The new guidelines, released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), empower immigration officers to issue visas with shorter durations based on individual assessments, moving away from a default extended validity period.
According to the IRCC, the change is part of a broader strategy to manage temporary immigration levels, address housing shortages, and control the rising cost of living.
Under this revised policy, frequent visitors to Canada may face increased application costs and shorter-term visas, potentially affecting those who regularly travel for work or leisure.
All applicants were automatically considered for a multiple-entry visa, allowing multiple visits over a period of up to 10 years or until one month before the passport’s expiration date.
Single-entry visas, which allowed only one entry into Canada, were reserved for specific situations, such as official visits or single-event participation.
What’s New?
With the updated guidance, maximum-validity multiple-entry visas are no longer standard.
Immigration officers now have greater discretion in determining whether to issue a single-entry or multiple-entry visa and will assess each application individually.
This approach allows for varied durations tailored to the specific needs of travelers.
“Guidance has been updated to indicate that multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered to be the standard document. 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
The application fee for a Canadian visitor visa remains CAD 100 per person, with no cost difference between single-entry and multiple-entry visas.
Broader Immigration Strategy
This visa policy adjustment aligns with Canada’s recent initiatives to balance immigration levels and address infrastructure challenges.
Other measures include lowering the target for permanent resident admissions from 500,000 to 395,000 in 2025, with further reductions planned for 2026 and 2027.
Canada’s new approach reflects a cautious strategy to manage immigration sustainably, aiming to adapt to the country’s evolving economic and social needs.
