Canada has announced changes to its tourist visa policy following new rules outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, effectively ending a 10-year period of automatic issuance of multiple entry visas.
IRCC posted an update on the federal government’s website on November 6, asserting that “multiple-entry visas issued before their expiry date are no longer considered standard documents.”
Previously, visitors to Canada were issued multi-entry visas for up to 10 years, during which they could freely enter and exit the country.
With new rules, this is no longer the default option. IRCC said visa officers will now assess each applicant individually and decide whether to issue a first- or multiple-entry visa and for how long it will be valid.
Visa issuance factors include the applicant’s purpose for the visit, funds, medical condition, and ties to the home country.
For multiple entry visas, the official also determines the validity period and may choose a shorter period of up to 10 years.
IRCC states that factors include whether the visit has a short-term purpose, the applicant’s status in their current country of residence, changes in Canada’s relationship with their country of residence over time, and domestic economic or political conditions. He said that this includes whether the situation is unstable or not. their home country.
For more information, please visit the following department pages: Website.
