New Visa Era: Canada Tightens Rules for Mexicans. Amid rising asylum claims, changes loom for travel, study, and work visas, affecting many. Dive into what this means for Mexican citizens planning to head North.
Facing a surge in asylum claims, Canada revises visa policies for Mexican citizens, impacting travel, study, and work. While some can apply for an ETA, others need visas.
Key Takeaways
- As of February 29, 2024, eligible Mexican citizens can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
- Those not meeting these conditions need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa.
- Mexican citizens' application process for work or study permits remains unchanged.
- Canada is expanding its network of visa application centers in Mexico.
Canada brings back visas due to surge in asylum claims
Canada's government is considering revising its visa-free policy for Mexican citizens due to a sharp rise in asylum claims and the growth of criminal networks exploiting the situation. In the first nine months of the year, close to 17,500 asylum applications were made by Mexican nationals - more than double the previous year. The visa-free policy, however, underpins important economic benefits, according to the government.
The changing visa landscape for Mexican citizens in Canada
2009: The Harper government imposed a visa requirement for Mexican citizens entering Canada. This measure was adopted in response to a significant increase in asylum requests made by Mexicans upon their arrival in Canada.
December 2016: The Trudeau government lifted the visa requirement for Mexican nationals. However, this decision led to a significant increase in Mexicans seeking asylum after they arrived in Canada.
February 2024: The Trudeau government reintroduced the visa obligation for a large part of Mexican citizens. However, exceptions were given to Mexican citizens with valid U.S. non-immigrant visas or who have held Canadian visas in the last 10 years.
Visa & eTA Rules for Mexican Students and Workers in Canada
The announcement on February 29, 2024, confirmed that there are no specific changes for Mexican students studying in Canada or Mexican agricultural workers coming for temporary work over the summer. From Jan 1, Mexican students face the same new financial requirements as all foreign students. Agricultural workers are visa-exempt but must get an eTA for temporary work in Canada.
What this means for immigrants
This policy shift means Mexican immigrants to Canada will face new hurdles. Those ineligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization must navigate the visitor visa application process. However, Mexican citizens' work and study permit procedures remain the same, ensuring consistency amidst changes. Additionally, Canada's expansion of visa centers in Mexico aims to streamline the application experience.
Statistics Canada reports a drop in Saskatchewan's immigrant retention rate from 27.8% in 2012 to 42.1% in 2016, with limited opportunities and social life cited as reasons. The government is now reviewing new programs to improve this rate.
- Population: Estimate 300,000 people, with record growth in 2023, 93.5% due to immigration.
- Immigration Goal: 350,000 yearly immigrants are needed by 2035 to fill workforce needs.
- Jobs: employment grew by 16,700 in 2022, majorly in the service sector, reaching 191,400 total.
Ahsan Habib, once a newcomer from Bangladesh and now a celebrated anti-financial crime expert in Canada, embodies resilience and achievement. Leaving behind a secure career, he embraced the challenges of immigration with courage. His journey from adapting to a new culture to becoming ACAMS AFC Professional of the Year showcases the potential for success in a new land. Ahsan’s story, marked by his drive to learn and connect, inspires immigrants to pursue their dreams with determination and hard work.
