In a shift that could affect many international visitors, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its approach to issuing visitor visas as of November 6, 2024. Until recently, an approved Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application often led to a multiple-entry visa, valid for up to ten years or until the passport expired. However, under the new policy, IRCC officers will have greater discretion to issue either single-entry visas or limited-duration multiple-entry visas based on the applicant’s individual circumstances. This change comes amid massive immigration cuts, including new temporary resident caps announced in IRCC’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which limits temporary resident numbers to 5% of the total population by the end of 2026.
These recent shifts are part of a broader strategy by IRCC to tighten entry requirements and align temporary and permanent resident levels with the capacity of Canadian communities. As IRCC implements stricter rules and intake caps for temporary residents, applicants may see an increase in visa refusals or shorter visa durations, and in this new landscape, it is crucial that applicants prepare solid TRV applications and submissions.
Why Canada Has Tightened Its Visitor Visa Policy?
Until just recently most approved applicants would receive a long-term multiple-entry visa, regardless of whether their travel plans warranted it. While convenient for travellers, this approach occasionally resulted in issuing TRV visas that did not reflect the actual needs of the applicants, leading to potential issues in managing immigration resources. Do you really need a 10-year multiple-entry Tourist Visa if you come to Canada just to see Lake Louise? Well, the new guidelines now empower IRCC officers to decide on a case-by-case basis, whether you should be given a single-entry or multiple-entry TRV and for how long your Visa should be valid.
With the Immigration Levels Plan setting ambitious caps on temporary resident numbers, IRCC’s updated visitor visa process is designed to support a well-managed immigration system that keeps temporary residence levels sustainable. This also means applicants must be prepared for greater scrutiny, as visa officers now assess each application against these heightened standards.
Key Factors That Will Impact Your TRV Application
In new realities, it’s essential that applicants understand what IRCC is looking for in their visitor visa applications. Here’s a breakdown of the main factors affecting the duration of your visa and whether you’ll be given a single-entry or multiple-entry TRV:
Purpose of Visit
The reason for your visit now holds more weight than ever in determining the visa type and duration. Previously, a multiple-entry visa lasting until the expiry of your passport was almost guaranteed upon approval. Now, IRCC officers are encouraged to evaluate if an applicant’s purpose justifies a multiple-entry visa or whether a single-entry visa is more appropriate.
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Single-Event Visits: For applicants coming to Canada for one-time events, like weddings, conferences, or family gatherings, officers may now issue a single-entry or shorter multiple-entry visa that aligns with the trip’s duration.
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Frequent or Recurring Visits: For those who visit family or conduct business in Canada regularly, a multiple-entry visa may still be granted, but applicants must clearly outline their need for repeated entries and ensure their travel intentions align with IRCC’s updated criteria.
Financial Stability
Financial ability to cover the cost of the trip and your overall economic well-being have always been part of the TRV process, but now it becomes even more important to show your financial stability if you’re seeking to get a long-term multiple-entry Tourist Visa to Canada. IRCC wants reassurance that applicants have the financial resources to support themselves during their stay without the risk of violating their visa conditions to seek employment.
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Independent Travelers: If you’re funding the trip yourself, provide clear evidence of steady income or sufficient savings.
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Sponsored Visits: Applicants relying on family members or employers for financial support need to include documentation that shows the sponsor’s financial capacity, as well as proof of relationship or employment.
Ties to Home Country
IRCC is increasingly focused on whether applicants have strong connections to their home country, which indicates a clear intent to return. Strong ties—such as stable employment, family responsibilities, or property ownership – help signal that a visit to Canada is temporary. Supporting documents like employment verification, property ownership, or family responsibilities can significantly strengthen your application by demonstrating that you have compelling reasons to return home.
Travel and Compliance History
Your past travel history and compliance with visa conditions are also important. Applicants with a solid record of following visa terms, especially in Canada, are more likely to receive favourable consideration. As such, highlighting a positive travel history in your application can reassure officers that you respect the terms of each visit, especially if you have previously held Canadian visas.
New Intake Cap for Temporary Residents
The new Immigration Levels Plan reflects Canada’s intention to manage immigration in a way that supports Canadian economic needs. The housing crisis, economic crisis, and overall negative sentiment towards immigration pushed the Government into a mode where they now try to cut down on the number of temporary (and even permanent) resident admissions. For the first time, IRCC has set specific targets for temporary residents, aiming to limit their share to 5% of the population by 2026. For visitor visa applicants, these broader limitations mean a higher likelihood of stricter assessments and increased refusals.
Navigating the New Rules: Resources to Help with Your Application
Given these updates, applying for a visitor visa can feel daunting. For those unsure about the application requirements or how to address the latest standards, the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Course by the Canadian Immigration Institute can provide clarity and support. This comprehensive course offers step-by-step guidance, covering everything from application setup to document submission and post-submission follow-ups. With over four hours of video instruction, checklists, and sample documents, the course prepares applicants for each stage of the TRV process.
A standout feature of the course is its custom-trained GPT tool, designed to help applicants refine essential documents, such as the Letter of Intent, and ensure each part of the application is professional and coherent. This can be invaluable when navigating IRCC’s more stringent standards.
For more details or to register, visit the Canadian Immigration Institute’s TRV Course page.
If you’re still uncertain or if your situation involves complex circumstances, booking a consultation with an immigration lawyer can provide personalized advice and help avoid common pitfalls that could lead to refusal. With IRCC’s increased scrutiny, seeking professional guidance may make the difference in securing the visa type and duration you need.
