In response to a surge in asylum claims, Canada has implemented substantial changes to its visa policies for Mexican nationals, effective February 29, 2024. The adjusted regulations now mandate certain Mexican citizens to obtain a visitor visa for temporary entry into Canada. Canada Platform aims to illuminate the specific impacts of these changes and guide Mexican travelers in navigating the updated requirements.
Which Mexicans Now Will Need Visitor Visas?
All Mexican citizens were previously eligible for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. However, the new policy dictates that, with specific exemptions, all Mexican citizens must now acquire a visitor visa. Exemptions are made only to those Mexicans who meet all three following conditions:
entering Canada by air, flying for transit,
planning a short-term visit (typically up to six months),
were holding a Canadian visitor visa in the past ten years OR owning a legitimate United States non-immigrant visa.
The visa requirement provides administrative hurdles, feasible extra fees and delays to Mexican nationals searching to enter Canada.
About Canadian Visitor Visa
A Visitor Visa, commonly known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an authorized document granted by a Canadian visa office and affixed to your passport. This document indicates that you have fulfilled the criteria for temporary residence in Canada, whether as a visitor, student, or worker.
With a multiple-entry visa, you can travel to Canada for six months each time, with the flexibility to make multiple visits. The visa remains valid for a maximum of 10 years or until one month before the expiration of your passport, depending on which occurs sooner.
Consequences for Existing eTAs
Mexican travellers with an eTA issued before 11:30 pm EST on February 29th, 2024, should know their eTA has been cancelled. To enter Canada, they now must apply for a new permit. A visitor visa application is necessary if they no longer qualify for an eTA under the revised criteria.
Current Visitors' Status in Canada
Temporary residents in Canada without a study or work permit can continue their stay for the approved duration, although their eTAs are cancelled. For those planning to re-enter Canada after leaving, a visitor visa or a new eTA is required if they meet the updated eligibility criteria.
Effect on Mexicans with Work and Study Permits
Mexican citizens with a study or work permit in Canada will not have their eTAs cancelled. They can continue to use their existing eTA for travel if it remains valid. A visa or an eTA (based on eligibility) will be automatically issued upon approval for new work or study permit applications.
Essential Note
It's crucial to note that an eTA is only valid for air travel. Individuals planning to enter Canada by car, bus, train, or boat must possess a valid visitor visa, even with a valid eTA.
Reactivating Canceled eTAs
Mexicans with valid study or work permits at the time of the coverage change, whose eTAs had been cancelled, can be eligible to reactivate them. To determine eligibility, individuals can submit a web form request to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and include the code "EMVR2024" in the text box.
Is Canada still open for Mexicans?
Canada remains open to Mexican temporary workers, students, visitors, and immigrants, emphasizing the importance of diverse skills that benefit the country's economy. These changes aim to maintain these benefits while ensuring Canadian social systems can support asylum seekers. As per the Canadian government, this initiative also seeks to alleviate strain on Canada's borders, immigration infrastructure, housing, and social services while maintaining accessibility for Mexican nationals intending to visit Canada.
Staying informed about evolving immigration policies is crucial for Mexican citizens planning to visit or reside in Canada, prompting careful review and appropriate action to comply with the new regulations. If you've got any questions, please contact the immigration experts at Canada Platform for a personal consultation.
Comments