Canadian Visitor Visa 10-Year Validity Ends

Visa policy revised by the Canadian Government. Visitor visas valid for up to 10 years will no longer be issued.

Under the updated guidelines, immigration officers can decide whether to grant a single-entry Canadian Visitor visa or a multiple-entry visa. The appropriate validity period will then be determined at their discretion.

Previously, you could enter Canada from any country with a multiple-entry visitor visa, provided the visa was valid. The visa had a maximum validity period of up to 10 years, or till the biometrics or travel document expired.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had stated that there has been an update in the guidance given to the visa officers. Following which, Canadian Visitor visas with multiple entries and a validity of 10 years will no longer be seen as standard.

The Canadian Government has made important changes to the visitor visa rules. The 10-year visitor visa has been discontinued. However, multiple-entry visitor visas of 10 years’ duration will be granted under specific circumstances and to selected individuals. The immigration officer handling the case file will have the authority to take the decision as to the validity permitted.

IRCC will now focus more on the duration that a visitor visa is granted for. Going ahead, a majority of visitor visas will be for single entry, with a permitted validity typically ranging from 6 months to 1 year.

The purpose for visit will be a key deciding factor in the validity permitted. If the visa applicant intends to visit Canada for participating in a conference, undergoing training, or attending a wedding, they will only be eligible for a single-entry visa.

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