Canada has announced that it will no longer automatically issue 10-year multiple-entry tourist visas, marking a shift in its approach to immigration and visitor entry policies.

The change means that foreign nationals can no longer rely on receiving a long-term, multiple-entry visa with a guaranteed 10-year duration. Instead, Canadian immigration officers will now assess each applicant individually, issuing visas with varying durations based on the person’s profile, intended travel purpose, and other factors.

“Guidance has been updated to indicate that multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered to be the standard document,” reads a statement by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

“Officers may exercise their judgement in deciding whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa, and in determining the validity period,” the statement added.

This decision is part of Canada’s broader strategy to control both temporary and permanent immigration more closely. It may affect frequent travelers who previously counted on long-term access to Canada, as they will now need to reapply more frequently, potentially facing increased processing times and costs.

In October, the IRCC announced a reduction in its permanent resident target for 2025 from 500,000 to 395,000. The target for 2026 previously 500,000 will decrease to 380,000, and for 2027, Canada plans to admit 365,000 permanent residents.

Additionally, visitors with expiring visas may need to reconsider long-term stay plans, as Canada is also preparing to enforce stricter rules on overstays.

For travelers and tourists, this change means that entry plans to Canada may require more careful advance planning, including preparing for potential reapplications and additional visa fees.