In November 2024, Canada revised its visitor visa policies, notably affecting multiple-entry visas. Previously, multiple-entry visas were commonly issued with a validity of up to 10 years, allowing travelers to enter and exit Canada multiple times without reapplying. Under the new guidelines, immigration officers now have increased discretion to determine whether to issue single-entry or multiple-entry visas and to set their validity periods based on individual circumstances. This means that multiple-entry visas may now be issued with shorter validity periods, tailored to the specific needs and profiles of applicants.

A single-entry visa permits a traveler to enter Canada once. If the traveler leaves Canada, they must obtain a new visa to re-enter, except when traveling to the United States or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and returning within the authorized period.

In contrast, a multiple-entry visa allows for multiple entries to Canada during its validity, offering greater flexibility for travelers who need to visit Canada frequently. The recent policy changes mean that the issuance of such visas is no longer automatic, and their validity may be shorter than the previous maximum of 10 years.

These adjustments aim to enhance the integrity of Canada’s immigration system by ensuring that visa issuance aligns more closely with the specific intentions and circumstances of travelers. Applicants are now encouraged to provide detailed information about their travel plans to assist officers in determining the most appropriate type of visa and its validity period.