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.
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The revised policy also indicates that extended multiple-entry visas are no longer the default option. Going forward, officials will exercise judgement to issue visas that best match an applicant’s profile and Canada’s evolving immigration needs. This move aligns with the government’s recent emphasis on limiting both temporary and permanent immigration, a shift prompted by ongoing concerns over a housing shortage and rising living costs.Looking at the revised visa policy, visitors whose visas are nearing the expiration date, need to rethink their plans for staying in the country. If reports are to go by, Canada is expecting more than one million temporary residents to depart as their visas expire in the coming years. The Canadian government is set to enforce deportations for those who overstay. The government aims to balance its open-door reputation with the realities of its 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.