Understanding the Single Entry Visa to Canada for Travelling

Key Insights and Practical Advice for Your Single Entry Visa to Canada

Welcome to this easy-to-follow guide on single entry visa to Canada. If you're thinking about going to Canada for a short visit, it's really important to know how to get this temporary permission or "Visitor Visa". This immigration information resource will help you understand how to obtain the single entry visa to Canada, what you need, and what's good about having one.

1. Who should use this Guide?

If you want to stay in Canada for a short while, maybe for vacation, school, work, or to visit family, you can get what's called a Temporary Residence in Canada. It's like a special permission that lets you stay in Canada for a set time. But, it's different from those who live there indefinitely Permanent Residence because you can't stay forever and you have to follow some rules based on why you're there.

The single entry visa to Canada is specifically designed for certain situations, allowing a one-time entry into Canada. This visa type is suitable for individuals:

1. 1. Participating in a One-Time Event: If your travel purpose is to attend a special event in Canada.
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3. 2. Fee-Exemption Circumstances: Applicable if your entry to Canada is limited and qualifies for a fee exemption.

However, it's important to note that if you travel to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you won't need a new visa to re-enter

Canada. The default consideration for visa applicants is the Multiple Entry Visa, which permits multiple entries into Canada for up to six months each, valid for up to ten years or one month before passport expiry, whichever is sooner.

The application process involves:

1. 1. Submission and Biometrics: Submit your application and biometrics.
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3. 2. Processing: Your application is reviewed, and you will be informed if additional information is required.
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5. 3. Notification: You will receive a decision on your application. If approved, necessary travel documents are issued.
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7. 4. Entry and Verification in Canada: On arrival, your identity is verified, and the duration of your stay is confirmed, usually up to six months.

Basic entry requirements include having a valid travel document, good health, no criminal or immigration-related convictions, and proof of ties to your home country​​​​​​​​.

2. Introduction: An Overview of Single Entry Visa to Canada

Understanding the Single Entry Visa

Traveling to another country needs a lot of planning. One important part of this is understanding, what is a Visitor Visa. Today, we will talk about the single entry visa. This type of visa lets someone go into Canada one time. If the person leaves Canada, they cannot go back with the same visa. This rule has some exceptions, but we will talk about that later. Here, we will explain this visa type, clear up wrong ideas, and discuss how it is different from other visas.

What Does Single Entry Visa to Canada Mean?

When someone gets a visa entry into Canada that is "single entry," it means they can enter Canada one time. If they leave Canada, they need a new visa to return. But, if they go to the United States or Saint Pierre and Miquelon, they can come back to Canada with the same visa.

Things People Get Wrong About This Visa:

1. 1. Traveling Only One Time: Some people think this visa means they can only travel one time after they get to Canada. That is not right. They can visit the United States or Saint Pierre and Miquelon and come back to Canada with the same visa.
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3. 2. How Long They Can Stay: People sometimes think the visa decides how long they can stay in Canada. But a border officer in Canada will tell them how long they can stay. It might be less time than the visa says.
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5. 3. Becoming a Permanent Resident: A single entry Canada visa does not mean someone can live in Canada forever. It is for temporary residence and is not the same as being a permanent resident. But there are other ways they might stay longer. A lawyer who knows about immigration can help with this.

How Is Single Entry Visa Canada Different From Other Visas?

1. 1. Multiple Entry Visa: This visa is different. It lets someone travel in and out of Canada more than one time. They can stay for six months each time they enter. Multiple Entry Visa can be good for up to 10 years.
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3. 2. Visa to Pass Through Canada: Transit Visa is for when someone travels through Canada to get to another country. They will be in Canada less than 48 hours.
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5. 3. Study or Work Visas: These visas are for when someone wants to study or work in Canada. They are not the same as a visitor visa.

Why It Matters That This Visa Is Only For One Entry:

Having a visa that only lets someone enter one time can be hard if they need to travel a lot. If they have to leave Canada and come back fast, this could be a problem. They should think about their travel plans and pick the right kind of visa.

