The Canadian government has recently issued a significant update for Mexican citizens wishing to travel to the North American country, which will come into effect on February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. Here is a summary of the key points:
Canadian Tourist Visa: Starting from the mentioned date, Mexican citizens traveling by air to Canada using a Mexican passport will be required to apply for a Canadian tourist visa.
Exceptions: However, some exceptions apply to this new rule. If you possess a valid non-immigrant US visa, have had a Canadian visa in the past 10 years, or have a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) linked to a valid Canadian work or study permit, you are still eligible to apply for an eTA to enter Canada.
Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTA): eTAs issued before February 29, at 11:30 p.m., will no longer be valid unless they are linked to a valid Canadian work or study permit. If your eTA remains valid, you can travel to Canada without needing to obtain a tourist visa.
Stay in Canada with eTA: If you are currently in Canada with an eTA, you may stay for the authorized period (usually 6 months from your entry into the country).
Need for Tourist Visa: If you plan to enter Canada and do not have a valid work or study permit, you will now need to apply for a tourist visa.
According to data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, the number of asylum applications from Mexico has increased since the Liberals were elected in 2015, reaching 25,236 in 2023, when in 2015, there were only 111 applications, with last year being the highest number of applications from any country. Many of these applications have been rejected or withdrawn.
Work or Study Permit Application Process for Mexican Citizens
The process for applying for work or study permits in Canada for Mexican citizens will remain unchanged. Those interested in working in Canada from Mexico will have access to various job options, such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program. Additionally, the federal government has confirmed its commitment in this regard.
A significant example of mutually beneficial migration is the Temporary Agricultural Workers Program (PTAT). Canada is willing to collaborate with Mexico to enhance this program through the update of a new bilateral PTAT agreement. This will open up new opportunities for Mexican workers by including year-round primary agriculture and food processing in the program, benefiting both workers and businesses in both countries.
Continuous Monitoring of Visa Policies and Asylum Applications
Regarding the monitoring of visa policies and asylum applications, Canada is constantly evaluating the effects of its visa policies for exempt and visa-required countries, as well as trends in asylum applications. These challenges are not limited to any particular country. Any modifications to travel requirements are made with the aim of maintaining the integrity and sustainability of Canada’s asylum and immigration systems.
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