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If you are planning a Canada tour and need to obtain a visa, here's something important to know. Canada has introduced a new policy to tackle its immigration challenges, leading to changes in its tourist visa regulations. The government has moved away from the previous practice of issuing 10-year multiple-entry visas. Under the new guidelines, immigration officers now have greater discretion in determining the type and duration of visas issued. This change may impact frequent travellers, who can no longer count on guaranteed long-term entry into Canada.
On Thursday, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a statement saying that multiple-entry visas with maximum validity are no longer the standard document. The IRCC unveiled new guidelines that empower immigration officers with enhanced discretion. This approach enables them to tailor visa durations to individual circumstances, ensuring a more personalised assessment rather than defaulting to longer extensions. This change promotes fairness and better align immigration practices with applicants' needs.
The IRCC has announced that this shift is essential to a comprehensive strategy designed to effectively manage temporary immigration levels, tackle housing shortages, and combat the escalating cost of living. Consequently, frequent visitors to Canada may encounter higher application fees and shorter visa durations. This change will directly impact those who often travel for work or leisure, highlighting the importance of adapting to these new regulations for smoother travel experiences.
The Canadian immigration department statement said, “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.”
Previously, the IRCC offered two categories of tourist visas: multiple-entry and single-entry. Applicants were automatically assessed for a multiple-entry visa, removing the burden of making a difficult choice. This efficient process allowed visitors to discover Canada multiple times during the visa's validity—up to ten years or until one month before passport expiration, whichever occurs first.
Under the newly implemented visa policy, visitors will face reduced stay durations alongside more stringent entry requirements. Individuals holding visas approaching expiration should critically reassess their intentions for an extended residence. With projections indicating that over one million temporary residents will depart Canada as their visas expire in the forthcoming years, it is imperative to act without delay. Furthermore, the Trudeau administration is preparing to enforce stringent measures, which may include deportations for those who exceed their visa duration.
The recent IRCC update addresses several key factors that will be used to evaluate your visa application. According to the IRCC update, “Officers may exercise their judgement in deciding whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa. Some factors to consider: Purpose of visit: Is the applicant coming for a one-time event, such as a conference, training session or tourism, or will they be returning to Canada regularly, such as to visit close family members? Are they a permit-exempt short-term student or worker? Do they require parent authorisation to travel for each visit (for example, as an unaccompanied minor coming for a summer programme)? Is the visit for compassionate purposes, such as to care for a family member who is critically ill or dying?”
Another factor that the new guidelines touch upon is finances. “Funds: Does the applicant have a stable, ongoing source of funds, such as employment, that would be sufficient to finance multiple visits to Canada? If the host (family or friend) in Canada will cover the applicant’s expenses, is proof of relationship provided, and is the host well established in Canada? Has the host also invited other people? Do they have sufficient resources to provide for all invited individuals for multiple visits? Will the funds be provided by the applicant’s employer (such as for a one-time conference or business meeting)? Has the employer submitted a letter attesting to this fact?”
Your visa evaluation process will also look at health issues: “Medical: Has the applicant indicated any health conditions that may worsen over time? Is the applicant coming for medical treatment? Has the client provided a mitigation plan, such as proof of health insurance? If so, how long is it valid for?”
The primary distinction between these two visa types is that a single-entry visa grants access to Canada only once, whereas a multiple-entry visa allows for numerous entries. All visa applicants are automatically considered for a multiple-entry visa, and authorities evaluate each application to determine eligibility based on individual circumstances. A valid multiple-entry visa permits you to travel to Canada for six months at a time, and you can enter as many times as you desire. It is valid for up to 10 years or until one month before your passport expires—whichever occurs first. The application fee for a Canadian visitor visa is CAD 100 per person, applicable to all applicants regardless of the type of visa they choose.
