Canada has changed its tourist visa policy, moving away from issuing automatic 10-year multiple-entry visas. Now, immigration officers have more flexibility to decide what type of visa and validity period an applicant will receive. This shift reflects Canada’s efforts to manage temporary immigration levels amid housing shortages and cost-of-living concerns.
Canada’s New Tourist visa policy changes: Discover how the removal of automatic 10-year multiple-entry visas affects travel plans and what to expect in 2025.
Table of Contents
New Guidelines for Canada’s Multiple-Entry Visas
Under the new guidelines, multiple-entry visas are no longer automatically issued with maximum validity. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently confirmed that each visa application will be assessed individually, with officers now having discretion over the type of visa issued and its length.
“Guidance has been updated to indicate that multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered the standard document,” the IRCC stated. “Officers may exercise their judgment in deciding whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa and in determining the validity period.”
What’s Different Now?
With these updated guidelines, immigration officers have more control over visa issuance. Here’s how this affects applicants:
- Single or Multiple Entry: Officers now decide if an applicant will receive a single-entry visa (valid for one visit) or a multiple-entry visa, allowing repeated entries within the visa’s validity period.
- Flexible Validity Periods: The standard 10-year validity for multiple-entry visas has been removed. Visa validity will now vary based on each applicant’s individual circumstances and purpose for visiting Canada.
Why the Change?
This adjustment aligns with Canada’s broader strategy to manage immigration levels and address concerns over temporary residents. By giving officers discretion over visa issuance, Canada hopes to control the flow of temporary migrants more effectively.
What Travellers Need to Know
For those planning to visit Canada, these changes mean:
- Uncertainty: Travellers can no longer expect to receive a 10-year multiple-entry visa automatically. Visa type and validity will now depend on the specific judgment of immigration officers, so outcomes may differ from one application to another.
- Advance Preparation: Travellers who anticipate making multiple visits to Canada may have to reapply for visas more frequently, which could increase costs and processing times. Planning trips well in advance will be more important than ever.
- Documentation and Purpose: Applicants should be prepared to provide thorough documentation and clearly state the purpose of their travel. Officers will evaluate these factors closely, especially for those requesting a multiple-entry visa.
Canada’s Multiple-Entry Visa: Key Points
A multiple-entry visa allows travellers to visit Canada multiple times during the visa’s validity period. Here’s a quick overview:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Allows multiple entries to Canada within the visa’s valid period. |
| Validity | Previously up to 10 years; now varies at officers’ discretion. |
| Flexibility | Allows holders to enter and exit Canada from any country. |
| Restrictions | Visits are usually capped at six months per entry. |
Canada’s multiple-entry visa has long been popular for those who need frequent access for business, family, or tourism. However, with the updated policy, eligibility and validity will now depend on each applicant’s unique situation, making it essential for travellers to consult with Canadian immigration authorities before applying.
If you found this blog helpful, It would be great if you could share it with your family and friends who might find it useful as well. Also you can join our traveler community and meet other travel lovers, share tips and travel experiences with each other.
Please subscribe to my YouTube channel “Ugly And Traveling” and watch 4K travel vlogs.
Stay safe and much love!
Traveling with the green 💚 passport
Take only memories✈️leave only footprints.
