Canada Updates Visitor Visa Policy: 10-Year Multiple Entry Visa Option Removed – What Travellers Need To Know

In a noteworthy reversal, Canada visa policy has changed in, that it is no longer issuing long term multiple entry tourist visas valid for a period of up to ten years. As detailed in an article by News18, it means that immigration offices will now in each case determine whether an applicant deserves a single or multiple entry visa and for how long it should be issued.

Canada Updates Visitor Visa Policy

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Earlier, tourists with a multiple entry visa could visit Canada as many times as required within the time-act of the Visa which often lasted ten years or alternatively until their passports or biometrics expired.

The new policy also shows that long-term multiple-entry visas will no longer be the standard. From now on, officials will issue visas that fit the applicant’s profile and Canada’s fast-changing immigration policies. This comes in line with the government’s new policy directive on reducing level of both temporary and permanent immigration, a policy change driven by the persistent threat of a housing crisis and increasing costs of living.

In view of the revised visa policy, it appears that for visitors with visas approaching expiration dates, necessary adjustments in the strategy for remaining in the country have to be made. As it stands, reports indicate that more than a million temporary residents are expected to leave Canada once their visas expire amid other such possibilities in the years to come. The Canadian authorities, it seems, are going to do the enforcement of deportations for those who overstays their period of stay. The government seeks to maintain its open door image while at the same time implementing measures that are in line with the existing economic and social conditions.

In practical terms, the changes to the visa policy mean that there will be additional requirements for travellers to qualify for entry into Canada and also the duration of time for issuance of a visa will be limited. For those visitors who do expect to stay longer or wish to visit multiple times, the revised terms and conditions may involve more extensive, and probably, additional visa application if re-entry is required. This also means extra costs, visa processing periods, and the obligation to make arrangements much earlier.

The aim is to provide justified delays in the issuance of entry documents, so as to cope with the demand of temporary visitors under the new circumstances of immigration policy in Canada.