This change represents a departure from the former practice where eligible travelers were typically granted long-term visas that allowed for multiple entries over a ten-year period.
Under the updated regulations, immigration officers now have the authority to issue visas for shorter durations based on individual evaluations.
Rather than automatically providing an extended validity period, each application will be assessed on its own merits.
Officers will have the discretion to determine whether to issue a single-entry or multiple-entry visa and to set its duration, moving away from the previous automatic issuance of maximum-validity multiple-entry visas.
“The updated guidance clarifies that multiple-entry visas with maximum validity are no longer the default option. Officers may use their discretion to decide on the type of visa and its validity period,” stated the IRCC.
The IRCC noted that this policy change is part of a larger strategy to manage temporary immigration levels while addressing ongoing issues such as housing shortages and increasing living costs.
This adjustment reflects the Canadian government's commitment to modifying its immigration policies in response to economic and infrastructure challenges.
Canada previously provided two categories of tourist visas: multiple-entry and single-entry. Generally, applicants were favored for the multiple-entry visa, which permitted visits to the country multiple times over a span of up to 10 years or until one month prior to the expiration of their passport.
Single-entry visas, typically granted for specific circumstances such as official visits or participation in individual events, were less frequently issued.
With the recent updates, maximum-validity multiple-entry visas will no longer be the default option.
Immigration officers will now use their discretion to determine the suitable type and duration of the visa, customizing it to meet the individual needs and situations of the traveler.
The application fee for a Canadian visitor visa remains at CAD 100 per person, with no variation in cost between single-entry and multiple-entry options.
However, this change may lead to higher application expenses for frequent travelers, who may need to submit applications more often due to the issuance of shorter-term visas.
This policy adjustment is part of a broader initiative to align immigration levels with Canada’s existing infrastructure capabilities.
Additional measures include a reduction in the target for permanent resident admissions, which will decrease from 500,000 in 2025 to 395,000, with further reductions anticipated for 2026 and 2027.