Canada revises visitor visa policy: No more 10-year multiple entry visa option, and what it means for travellers

In a significant shift, Canada has changed its visa policy, moving away from issuing long-term multiple-entry tourist visas with a validity of up to ten years. As per a report in News18, this policy change means that immigration officers will now decide case by case whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa and determine its validity period.

Previously, visitors holding a multiple-entry visa could enter Canada as often as needed during the visa's term, which could last up to a decade or until the expiration of their passport or biometrics.

The new policy specifies that extended multiple-entry visas are no longer the default option. Instead, visa types will be determined case-by-case, taking into account each applicant’s profile and Canada’s evolving immigration priorities. This shift aligns with the government’s recent emphasis on limiting both temporary and permanent immigration due to ongoing concerns about housing shortages and rising living costs.


With the updated visa policy, visitors approaching the end of their visa period will need to reconsider their plans for remaining in Canada. According to reports, over one million temporary residents are expected to leave as their visas expire in the coming years. The Canadian government plans to enforce deportations for those who overstay, aiming to balance its open-door image with the realities of the current economic and social landscape.

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For travellers, Canada’s revised visa policy means a shift toward more selective entry criteria and potentially shorter visa durations. For visitors hoping to stay longer or make repeated trips, the new guidelines may require more careful planning and perhaps additional visa applications if re-entry is needed. This also means added costs, visa processing times, and the need to plan well ahead.

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The policy is intended to manage the flow of temporary visitors more effectively, aligning with Canada’s evolving immigration approach.