Tips for Applying for the Visa:

1. 1. Papers Needed: People need to give all the papers asked for, like showing they will go back to their country, or they have enough money for their visit. They need to show why they want to come to Canada.
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3. 2. Making Their Case Stronger: Doing certain things can make someone's visa case stronger. For example, if they have a friend or family in Canada who is in good standing, it can help.
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5. 3. Knowing the Latest Rules: The rules for visas can change. People should make sure they know the new rules when they apply.
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7. 4. Getting Help: Talking to a professional can help. They know a lot about how to apply and can make things easier.

In the end, getting a single entry visa to Canada might seem hard. But understanding it well and preparing can make it easier. This visa lets someone visit Canada, and that visit can be a great experience, even if it is just one time.

3. Eligibility for the Single Entry Visa to Canada

Understanding the rules for eligibility when applying for a single entry visa to Canada is crucial. These rules decide who can enter the country for a visit and who cannot. They might seem hard to understand, but we will explain them simply and clearly.

Understanding How to Meet the Rules: The Guide for a Visa Entry into Canada

When you plan to go to Canada, you need the right paper to enter, called a visa. For some people, the single entry Canada visa is the right choice. This paper lets you go into Canada one time. If you leave, you usually cannot go back with the same paper. But do not worry! Understanding the rules and steps can make things easier. Let's talk about what you need and how you can make your request stronger.

1. What You Need for the Single Entry Visa to Canada:

• Passport that Works: Your passport is like your ID when you are in another country. Make sure it works for 6 more months after you plan to go to Canada. This way, you will not have problems because your passport does not work.

• Money for the Trip: Canada wants to know you have enough money for your visit. You can show this with papers from your bank, or papers that show you own things that cost a lot of money.

• No Problems with the Law: Canada wants to make sure you are safe. You need a paper from the police that says you do not have problems with the law.

• Being Healthy: Some people need to see a doctor before they go to Canada. The doctor checks if you are healthy.

• Reason to Go Home: You need to show you will go back home after visiting Canada. You can show this with a letter from your work, papers that show you own a house, or information about your family.

2. Things People Do Not Always Understand:

• One-time Entry: Some people think single entry visa to Canada means you can only visit for a short time. It means you can enter Canada one time and stay for a few months.

• Going to the US or St. Pierre and Miquelon: If you visit the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you can go back to Canada without a new visa. But you must go straight back to Canada and not visit other countries.

3. Making Your Request Stronger:

• Same Information on All Papers: Your papers must say the same thing. Different information can make people ask questions about your request.

• Why You Want to Visit: A letter that says why you are visiting, what you will do, and where you will go can help a lot. It is like telling your story.

• Where You Have Been Before: If you have visited other countries and followed their rules, this is good. It shows you are a good visitor.

4. Knowing the New Rules:

Sometimes, rules change. You need to know the new rules.

• Check the Right Websites: You can find new rules on the Canadian immigration website. This helps you know what you need to do.

• Problems on Past Trips: If you stayed in another country too long before, you need to say so. Tell the truth and say why it happened.

5. Tips from Experts:

• Do Not Give Too Many Papers: Give them the papers they ask for, not more. Too many papers can make it hard to find the most important information.

• Ask for Help: Talking to a person who knows a lot about visas can help. They can tell you things you might not know.

Getting a visa entry into Canada might seem hard, but it does not have to be. If you understand what you need, pay attention to the rules, and show that you are honest, you can make your request stronger. Remember, you need to show you will follow the rules and laws about single entry visa to Canada.

4. Applying for the Single Entry Canada Visa

Guide to Applying for a Single Entry Visa Canada: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

When you decide to apply for a visa entry into Canada, it is important to follow each step correctly. The process can be difficult, but with good information, you can do it well. This guide will help you understand what you need to do.

1. Preparing Your Documents Correctly:

• Identification and Passport: You need your ID and a valid passport for travel. Make sure your passport will not expire soon. It needs to be valid for at least six months after you plan to leave Canada. It is important to have clear copies of every page that has information or travel stamps.

