Canada recently changed its tourist visa rules, ending the automatic issue of 10-year multiple-entry visas. This shift, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is aimed at addressing immigration challenges. The new rules will impact travelers from India, who are among the largest groups visiting Canada.

Overview of the New Canada Visa Policy

Since November 2024, Canada’s updated its visa policy, giving immigration officers more control over the type and duration of visas issued to visitors. Travelers may no longer automatically receive a 10-year multiple-entry visa; instead, each application will be reviewed individually. Key parts of the new policy include:

• Officer Discretion: Immigration officers can now decide whether to issue Canada single-entry tourist visa or multiple-entry visas and can adjust the validity period based on the purpose of travel and the applicant’s financial stability.

• Stricter Application Requirements: Applicants need to provide more proof of financial stability and strong ties to their home country, such as employment or family responsibilities, to show they plan to return after visiting Canada.

• Shorter Visa Durations: Many applicants may now receive visas for shorter periods, meaning frequent travelers could face higher application costs and a stricter approval process.

Impacts on Indian Travelers

This new visa policy will likely have several effects on Indian travelers, who often visit Canada for tourism, business, or family reunions.

1. More Complex Visa Applications

Indian travelers may find the Canada visa application process more complicated, with the need to provide more documentation. This could lead to longer processing times and more uncertainty about approval. Frequent travelers, who previously counted on the 10-year visa for multiple visits, may now have to reapply more often, increasing their travel costs and planning requirements.

2. Higher Costs

Although the Canada visa application fee is still CAD $ 100 for both single and multiple-entry visas, shorter visa durations may lead to more frequent applications. This means Indian travelers could face higher overall costs due to additional application fees, travel expenses, and delays while preparing documents.

3. Family Visit Challenges

Many Indians with family in Canada used the 10-year visa for easy, flexible visits. The new rules now require travelers to prove stronger ties to their home country, making spontaneous family visits more challenging without careful planning and extra paperwork.

4. Business Travel Complications

Indian professionals who often travel to Canada for business may also face challenges. Uncertainty around visa approvals could disrupt business schedules and partnerships that rely on regular visits. Companies may need to adapt their business travel plans to manage these new requirements, potentially adjusting the frequency and timing of trips.

Conclusion

Canada’s new tourist visa rules represent a big change in how the country manages visitor entry and immigration. For Indian travelers, who have enjoyed straightforward access to Canada, these changes introduce new challenges and extra steps.

With Canada addressing issues like housing shortages and high living costs, it’s essential for Indian travelers to stay updated on these changes. Understanding the new requirements will help ensure smoother travel planning in this changing landscape.