Canada announced on May 30 that Chinese citizens can apply for 5-year multiple-entry visas from June 15, 2026. Processing fees remain at CAD 100 while validity extends from the current single or short-term options. Applicants must still meet standard security and financial criteria.
The change aligns with post-pandemic recovery goals and mirrors similar long-validity offers already given to citizens of India and Brazil. Chinese travelers made 1.2 million visits to Canada in 2025, the highest since 2019. Officials expect a 25 percent increase in applications this year.
Border officers retain the right to grant shorter stays based on individual circumstances. Approved visa holders can enter for up to six months per visit. Families planning multiple holidays or business trips will save several hundred dollars in repeat fees.
Applications must be submitted online through the IRCC portal with valid passports and invitation letters where required. Processing times are projected at 14 to 30 days. Applicants already holding valid short-term visas can upgrade without leaving Canada until their current document expires.
Travel insurance remains mandatory for all visitors and should cover the full visa period. Agents recommend locking in flights only after visa approval to avoid losses. The policy is set for review in 2028.
Industry groups welcomed the move as a competitive response to U.S. visa extensions for the same market. Tourism revenue from China is forecast to reach CAD 3.8 billion by 2027. Officials say the longer validity reduces administrative burden while maintaining security standards.