Canada Ends Automatic 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visas for Foreign Nationals

The Canadian government has announced that it will no longer issue automatic 10-year multiple-entry visas to foreign nationals, marking a significant shift in its immigration policy. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) department confirmed the policy change, explaining that the 10-year multiple-entry visa is no longer the “standard document” and emphasizing a new approach that allows for more tailored decisions on visa validity.

Previously, the 10-year multiple-entry visa allowed holders to enter and exit Canada freely over the course of a decade. However, as part of efforts to manage a population surge in the post-COVID era, the IRCC is now encouraging visa officers to use discretion in determining both the type and duration of entry visas, weighing factors such as each applicant’s circumstances and travel history.

This move comes on the heels of Canada’s revised immigration targets. In October, the IRCC announced cuts to its permanent residency goals, reducing the 2025 target from 500,000 to 395,000. Similar reductions will apply in 2026 and 2027, with adjusted targets set at 380,000 and 365,000 respectively.