Altec’s News | Important Changes to Canada’s 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visa!

In recent months, Canada has been actively revising policies impacting immigrants and temporary residents, and the latest update brings significant changes to the visitor visa program. As of November 6, Canadian immigration officers now have the discretion to issue either single-entry or multiple-entry visas, a notable shift from the previous policy where multiple-entry visas were generally issued by default.

This change means that obtaining a 10-year multiple-entry visa is no longer guaranteed, aligning with Canada’s broader immigration strategy to manage temporary migration amid housing challenges and a rising cost of living.

New Visitor Visa Guidelines

Historically, Canada’s multiple-entry visa allowed maximum validity, often up to 10 years, offering convenience for frequent travelers. However, with the latest updates, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has stated that officers will evaluate each application individually to determine both the type and duration of the visa issued.

IRCC clarifies, “Issuing the maximum validity multiple-entry visa is no longer standard practice. Officers will use their discretion to issue a single or multiple-entry visa and set the validity period according to the applicant’s profile and needs.”

Key Changes to the Visa Process

With this update, immigration officers now have more flexibility when issuing visas, resulting in the following key changes:

• Single or Multiple Entries: Immigration officers will now decide between issuing a single-entry visa, valid for a one-time visit, or a multiple-entry visa, which allows repeated entries within its validity period.

• Customized Validity: The previous standard 10-year validity period for multiple-entry visas has been removed. Visa durations will now be tailored to each applicant’s specific circumstances, goals, and needs.

Why Has Canada Made This Change?

Canada’s new visa policy is part of a broader approach to managing temporary immigration numbers, especially as the country grapples with housing supply issues and a rising cost of living. By increasing scrutiny of multiple-entry visa applications, the government aims to better regulate the flow of temporary residents and ensure visa issuance aligns more closely with current economic priorities.

What Travelers Should Know

Travelers should now anticipate that multiple-entry visas are no longer automatically issued for 10 years. The visa’s type and duration will be subject to the reviewing officer’s discretion, meaning that each application may lead to a unique outcome.

For travelers who intend to visit Canada frequently, this could mean applying for a visa more often, which may result in additional costs and longer processing times. It’s now more important than ever for applicants to plan well in advance, provide detailed documentation, and present clear travel plans and purposes, as officers will be closely reviewing these elements, especially for those seeking a multiple-entry visa.

Understanding Canada’s Multiple-Entry Visa

Canada’s multiple-entry visa has long provided flexibility for those traveling for business, family visits, or tourism, allowing eligible travelers to enter Canada as often as needed within the visa’s validity. However, with the new guidelines, eligibility and validity will vary more significantly based on each applicant’s profile. For frequent visitors, it’s essential to stay updated on requirements and confirm details with Canadian immigration authorities before applying.

If you’re planning a trip to Canada, keep these changes in mind, and feel free to reach out to us for guidance on the updated visitor visa process!

At Altec Global, we understand the complexities of the Canadian immigration system and are dedicated to helping applicants overcome these obstacles. Whether you’re waiting for your PR application, navigating temporary residence delays, or seeking citizenship, our team is here to guide you through the process and help make your Canadian dream a reality.

📧 Make your personalized guidance on getting the right strategy for immigrating to Canada.