Canada has recently updated its tourist visa policy, ending the automatic issuance of 10-year multiple-entry visas
Announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the new guidelines now grant immigration officers the discretion to issue shorter-term visas based on individual assessments rather than defaulting to maximum validity.
This policy shift is part of Canada’s broader approach to balancing temporary immigration, managing housing demand, and addressing the rising cost of living. For frequent travelers, the changes may mean increased costs and shorter-term visas, potentially affecting those who visit Canada often for work or leisure.
Previous Policy
Previously, Canada issued two types of tourist visas: multiple-entry and single-entry. All applicants were automatically considered for a multiple-entry visa, which allowed repeated entries for up to 10 years or until one month before the passport’s expiry. Single-entry visas, reserved for specific cases, allowed one entry and required reapplication for re-entry.
New Guidelines
Under the new rules, multiple-entry visas are no longer the default. Officers now assess each applicant's circumstances and may issue either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa with varied validity periods. The application fee remains CAD 100 per person, regardless of visa type.
Broader Immigration Measures
This visa change is one of several measures Canada has introduced to balance immigration. Other recent policies include:
Reduced Permanent Resident Targets: Lowered from 500,000 in 2024 to 395,000 by 2025, with further decreases planned.
Cap on International Students: Expected to reduce international student numbers by 300,000 over three years.
Restrictions on Temporary Foreign Workers: Limiting low-wage foreign workers businesses can hire to a smaller percentage.
Reinstated Visa Requirements for Mexican Citizens: Implemented in response to increased asylum claims and unauthorized entries.
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