Canada's new visa policy: A shift from long-term to short-term entry for travelers

In a blow to people planning a trip to Canada, the country’s visa will shift from the friendly US model — long term multiple entry — to the subjective Schengen system — any duration, mostly short, which could be single or multiple entry.

The Canadian Govt has amended its visa policy: “Guidance has been updated to indicate that multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered to be the standard document. Officers may exercise their judgement in deciding whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa, and in determining the validity period.”

This change, coupled with the prolonged visa processing times in India, has been a significant setback for Indians, especially considering the large diaspora in Canada.

Travel Agents Federation of India VP Anil Kalsi told TOI: “Canada used to mostly issue multiple entry visitor visas with a validity of 10 years subject to validity of passport. Which means if my passport has a validity of 8 years when my Canadian visa is approved, I will get the same for 8 years.

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The change in rule will severely impact travellers and hit visitations to Canada. Already visa processing has been taking very long (due to reduced consular staff in India).” Apart from visiting friends and relatives, the other big category of visitors to Canada are those going for Alaska cruises, Rocky mountain tracks and Niagara, Kalsi said.