Canada imposes new restrictions on tourist visas, shortens length of stay

Canada (The Uttam Hindu): Canada has updated its visa policy, signaling a significant shift for tourist visa applicants. The government will no longer issue tourist visas with a validity of up to 10 years. Instead, immigration officers will now have the discretion to issue either single-entry or multiple-entry visas, and they will determine the length of validity on a case-by-case basis. Typically, a Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), allows foreign nationals to stay in Canada for up to six months. However, the final decision on the duration of stay is at the discretion of the border officer upon entry. As of November 6, 2024, the Canadian immigration department updated its guidelines to indicate that multiple-entry visas, previously issued with maximum validity, are no longer the standard. Officers now have the authority to assess each case individually, deciding whether to issue a single-entry or multiple-entry visa and determining the appropriate validity period.

This change comes at a time when the Canadian government is working to address concerns about rising housing shortages and high living costs, which have been aggravated by temporary migration. The government has already announced plans to reduce both permanent and temporary immigration levels. In a recent statement, Immigration Minister Marc Miller expressed regret that the government had not acted sooner to curb the flow of temporary migrants, which he claims has contributed to the housing crisis. He added that more than 1 million temporary residents are expected to leave the country voluntarily over the coming years as their visas expire. Those who do not leave will be deported, Miller emphasized, stating, "Temporary means temporary, and permanent means permanent."

Under the revised policy, Canada's approach to issuing visitor visas will be more nuanced, with immigration officers considering factors such as the purpose of the visit, the applicant's financial stability, and their ties to their home country. For example, applicants coming for short-term events like conferences, or for compassionate reasons, may still be eligible for a visa but with a shorter validity period. Additionally, officers will take into account factors like the applicant’s employment situation, whether they have health conditions that may require medical treatment, and whether they have demonstrated strong ties to their home country. If applicants have previously violated visa terms or have been denied visas in the past, this may also impact their chances of being granted a visa under the new guidelines. Ultimately, this change reflects a tightening of immigration controls, with the government seeking to balance the need for temporary visitors with the growing strain on Canada’s housing and economic systems.