Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
Canada Revokes Decade-Long Multi-Entry Visas in Rule Tightening
Changes to Canada’s Visitor Visa Policies: An End to Automatic 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visas
Canada has recently made significant modifications to its visitor visa policies, effectively putting an end to the automatic issuance of 10-year multiple-entry visas. These alterations were elucidated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in a recent update.
On November 6, the IRCC posted an update on the federal government's website, stating that "multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered to be the standard document."
The New Rules in Detail
Previous visa policies allowed visitors to Canada to obtain multiple-entry visas for up to a decade, granting them the liberty to move in and out of the country freely during the validity period. However, this will no longer be the norm under the newly implemented rules.
Under the revised regulations, visa officers will now evaluate applicants on an individual basis. This will determine whether a single or multiple-entry visa will be issued and its corresponding validity period, according to the IRCC.
The criteria for issuing visas will encompass several factors like the applicant's purpose of visit, available funds, medical conditions, and their ties to their home country, among others.
In the case of multiple-entry visas, visa officers will also have the discretion to decide the validity period. They can opt to set a duration shorter than the maximum 10-year period.
Factors Influencing Visa Issuance
According to the IRCC, several factors will influence the issuance of visas. These include whether there is a short-term purpose for the visit, the applicant's status in their current country of residence, changes in ties to their home country and Canada over time, and the stability of the economic and political conditions in their home country.
In conclusion, these changes in Canada's visitor visa policies signify a shift towards a more individualized and comprehensive assessment of applicants. While it may seem like a move away from the previous convenience of automatic 10-year multiple-entry visas, it is aimed at ensuring a more thorough evaluation of visitors' intentions and circumstances. This is in line with Canada's continuous efforts to maintain its security while remaining an attractive and accessible destination for global visitors.
