Canada has introduced changes to its visitor visa policies, which will end the automatic issuance of 10-year multiple-entry visas. According to an update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) posted on November 6, multiple-entry visas granted for the maximum validity period will no longer be considered the standard.
Previously, visitors could receive multiple-entry visas for up to 10 years, allowing them to enter and exit Canada freely within that time frame. Under the new rules, visa officers will now assess each applicant individually to determine whether to issue a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, as well as the appropriate validity period.
When making this determination, factors such as the purpose of the visit, the applicant’s financial situation, medical conditions, and ties to their home country will be considered. For multiple-entry visas, the validity period may be shorter than the maximum 10 years, depending on factors like the purpose of the visit, the applicant’s status in their country of residence, any changes in their ties to Canada or their home country, and the stability of the political or economic situation in their home country.
