- New Visa Rules Give Officials More Discretion On validity And Entry Limits
Canada has introduced changes to its tourist visa policy, scaling back its once-standard practice of issuing 10-year multiple-entry visas.
The revised guidelines allow immigration officers more discretion in determining visa types and validity, meaning frequent travellers may no longer be guaranteed long-term access.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said that while multiple-entry visas with maximum validity were previously the norm, officers will now assess each applicant individually, potentially issuing shorter visas based on need.
The updated guidance reflects a shift in Canada’s approach to temporary immigration, driven by rising housing shortages and cost-of-living concerns.
Frequent travellers to Canada could face increased costs and logistical challenges under the new policy, as they may need to apply for visas more frequently.
The government hopes these measures will help manage immigration levels amidst concerns about the rising number of temporary residents.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated, “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.”