In a new step related to visitor visa policies, the Canadian Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) announced significant changes to the process of issuing tourist visas. According to an update posted on the official website of the federal government on November 6, the administration confirmed that multiple-entry visas, which were previously granted for a maximum validity of up to 10 years, are no longer considered the standard document.

Details of the decision

In the past, visitors could obtain multiple-entry visas that allowed them to enter and exit Canada freely for up to 10 years. However, under the new rules, this option will no longer be automatically available.

Instead, visa officials will evaluate each application on a case-by-case basis to determine whether to grant a single or multiple-entry visa, with a validity period that may be less than the previous maximum.

New evaluation factors

Visa officials will need to take several factors into account when evaluating visa applications, including:

• Purpose of visit: The applicant must have a clear and acceptable reason for the visit.

• Financial capability: The applicant's ability to fund their trip and living expenses in Canada will be examined.

• Medical status: Providing health reports or passing medical examinations may be required.

• Ties to the home country: Strong ties between the applicant and their home country, such as employment, family, or property, will be verified to ensure their return after the visit.

• Political and economic stability: The stability of the political or economic situation in the applicant's country will be considered, which may affect the decision to issue the visa and its validity period.

Determining visa validity period

The IRCC clarified that the validity period of multiple-entry visas will be at the discretion of the officials, as a validity of less than 10 years may be granted based on factors such as:

• Short-term purpose of the visit.

• The applicant's current status in their country of residence.

• Potential changes in relations with Canada over time.

• Economic or political conditions in the applicant's country.

Impact of the decision on applicants

This decision is expected to tighten application procedures and increase the difficulty of obtaining long-term multiple-entry visas. Applicants will need to provide stronger supporting evidence and more documentation to prove their ability to meet the new visa criteria.

It is clear that after Canada canceled the automatic provision of 10-year multiple-entry visas, this may lead to significant changes in its visa policies.

This requires applicants to prepare their applications more carefully and provide more comprehensive documents to prove their eligibility for the visa.