Canada has announced significant changes to its visa policy, eliminating the automatic issuance of 10-year multiple-entry visas for tourists.
The new guidelines, introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), give immigration officers more discretion in granting visas based on individual assessments rather than defaulting to extended validity periods.
Under the updated policy, applicants may now receive visas for shorter durations, and those who frequently visit Canada for work or leisure could face higher application fees and more limited validity periods.
The move is part of a broader effort by the Canadian government to manage temporary immigration levels, alleviate housing shortages, and address rising living costs.
Previously, Canada offered two types of tourist visas: multiple-entry visas, which allowed visits over a 10-year period (or until the passport expired), and single-entry visas, which were issued for specific circumstances like official visits or single-event participation.
The new policy gives immigration officers the authority to decide whether to issue a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, considering each application on a case-by-case basis.
The IRCC clarified that the 10-year multiple-entry visa will no longer be considered the default option.
Officers now have more flexibility in determining the appropriate visa type and validity period based on the applicant’s travel history and the purpose of their visit.
This policy shift is part of Canada’s broader strategy to manage its immigration system more sustainably.
In addition to the visa changes, Canada has also revised its targets for permanent resident admissions, reducing the number from 500,000 to 395,000 for 2025, with further reductions planned for the following years.
These measures reflect Canada’s efforts to balance immigration growth with the country’s economic and infrastructure challenges, ensuring that immigration remains manageable in light of housing pressures and the cost of living.
