Kehinde Fajobi
Canada has changed its policy on tourist visas, no longer granting automatic 10-year multiple-entry visas, according to new guidelines from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Previously, most eligible tourists received a 10-year multiple-entry visa as a standard offering.
Now, immigration officers will decide the type and duration of each visa individually, based on a traveller’s specific circumstances.
“Guidance has been updated to indicate that multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered to be the standard document,” the IRCC said.
“Officers may exercise their judgment in deciding whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa and in determining the validity period.”
The policy change aims to balance immigration levels with Canada’s infrastructure, responding to challenges like housing shortages and higher living costs.
Applicants will still pay a standard fee of CAD 100, regardless of visa type.
However, more frequent applications could mean additional costs for frequent travellers due to potentially shorter-term visas.
Canada previously offered both multiple-entry and single-entry visas, with the 10-year multiple-entry visa widely available.
Single-entry visas, typically granted for one-time events or official visits, were less common.
The visa policy change is part of a broader immigration shift in Canada, which also includes lowering permanent resident targets from 500,000 in 2025 to 395,000, with further reductions planned for 2026 and 2027.
This approach reflects Canada’s efforts to adjust its immigration policies in response to economic and infrastructure pressures.