Setback for Canada Tourist Visa seekers; government updated Canadian visa policy ; restricted length of stay

SJ Singh/ Diaspora Correspondent/November 7,2024

Canada has updated its visa policy and will no longer issue tourist visas that are valid for up to 10 years. Instead, immigration officers will have the discretion to issue single-entry or multiple-entry visas, and to determine the validity period.

A visitor visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), usually allows foreign nationals to stay in Canada for up to six months. The length of stay is at the discretion of the border officer when you enter Canada.

As per November 6,2024 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.

“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 judgment in deciding whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa and in determining the validity period,” the Canadian immigration department.

Setback for Canada Tourist Visa seekers; government updated Canadian visa policy ; restricted length of stay. This measure comes as ruling Canadian government has already announced reducing both permanent and temporary immigration as anger over a housing shortage and a high cost of living has disturbed the local economy

Last month, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said the Canadian government should have acted sooner to stem the flow of temporary migration into the country that has led to a housing crisis.

Under the plan, Canada expects more than 1 million people in the country on a temporary basis to leave of their own accord in coming years as their visas expire. Canada will deport people who do not leave, Miller had said. “Temporary means temporary and permanent means permanent,” he added.

Setback for Canada Tourist Visa seekers; government updated Canadian visa policy ; restricted length of stay. b

allows the holder to seek entry to Canada from any country as often as necessary during the visa’s period of validity
has a maximum validity date of up to 10 years or the expiry date of either the travel document or biometrics, whichever comes first
can still be valid if affixed in a full or complete passport or travel document (in this case, the holder must also be in possession of a newer and valid passport or travel document and must present both documents to the airline carrier in order to travel to Canada and to the border services officer in order to seek entry to Canada)

Guidelines for issuing single or multiple-entry visas

Officers may exercise their judgement in deciding whether to issue a single- or a multiple-entry visa.

Some factors to consider:

Purpose of visit
- Is the applicant coming for a one-time event, such as a conference, training session or tourism, or will they be returning to Canada on a regular basis, such as to visit close family members?
- Are they a permit-exempt short-term student or worker? Do they require parent authorization to travel for each visit (for example, as an unaccompanied minor coming for a summer program)?
- Is the visit for compassionate purposes, such as to care for a family member who is critically ill or dying?
Funds
- Does the applicant have a stable, ongoing source of funds, such as employment, that would be sufficient to finance multiple visits to Canada?
- If the host (family or friend) in Canada will cover the applicant’s expenses, is proof of relationship provided, and is the host well established in Canada?
- Has the host also invited other people? Do they have sufficient resources to provide for all invited individuals for multiple visits?
- Will the funds be provided by the applicant’s employer (such as for a one-time conference or business meeting)? Has the employer submitted a letter attesting to this fact?
Medical
- Has the applicant indicated any health conditions that may worsen over time?
- Is the applicant coming for medical treatment?
- Has the client provided a mitigation plan, such as proof of health insurance? If so, how long is it valid for?
Other factors
- Has the applicant demonstrated strong ties to their home country such as employment or family obligations?
- Has the applicant travelled outside their home country? Have they previously travelled to Canada? If so, did they comply with the terms and conditions of their visa?
- Was the applicant previously refused a visa for Canada or any other country?

Determining the validity period

For multiple-entry visas, officers may decide to issue the visa with a validity period shorter than the maximum (10 years or the expiry of either the passport or biometrics, whichever comes first).

Some factors to consider:
- Is there a short-term purpose for the visit, for example, a business visitor providing after-sales support as part of a warranty or sales agreement?
- What is the applicant’s status in their current country of residence? Will their ties to their country of residence and to Canada change over time?
- Are economic or political conditions in the applicant’s home country unstable?