Canada Adjusts Tourist Visa Policy: Shorter Terms and Higher Costs for Frequent Visitor
Canada has updated its tourist visa policy, stepping back from automatically granting 10-year multiple-entry visas. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the shift, allowing immigration officers greater discretion to issue shorter-duration visas based on individual assessments.
This policy change is part of Canada’s broader strategy to balance temporary immigration levels, manage housing shortages, and curb rising living costs.
With the new approach, frequent travelers to Canada, including those visiting for work or leisure, may face increased application costs and shorter visa terms.
Previously, Canadian tourist visa applicants were automatically considered for a multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 10 years or until one month before their passport’s expiration. The single-entry visa, which allowed only one visit, was reserved for special cases like official visits.
Now, immigration officers will evaluate each application individually, issuing single or multiple-entry visas based on travelers’ specific needs.
Despite the changes, the visa application fee remains CAD 100 per person. This adjustment aligns with Canada’s ongoing efforts to manage immigration levels and infrastructure demands, including reducing permanent residency targets in upcoming years.
Canada’s new visa guidelines reflect a cautious approach, aiming to address the nation’s economic and social needs more sustainably.
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