Canada recently announced it will no longer issue the 10-year multiple-entry visa for citizens of Nigeria and several other countries. This type of visa, once the standard, allowed holders to travel in and out of Canada without needing a new visa each time.

The change comes as part of Canada’s efforts to manage the post-COVID population increase. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) explained that this 10-year visa is no longer viewed as the standard, allowing for more flexible, case-by-case decisions.

With this change, immigration officers will now have the authority to decide between issuing single-entry or shorter multiple-entry visas and can set the validity period based on the applicant’s background and travel purpose. This means that those wishing to visit Canada may receive different visa durations depending on individual factors rather than a set 10-year term.

This adjustment aligns with Canada’s broader immigration approach, which includes revising its permanent resident targets. In October, the IRCC lowered its immigration targets, aiming for 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027—down from the original target of 500,000 per year.

For travelers and immigrants, these new policies mean potential changes in the type and length of visas available, reflecting Canada’s effort to balance welcoming new residents with sustainable growth.