In a major policy shift, Canada will no longer offer 10-year multiple-entry tourist visas, sparking concern among frequent travelers.
The new rule, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), eliminates the once-standard option of extended multi-entry visas.
Instead, immigration officers will now have the discretion to grant single or multiple-entry visas on a case-by-case basis.
For years, Canada’s 10-year multiple-entry visa allowed visitors to come and go freely, staying for up to six months at a time.
With this change, visa durations will now depend on the specific circumstances of each applicant.
According to the IRCC, this revision is part of a larger effort to manage Canada’s growing immigration pressures.
In recent years, Canada has experienced an influx of immigrants, placing strain on housing and infrastructure.
Canada’s housing market is already grappling with rising prices, leading to calls for immigration policies that align with the nation’s resources.
The IRCC noted that the revised visa policy is designed to adapt to Canada’s current economic and social landscape.
“Guidance has been updated to indicate that multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer the standard,” the IRCC confirmed in a statement.
“Officers may now exercise their judgment in deciding whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa and in determining the validity period,” it added.
The IRCC’s announcement follows an ongoing debate in Canada over immigration numbers and resource allocation.
Canada expects to enforce stricter rules for temporary residents, with over one million visa holders projected to leave as their visas expire in the coming years.
This marks a shift for Canada, which has long been known for its welcoming immigration policies.
Those who frequently travel to Canada for work, business, or family visits may now face more restrictions.
Applicants may also encounter increased costs, as shorter-term visas may require repeated applications over time.
Under the previous system, travelers could secure a visa that allowed them to enter Canada multiple times over a period of up to ten years.
But with the new policy, many travelers are now left uncertain about how often they will be able to visit Canada.
Frequent travelers and business professionals, in particular, may feel the impact of this policy change.
One regular visitor, Amina Dikko, a Nigerian businesswoman, expressed her frustration.
“This new rule could make it harder for me to manage my business trips to Canada,” she said.
“Before, I could go for up to 10 years without reapplying. Now, I may have to apply more often, and it’s frustrating.”
Previously, Canada offered two types of tourist visas: the single-entry and multiple-entry options.
Applicants were typically given multiple-entry visas with a term that could last up to ten years or until a month before their passport expired.
The new policy grants immigration officers the power to decide which type of visa to issue and how long it will last, depending on each applicant’s needs.
While the application cost remains the same—CAD 100—frequent reapplication could mean additional expenses for regular travelers.
With Canada’s population and infrastructure under strain, the government has made other adjustments to its immigration strategy.
For example, Canada recently lowered its permanent resident admissions target, aiming to welcome 395,000 new residents in 2025, down from the previous goal of 500,000.
Further reductions are expected in 2026 and 2027 as Canada attempts to balance its open-door reputation with the demands of its economy.
The visa policy shift underscores a broader approach by Canada to handle immigration sustainably, ensuring resources are not overwhelmed.
In response, some travelers may need to adjust their plans and expectations.
“Canada’s new visa policy might deter tourists and investors who rely on easy access,” observed Ali Khan, an immigration analyst.
“Many see this as Canada tightening its borders in response to domestic challenges.”
