Calgary 
In 2023, the number of asylum claims by Mexican citizens in Canada hit a record peak, stressing an already stretched asylum, housing, and social services system. A significant portion of these claims did not lead to asylum, with about 60% being rejected or abandoned by applicants. This surge in claims, making up 17% of all claims globally that year, marks a significant increase from the 260 claims in 2016, highlighting the impact of lifting the visa requirement in 2016.
Credit: sebastiaan stam/Unsplash
To address the growing pressure on Canada’s immigration and asylum systems and to maintain orderly migration, Canada has introduced new measures affecting Mexican citizens’ travel to Canada.
Starting February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. ET, Mexican citizens who meet specific criteria, such as holding a valid US non-immigrant visa or having held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for air travel. This change is designed to ease the pressure on Canada’s immigration system while still allowing many Mexican citizens to travel to Canada without a visa. However, those not meeting these criteria will need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa. The process for Mexican citizens seeking work or study permits remains unchanged.
Highlights of the changes include:
- New eTA Requirements: Starting February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. ET, Mexican citizens can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if they possess a valid US non-immigrant visa, have had a Canadian visa in the past decade, and are flying on a Mexican passport. This policy aims to maintain visa-free travel for the majority of Mexicans entering Canada.
- eTAs Cancellation: The procedure for acquiring work or study permits remains unchanged for Mexican citizens. Those ineligible for an eTA must seek a Canadian visitor visa. All eTAs issued to Mexican passports before 11:30 p.m. Eastern time on February 29, 2024, will no longer be valid—except for eTAs linked to Mexican passports with a valid Canadian work or study permit.
- Visitors and Permit Holders: Mexican visitors in Canada or those with an eTA application in progress as of the enforcement date must reapply under the new rules or seek a visitor visa. Valid work or study permit holders can continue their activities in Canada without needing a new eTA.
- Eligibility for eTA: Eligibility hinges on holding a valid Mexican passport, a short-term Canadian visit intention, and either a past Canadian visitor visa or a current US non-immigrant visa. Travel by other means than air requires a visitor visa.
- US green card holders: Dual Canadian-Mexican citizens need a valid Canadian passport for travel. US green card holders are exempt from the visa or eTA requirement but must carry their green card and national passport when traveling to Canada.
The federal government is advising Mexicans affected by these changes to wait until after the deadline to apply for a new eTA or visitor visa, especially if they do not have immediate travel plans.
Canada says it will expand visa application centers in Mexico to better serve these clients.
“Mexico is an important partner to Canada. We will continue to welcome Mexican temporary workers, students, visitors and immigrants who bring diverse skills and important contributions to our economy and communities,” said Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, in a news release.
“We strive for balance between the movement of people between our two great countries, and the need to relieve pressure on our immigration system so we can provide protection to those who need it the most.”
