Canada has changed its visa policy for tourists, Nigerians, and other nationals. It will no longer automatically provide 10-year multiple-entry visas. The new guidelines from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mean that immigration officers now have the authority to issue visas for shorter durations based on each visitor’s situation.
Previously, eligible visitors were often given long-term multiple-entry visas that allowed them to enter Canada multiple times over a decade. However, under the new rules, visas will be evaluated one by one instead of giving everyone a default 10-year visa. Officers will decide whether to issue a single-entry or a multiple-entry visa and how long it will be valid.
According to the IRCC, “multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered the standard document.” Immigration officers can now use their judgment to determine the appropriate type and duration of the visa based on the applicant’s specific needs.
Reasons For The Changes
This change is part of a larger plan to manage immigration levels amid housing shortages and rising living costs. The Canadian government aims to adapt its immigration policy to address these economic and infrastructure challenges better.
Before, Canada offered two main types of tourist visas: multiple-entry and single-entry. Most applicants were typically considered for the multiple-entry option, which let them travel in and out of the country multiple times over ten years or until their passport expired.
With the updated policy, maximum-validity multiple-entry visas will no longer be the standard. The application fee for a visitor visa remains the same for everyone, regardless of whether they are applying for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. However, frequent travelers might have higher costs due to needing to reapply more often for shorter-term visas.
Additionally, the government plans to reduce its target for permanent resident admissions. Currently, at 500,000, it will be reduced to 395,000 in 2025, with more decreases expected in 2026 and 2027.
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