canadian Embassy who say they don't handle this and they point us in the direction of bureaucratic application agencies that are of absolutely no help.

We want this visa so that if there's ever a family emergency and I have to fly back, she won't have to apply through the long, slow, tedious process of applying....

Thanks in advance.

Michael

 

[scylla]

There is only one visa to apply for - the regular TRV. Whether CIC issues you a multiple or single entry - and for how long (up to 10 years is possible) - is entirely up to the officer who processes your file.

You can certainly attach a letter to request they issue you a multiple entry with several years validity - and explain the rationale (including highlighting the fact you have no plans to move to Canada anytime soon - or even at all). I would also recommend you include as much evidence as possible to demonstrate you have strong ties to your country of residency and have no plans on remaining in Canada long term.

It is typically more difficult for spouse's of Canadians to obtain TRVs since CIC seems often to be concerned that the non-Canadian spouse has plans to remain in Canada long term.

 

[Jalex23]

I would only add that it is more important that she shows evidence than you.

So be sure to submit clear evidence of her employment status and any other evidence on why it wouldn't make sense for her to remain in Canada long term.

 

[mikestewart]

Thanks guys. That was very helpful. We'll begin preparing the regular application shortly without any defined travel dates and we'll see how things go. I'll also prepare a letter to attach to the file as will my mother. Thanks again, Mike