Ottawa- In a significant shift, Canada has modified its tourist visa policy, moving away from the standard issuance of 10-year multiple-entry visas. Under new guidelines, immigration officers now have broader discretion in determining the type and duration of visas granted. Frequent travelers previously assured of long-term entry may now face shorter-term or single-entry visas.
Visa decisions will now hinge on specific factors, including the applicant’s purpose of visit, financial resources, medical considerations, and overall ties to their home country. Officers may evaluate details such as whether the applicant is visiting Canada for a one-time event like a conference or for compassionate reasons, their financial capacity to cover multiple trips, health conditions, and any history of previous visa refusals.
The government emphasizes that these changes allow for a more personalized and situational approach to visa issuance, while applicants should be prepared to demonstrate strong ties to their home country, the stability of their funds, and compliance with prior visa conditions.