Canada has detailed new measures for screening international visitors as authorities prepare for a projected 5.8 million visitor visa applications.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) disclosed the measures in its 2026 Deputy Minister transition briefing, outlining how the country assesses both visa requirements at the national level and individual applications.
For visitors applying for a Temporary Resident Visa, immigration officers assess each case individually, considering factors such as travel history, employment, family ties, purpose of travel and the applicant’s ability to fund their stay.
Applicants must also satisfy Canada’s health, criminality and security requirements. Cases considered higher risk may be subjected to additional checks involving the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).
IRCC said more than 40 criteria are used when determining whether citizens of a particular country require a visa or qualify for visa-exempt travel.
The criteria include security concerns, passport integrity, migration patterns, asylum claims, previous visa violations, economic interests, tourism and bilateral relations.
However, the department clarified that the criteria are used to shape visa policies for countries and are not a points-based system for individual applicants.
To manage increasing application volumes and identify potential immigration risks, IRCC has also deployed the Global Risk Framework, an early-warning system designed to monitor global migration trends.
The department processes nearly 3.5 million biometric records each year through 166 Visa Application Centres worldwide as part of its identity and security screening procedures.
IRCC said the enhanced measures are intended to protect the integrity of Canada’s border and immigration systems while continuing to facilitate travel for genuine visitors.
