Note changes in Canadian tourist visa rules if your loved ones are planning to visit you

The federal government has announced changes to rules concerning Canadian tourist visas issued to visitors, which could make it harder for friends and family who want to visit students and economic migrants in the country.

While multiple-entry tourist visas are normally valid for a span of 10 years, the final decision on the duration of those visas, as well as whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa, will lie with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Factors governing Canadian tourist visas

For those planning on visiting Canada, IRCC officers may choose to issue visas that have a validity period shorter than the 10-year duration or issue one that is valid only until the expiry of your passport or biometrics.

Factors that will be considered include:

• Is there a short-term purpose to their visit? For example, are they coming to Canada to provide warranty/support as part of an after-sales agreement?
• What is their status in their country of residence, and will their connection to Canada change over time?
• Are there unstable economic/political conditions in their home country?

Also read: Canada lowers immigration targets in its 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan

Purpose of visit and proof of funds guidelines

IRCC officers will also take into consideration the applicant’s purpose of visit, proof of funds, medical information, and other factors such as employment/family ties and history of travel.

Purposes of visiting Canada may include whether they are coming for a one-time event (such as a conference or tourism), or whether they will be returning to Canada on a regular basis to visit family. Compassionate cases such as flying to Canada to care for a family member will also be given due consideration.

Travellers must have a stable, ongoing source of income, such as employment – enough to finance multiple visits to Canada. If not, are you as their host family willing to cover their expenses, and provide proof of relationship?

If they are coming to Canada for work, their employer can confirm that they will take care of the expenses. 

Medical and other factors

While applying for a Canadian tourist visa, potential travellers will be screened for whether they have any medical problems that will deteriorate over time. They also need to mention if they’re coming to Canada for medical treatment and any treatment or health insurance plans they have applied for.

Their ties to their country of residence/home country, such as employment or family ties, will also be checked. IRCC will also verify whether or not they were previously denied entry to Canada or any other country.

Read IRCC’s updated guidelines on Canadian tourist visas in full.

Lastly, don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family who might be planning to apply for a tourist visa to visit you!