Canada Changes Visa Rules: 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visas No Longer Automatic

Canada Impliments New Policies, Tightens Tourist Visa Rules, Shifting Away from Automatic 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visas

Canada has made a significant new shift in its tourist visa policies, ending the automatic issuance of 10-year multiple-entry visas for visitors. The new rules, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), give immigration officers greater discretion to issue shorter-term visas based on individual assessments.

What’s Changing?

Under the revised guidelines, Canada will no longer automatically grant visitors the option of a multiple-entry visa with a validity of up to 10 years. Instead, immigration officers will assess each visa application on a case-by-case basis, potentially leading to shorter stays and more varied visa durations. This policy change aims to better manage temporary immigration levels, address housing shortages, and control the rising cost of living.

Previously, tourists applying for a Canadian visa were automatically considered for a multiple-entry visa, which allowed multiple visits over a period of up to 10 years, or until the passport expired. Single-entry visas were typically reserved for specific cases, like official visits or one-time events.

Impact on Frequent Visitors

Frequent travelers to Canada may face increased application costs and shorter visa durations under the new rules. Immigration officers now have the flexibility to decide whether a visitor should receive a single-entry or multiple-entry visa based on their specific travel history and needs.

The IRCC emphasized that multiple-entry visas with maximum validity are no longer considered the standard. “Officers may exercise their judgment in deciding whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa and in determining the validity period,” the IRCC stated.

Visa Application Costs Remain the Same

The application fee for a Canadian visitor visa remains CAD 100 per person, with no price difference between single-entry and multiple-entry visas.

Aligning with Broader Immigration Strategy

This visa policy change is part of Canada’s broader strategy to balance immigration levels and address infrastructure challenges. As part of this shift, Canada has also lowered its target for permanent resident admissions from 500,000 to 395,000 in 2025, with further reductions planned for the following years.

This move reflects Canada’s cautious approach to managing immigration sustainably, aiming to meet the country’s evolving economic and social needs.