The Canadian government has announced that it will no longer issue automatic 10-year multiple-entry visas, a move impacting Nigerians and other foreign nationals who previously used the visa to enter and exit Canada freely.
According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the cancellation is part of new immigration measures following a significant population increase post-COVID. The IRCC explained that the 10-year multiple-entry visa is no longer the “standard document” for foreign visitors and will be replaced by a more flexible approach.
The IRCC’s updated guidance gives immigration officers greater discretion, allowing them to choose between issuing single-entry or multiple-entry visas based on individual circumstances and to determine their validity periods.
In a broader adjustment of its immigration goals, Canada announced last month that it is lowering its targets for permanent residency over the next several years. For 2025, the government has reduced its target from 500,000 to 395,000 new residents, with further reductions planned for 2026 and 2027, aiming for 380,000 and 365,000 new residents, respectively.
The change in visa policy and permanent residency targets reflects Canada’s efforts to manage population growth sustainably, particularly in response to pressures on housing, healthcare, and other resources.
