Multiple-entry visa (MEV).  As of February 6, 2014, visitors to Canada are automatically considered for the MEV. The issuance of the 10-year multiple entry is now the standard visa to facilitate entry to Canada for legitimate travelers for up to six months per entry. The maximum validity period can be up to ten years but it is matched to the maximum validity of the length of the passport minus one month.

Single-entry visa (SEV).  An SEV will be issued when the foreign national’s purpose of entry is limited (for example, an official visit); when entry is for the purpose of participating in a one-time event (for example, in 2015 for the Pan American Games); or when the minister has issued country-specific instructions.

Transit visa.  A transit visa is generally required for travel through Canada to another country by anyone who would need a TRV to enter Canada. The foreign national is required to show travel tickets and is authorized to remain in Canada for up to 48 hours. We find exceptions to this requirement, too; the government has created programs that exempt certain qualified foreign nationals from certain countries from the requirement for a transit visa (for example, members of the Transit Without Visa Program and the China Transit Program).