Canada has announced that it will no longer automatically issue 10-year multiple-entry visas to tourists.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced new guidelines that allow immigration officers to issue visas for shorter periods of time based on individual evaluations, moving away from the default extended validity period.
According to the IRCC, the change is part of a larger strategy to regulate temporary immigration, handle housing shortages, and keep rising living costs under control.
Previously, Canada provided two types of tourist visas: multiple entry and single entry.
All applications were immediately assessed for a multiple-entry visa, which allows for additional visits over a 10-year period or until one month before the passport expires.
Single-entry visas, which allowed only one entry into Canada, were only issued for certain purposes, such as official visits or participation in a single event.
With the new guidelines, maximum-validity multiple-entry visas are no longer required.
Immigration officials now have more leeway in deciding whether to give a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, and they will consider each case separately.
This strategy allows for a variety of durations that are adapted to the unique demands of the travellers.
With the new guidelines, maximum-validity multiple-entry visas are no longer required.
Immigration officials now have more leeway in deciding whether to give a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, and they will consider each case separately.
This strategy allows for a variety of durations that are adapted to the unique demands of the travellers.
“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 judgement in deciding whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa and in determining the validity period,” the IRCC stated.
