Canada Ends Automatic 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visas

Canada has revised its visitor visa policies, ending the automatic issuance of 10-year multiple-entry visas for tourists. The new guidelines, issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), give immigration officers more discretion in determining visa duration and type.

Previously, eligible visitors were routinely granted long-term visas allowing multiple entries over a decade. Now, each application will undergo individual assessment, and officers can choose between single-entry or multiple-entry visas, tailoring validity periods based on specific circumstances rather than defaulting to maximum-validity options.

The IRCC stated, “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 judgment in deciding whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa and in determining the validity period.”

This shift reflects Canada’s strategy to manage immigration in line with infrastructure and economic pressures, including housing shortages and rising living costs. The new approach balances temporary immigration needs with the country’s current resource capacity.

Previously, Canada offered both multiple-entry and single-entry visas, with most applicants qualifying for the former. The former allowed for multiple entries over a 10-year period or until a month before their passport’s expiration. Single-entry visas were typically reserved for special cases, such as official visits or one-time events.

With the updated policy, maximum-validity multiple-entry visas will no longer be the standard issue. Immigration officers will now assess each traveler’s circumstances to determine the most suitable visa type and duration. Although the application fee for a Canadian visitor visa remains at CAD 100, the new policy may increase costs for frequent travelers who could need to reapply more often due to shorter visa terms.

Alongside this change, Canada is also adjusting its permanent residency targets, reducing admissions from 500,000 in 2025 to 395,000, with further reductions expected through 2027. These updates reflect Canada’s efforts to align immigration policies with its infrastructure capabilities.