Canada is making a big change to its visa rules. The country will no longer issue tourist visas that last for up to 10 years. This means the practice of offering multiple-entry visas with long validity periods has ended.
Under the new rules, immigration officers now have the power to decide if they will issue a single-entry or multiple-entry visa and how long the visa will be valid. Previously, the multiple-entry visa allowed travelers to visit Canada as many times as they wanted during its 10-year validity, or until their travel document or biometrics expired.
Updated Visa Guidelines
According to the Canadian immigration department, the new guidance says that multiple-entry visas are no longer the standard option. Instead, officers will use their judgment to determine whether a single-entry or multiple-entry visa is appropriate, along with the duration of its validity.
Why the Change?
This change comes as part of the Canadian government’s effort to manage immigration more carefully. The government, under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is facing criticism over a housing shortage and high living costs. In response, the government has decided to reduce both permanent and temporary immigration. Immigration Minister Marc Miller mentioned that Canada should have acted sooner to manage temporary migration, which he says has contributed to the housing crisis.
Canada plans to let more than 1 million temporary residents leave the country when their visas expire. Those who do not leave on their own will face deportation. Miller emphasized that temporary visas are meant for a limited time, while permanent visas are for those staying long-term.
What This Means for Travelers
Travelers applying for a visa to Canada should be aware that their visa’s validity period will now depend on the immigration officer’s decision. This means it could be shorter than the 10-year visa that was available before. Those planning to visit Canada will need to consider these new rules when making travel plans.
Note: Please consult your travel agent, visa officer, or visit the official immigration website for accurate and up-to-date information.