• Proper Photos: Canada has specific rules for photos in visa applications. You need to provide photos that meet these rules. The photos should be recent and must look like you.

• Correctly Completed Forms: Completing application forms can be hard. You must fill in all spaces with correct information. It is important that the information matches on all forms. Different information on different forms can cause confusion.

2. Explaining Your Reason for Visit:

Your reason for visiting Canada is a key part of your application. You need to explain it well in a letter.

• Detailed Explanation: Whether you are visiting family, attending a special event, or traveling for another reason, you need to give details. Explain clearly why you are going and what you plan to do in Canada.

• Plan for Your Stay: You must provide information about your trip. Include where you will stay, how long you plan to visit, and your travel dates when applying for single entry visa to Canada.

• Supporting Letters: If you have family or friends in Canada, letters from them can be helpful. Letters from your employer or school are also good.

3. Showing You Have Enough Money:

One important part is to show you have money for your visit.

• Bank Statements: You need to show recent bank statements. These statements should show you have enough money to support yourself during your visit.

• Employment Documentation: A letter from your employer stating your salary and how long you have been employed is helpful.

• Proof of Assets: If you own property or have other large assets, documents showing these can be beneficial.

4. After Your Application is Submitted:

Once you have sent your application for single entry visa to Canada, it is normal to feel anxious. Knowing what happens next can ease your mind.

• Application Review: Officials will review your application to make sure it is complete. If anything is unclear or missing, they will ask for more information.

• Possible Requests for More Information: Sometimes, officials need more details. They might ask you to come in for an interview or provide more documents.

• Tracking Your Application: You can check the status of your application online. You will need your application details to do this.

5. Important Tips:

• Honesty is Crucial: Always provide true information. Providing false information can lead to serious consequences.

• Use a Checklist: Before sending your application, double-check everything. Make sure you have included all necessary information and documents.

• Seek Assistance if Necessary: If you find the application process difficult or have questions, it is okay to ask for help. There are services and professionals who can provide assistance.

Remember, applying for a single entry Canada visa requires attention to detail and thoroughness. Each piece of your application tells something about you. By following these steps and tips, you increase your chances of being able to visit Canada. 

5. Getting Ready to Travel: What You Must Do

Getting Ready to Travel: What You Must Do

Planning your trip to Canada with a single entry visa to Canada takes time and careful thought. This guide will help you know what is very important to do before you start your travel.

1. Making a Clear Travel Plan:

• Your Travel Schedule: You must have a plan for what you will do in Canada. This plan tells when you will arrive and leave, where you will stay, and what you will do each day. This plan is called an itinerary. It is important because it shows you have thought about your visit.

• Places to Stay: Know where you will sleep each night. This could be with family, at a hotel, or some other place. Write down the addresses and phone numbers.

• Travel Within Canada: If you will travel to different places in Canada, plan this too. Know how you will get from one place to another. For example, will you take a bus, a train, or a plane?

2. Health and Travel Insurance:

• Staying Healthy: Canada wants to know you will be taken care of if you get sick. You should buy health insurance for your trip. This insurance pays for doctors if you need one.

• Travel Problems: Sometimes bad things happen when people travel. For example, flights can be canceled, or bags can be lost. Travel insurance can help in these situations. It can pay for new flight tickets or give you money for lost things.

• Choosing Insurance: There are many types of insurance. Look carefully at what they cover to pick the best one for you. Make sure it covers your whole Single Entry Visa to Canada trip.

3. Bringing Everything Together:

• Check and Double-Check: Before you leave, look at your plans again. Make sure you have not forgotten anything. Check that you have your visa, passport, insurance information, and travel plan. Keep copies in a different place in case you lose something.

• Tell Someone Your Plans: It is a good idea to tell a friend or family member your plans. Give them a copy of your travel plan, the places you will stay, and your insurance information. They can help if there is a problem.

• Know What to Do if There is a Problem: If something goes wrong, know who to call. Write down phone numbers for your country's embassy in Canada, your insurance company, and your travel company.

