Canada cancels 10-year multiple-entry visa amid efforts to curb immigration

The Canadian government has announced the cancellation of the 10-year multiple-entry visa for Nigerians and other foreign nationals, marking a significant shift in its immigration policy.

Previously, the visa allowed holders to freely enter and leave Canada for up to a decade, but the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has declared it is no longer considered the “standard document.”

This move is part of broader efforts to manage the country’s population growth, which surged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The IRCC has updated its guidelines, giving immigration officers greater discretion in issuing either single-entry or multiple-entry visas, with the authority to determine each visa’s duration.

Earlier this year, the IRCC also announced changes to Canada’s permanent residency targets.

The revised goal for 2025 has been reduced from 500,000 to 395,000, with further reductions planned: 380,000 for 2026 and 365,000 for 2027.

These adjustments reflect Canada’s strategy to control immigration while addressing demographic pressures.