The Canadian government has announced it will no longer issue 10-year entry visas, marking a shift in its visa policy for foreign visitors. Previously, applicants for multiple-entry visas were automatically granted permission for up to 10 years. Under the new rules, immigration officials will decide on the visa duration based on factors such as the purpose of travel, health status, and financial stability of applicants, according to sources in Canada’s immigration service.
The change comes amid a broader shift in Canada’s immigration policy. In late October, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Canada would significantly reduce its immigration intake over the next three years, with resources redirected toward housing and supporting those already in the country. Immigration Minister Marc Miller outlined that the target for new immigrants in 2025 will decrease from the planned 500,000 to 395,000. This figure will further decrease to 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027.
For those considering the process of moving to a Canadian city, these policy adjustments may influence future immigration plans and settlement opportunities. Canada, which had an estimated 2.5 million non-citizen migrants in 2023, equating to 6.2% of the population, aims to address housing and integration challenges as it adjusts its immigration strategy.