Remember, good planning can make your visit to Canada with a visa entry into Canada go smoothly. Each step you take before you travel is helping you have a good trip.

6. When You Get to Canada: What Happens at the Border?

When You Get to Canada: What Happens at the Border

When you first come to Canada with a single entry visa to Canada, you will meet border officials. This is normal. They will ask questions to make sure you meet all rules for coming into the country. This guide will help you know what to expect and how to prepare.

1. Meeting Border Officials:

• Be Ready to Talk: The border officials will ask you questions. They want to make sure you will follow the rules during your visit. They might ask why you are visiting, where you will stay, or how long you plan to visit. It is important to answer all questions truthfully.

• Show Your Papers: You will need to give the official some documents. This will include your passport and the paper that says you have a visa entry into Canada. You might also need to show your travel plan or letter from the person you are visiting.

• Stay Calm and Polite: Meeting the border officials can be stressful, but remember, they are doing their job. It is important to stay calm and be polite. This will make the process go smoothly.

2. If There Are Problems:

• Answering More Questions: Sometimes, a border official might have more questions. This does not mean you did something wrong. They might ask you to go to another room to talk more. If this happens, continue to be honest and polite.

• Know Your Rights: You have rights at the border. For example, if you do not understand something, you can ask the official to explain more. If you are very stressed, you can ask to speak to someone from your country's embassy.

• Be Ready for Different Situations: Things do not always go as planned. For example, if the official says you cannot come into Canada, they must tell you why. You must listen and follow their instructions.

3. Preparing Ahead of Time:

• Practice Answering Questions: Before you travel, think about what the officials might ask. Practice your answers. This can help you feel less nervous.

• Organize Your Documents: Put all your papers together in one place. You might show them many times. Having them together will help you stay organized.

• Learn About the Process: The more you know, the less you will be surprised. You can find information online about what happens at the border.

Remember, the border officials want to keep Canada safe. They are not trying to make you scared or uncomfortable. Being prepared and knowing what to expect can help you feel confident when you arrive with your single entry visa to Canada.

7. Being in Canada: Follow the Rules and Enjoy Your Visit

Being in Canada: Follow the Rules and Enjoy Your Visit

When you come to Canada with a single entry Canada visa, it's important to do everything right. This means you have to follow the rules of your visa. If you don't, you might have problems. But don't worry! This guide will help you understand what you should do and not do. It will also tell you about good things that can make your stay in Canada better.

1. Keep to Your Single Entry Visa to Canada Rules:

• Understand Your Limits: Your visa lets you be in Canada for a certain time. Make sure you know when you have to leave. If you stay longer, you break the rules, and this is bad.

• No Working or Studying: With this visa, you are not allowed to work or go to school in Canada. If you do these things, you are not following the rules.

• Stay Out of Trouble: It's important to follow the law. Do not do anything that is against the law. This includes driving a car without a proper license or going into places you are not allowed to go.

2. What Happens if You Break the Rules of :

• Leaving Canada Early: If you don't follow the rules, you might have to leave Canada right away. You won't be able to enjoy the rest of your visit.

• Problems Coming Back: If you break the rules, you might have trouble coming back to Canada in the future. They might not let you come back.

3. Making the Most of Your Visit:

• Ask for Help: There are places in Canada that help visitors. They can give you information and support. Don't be afraid to ask them for help.

• Healthcare: If you get sick, you need to know what to do. It's important to have health insurance. Hospitals in Canada are very expensive if you don't have insurance.

• Join Community Activities: Look for local events or activities in the area where you are staying. This is a great way to meet people and enjoy your time from Single Entry Visa to Canada.

• Stay Informed: Sometimes rules change. Pay attention to the news or official websites. This way, you will know if something that affects your stay happens.

Remember, there are many ways you can move to Canada. So following the rules is very important. But there are also many good things to do in Canada. If you keep to your visa rules, you can have a great time and make many happy memories.

8. Understanding How Application is Processed

Understanding the Process for a Single Entry Visa to Canada 

Applying for a visa to visit Canada for one time is a process. It involves many steps that happen after you send your application. It's important to know what happens during this process. This way, you can give the best information and have a better chance of getting your visa. Here is what you need to know:

1. What Happens After You Apply:

• First, Checking Your Application: After you send your application for a visa entry into Canada, it does not get approved right away. First, people at the visa office check if you sent all the needed papers. They also make sure that all the information is easy to read and understand.

• Then, Looking at Your Information More Closely: Next, your application goes to a special team. This team checks your information very carefully. They use different ways to make sure your information is correct.

• Making the Decision: After all the checks, a decision is made. The officers look at all your information. They decide if you can come to Canada.

2. How to Make Your Application Strong:

• Always Tell the Truth: You must always give true information. If you do not, it might stop you from getting a visa.

• Make Sure Everything is Clear: All your papers must be easy to read. If something is hard to understand, it might be a problem.

• Explain Why You Want to Come: You need to say why you want to visit Canada. The reason can be for family, work, or fun. Make sure to explain your plans in detail when you apply for single entry visa to Canada.

3. Tips You Might Not Know:

• Good Travel History Helps: If you have visited other countries and followed their rules, it shows you are a good traveler. This can help your application.

• Having Enough Money: You need to show you have money for your trip. But, it's also good to show you have a stable life at home.

• Show You Will Go Back Home: It is important to show that you will leave Canada after your visit. This can be because of your job, your family, or other reasons.

4. Advice from Experts:

• Do Not Wait to Apply: It takes time to get a visa. Start your application early, long before you plan to travel.

• Ask for Help if You Need It: If something is not clear, it's okay to ask for help. There are people who can answer your questions.

• Stay Calm and Wait: Sometimes, getting a visa can take a while. Do not worry. Just wait for the answer and hope for the best.

In the end, knowing how the visa process works is very important. It helps you to prepare your application in the best way. When you understand what the officers are looking for, you can give them the right information. This can help you get your single entry visa Canada.

9. Time and Cost for a Visa Entry into Canada

Understanding Time and Money for a Visa Entry into Canada

When you decide to apply for a single entry Canada visa, it's very important to think about two things: how much time it takes and how much it costs. Both these things can change because of many reasons, so you need to know the details to plan your single entry visa to Canada application better.

1. How Long Does It Take?

• Time to Prepare Your Application: Before you can send your application, you need time to get all your papers together. This might take a few weeks. You have to fill out forms, get pictures of yourself, and more. Make sure everything is correct!

• Waiting for the Answer: After you send your application, you have to wait. It might take several weeks or even a few months before you get an answer. The time can change. It depends on how many applications they have and if your papers are clear and complete.

• What Can Make It Take Longer: Sometimes things you don't expect can happen. There might be holidays, or they might need to check your information more. If they ask you for more papers, you have to send them quickly or your single entry Canada visa my be denied.

2. What Does It Cost?

• The Fee for the Application: Everyone who applies for a visa entry into Canada has to pay money. This is called a fee. You pay it online when you send your application. This fee does not change.

• Cost for Your Papers: You might need to pay for some of your papers. For example, you might need to pay for a passport, or to get copies of your papers, or for pictures of yourself.

• Extra Costs You Might Not Expect: Sometimes, you might have to pay more money for things you did not think about. For example, if you need to go to an interview, you might need to pay for travel. Or, if you need to get a medical exam, you might need to pay for that.

3. Things Most People Don't Know about Single Entry Visa to Canada:

• No Money Back: If you pay the fee for your application, you do not get it back, even if your application is not approved.

• Time Can Change: You might hear about normal times to get a visa. But you should know, your own time can be different. It's a good idea to apply as early as you can.

• Save Money: You might be able to save some money. For example, you might be able to get some papers for free. Ask to find out.

4. Advice from People Who Know a Lot:

• Be Ready for Extra Time: Always plan for extra time. You might need it if there are delays.

• Ask Questions: If you don't understand something about the money or the time, you should ask. It's better to ask than to make a mistake.

• Keep All Your Papers: Always keep copies of everything you send. This is very important if there are questions later.

Remember, getting a single entry Canada visa is a big step. It takes time and it costs money. But if you know what to expect and plan everything well, it can go smoothly. 

10. Case Study: A look at a fictional example

Case Study: John's Journey to a Single Entry Visa to Canada

Let's talk about a person named John. He wanted to get a visa to go to Canada one time. This is a story that we made up so we can learn something from it. It's not a real story, but it will help us understand how to apply for a visa entry into Canada.

1. John Starts His Application:

John knew he wanted to go to Canada, but he didn't know much about how to apply for the visa. So, he started by looking for information on the internet. He found the official website where all the correct information was. It's important to use the right website, so you know that the information is correct.

2. Understanding What He Needed:

The website told John about all the things he needed to apply. He needed to fill out a form on the computer, get some pictures of himself, and collect other papers. These papers showed that he had enough money to visit Canada and that he was in good health. He also had to write why he wanted to visit. John made sure to check everything many times. It's important that there are no mistakes in the application.

3. Getting Help from an Expert:

Some things were hard for John to understand. So, he decided to talk to a person who knows a lot about visas. This person helped John understand everything clearly. This is a good idea if you're not sure about something.

4. Unexpected Problems:

John thought everything was perfect. But after he sent his application, the visa office told him that they needed more information. They asked him for more papers about his job. John was surprised, but he acted fast. He got the papers they needed and sent them quickly. Sometimes, things you don't expect can happen, so you need to be ready to act fast.

5. The Final Decision:

After some weeks, John got an email. His application for single entry visa Canada was approved! He was very happy. But the email also told him important things he needed to know when he arrived in Canada. He made sure to read them very carefully.

6. Things We Can Learn from John:

• Use the Correct Information: Always use the official website or talk to a person who knows a lot about the visa application. This way, you know the information you have is right.

• Check Everything Many Times: Small mistakes can make big problems. Make sure everything is correct before you send your application.

• Be Ready for Surprises: Sometimes, things don't go as we plan. They might ask for more information, or there might be delays. You need to be ready for this.

• Ask for Help If You Need It: If something is hard to understand, it's okay to ask for help. It's better to ask than to make a mistake.

This story about John helps us see what can happen when you apply for a single entry Canada visa. Remembering these points can help anyone make a strong application. 

11. Common Questions (FAQs) about Single Entry Visa to Canada

Always make sure to check with the specific institution or official Canadian government resources for the most accurate and updated information about single entry visa to Canada.

12. Where to find resources about single entry visa to Canada?

When preparing for your journey with a single entry visa to Canada, knowing where to find accurate and helpful information is crucial. There are resources available that offer detailed guidance and support throughout your application process. Here are two essential resources:

The Immigration Department's Official Website: The Canadian government's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website is the primary source of information for anything related to visa entry into Canada. Website link: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

These resources are invaluable for any prospective visitor, worker, or immigrant to Canada. They provide the support and detailed information necessary to navigate the application process for a single entry visa into Canada. It is advisable to refer to these sources regularly throughout your single entry visa to Canada application journey for the most current guidance and assistance.

Kamal Akhtar (Immigration Lawyer)
Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public
BCOM; MBA; LL.B; LL.M (York University, Toronto)

As the founder of this website and your guide through the complexities of Canadian immigration law, my academic credentials include a Bachelor of Law  (LL.B) and Master of Law (LL.M) from York University, Toronto, complemented by an Honours Diploma in Immigration Consulting. I am a lawyer licensed by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). My affiliation with legal associations such as the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA), the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC), the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), and the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) underscores my commitment to  immigration policies and practices. I share insights shaped by over 25 years of legal experience. Please note that information on this website does not constitute legal or professional advice.

Contact Us!

Written by Kamal Akhtar a Barrister & Solicitor, Law Society of Ontario. | B.COM; MBA; LL.B; LL.M | Honors Diploma in Immigration Consulting | Published on December 18, 2023 | Last Updated January 14, 2024

Akhtar & Associates Immigration Law Office
Email: info@kamallaw.ca | Phone: +1 (416) 317-7515

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