Canada Adjusts Travel Requirements for Mexican Citizens

February 29, 2024, 8:30 a.m. – Ottawa – In a bid to strengthen a longstanding diplomatic relationship, Canada has announced new travel adjustments for Mexican citizens, reinforcing its commitment to making North America the most competitive economic region globally. These changes, effective February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. Eastern time, are designed to facilitate travel while safeguarding the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.

New Travel Protocols for Mexican Citizens

Mexican citizens who hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa or those who have held a Canadian visa in the past decade will now be eligible to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) when traveling by air on a Mexican passport. This move is expected to benefit the majority of Mexican travelers, given the high number currently holding U.S. visas, allowing them to continue enjoying visa-free travel to Canada.

For those who do not meet these criteria, a Canadian visitor visa will be necessary. This adjustment comes in response to an uptick in asylum claims by Mexican citizens that have been refused, withdrawn, or abandoned. It represents a balanced approach to maintain mobility for Mexican citizens while ensuring effective management of immigration and asylum frameworks.

Work and Study Permit Applications Unchanged

The process for Mexican citizens seeking work or study permits remains unchanged. They will maintain access to Canada's diverse labor pathways, such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program.

Strengthening Canada-Mexico Relations

Canada remains committed to fostering travel, tourism, and business with Mexico. Collaborative efforts with the Mexican government and provincial and territorial partners aim to enhance immigration pathways and offer protection to those in need. Expanding the network of visa application centers in Mexico is a step toward better serving Mexican clients and easing pressures on Canada's immigration system.

The Role of the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program

The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) exemplifies the mutually beneficial migration Canada seeks to promote. Plans to modernize the SAWP bilateral agreement are underway, incorporating year-round primary agriculture and seasonal fish, seafood, and primary food processing, thus opening new avenues for Mexican workers and businesses.

Vigilant Monitoring and Future Adjustments

Canada is dedicated to continuously monitoring its visa policies for both visa-exempt and visa-required countries, addressing asylum claim trends comprehensively. Any future adjustments to Canada’s travel requirements will aim to preserve the integrity and sustainability of the asylum and immigration systems.

For further details on these changes, including information for travelers in transit or with imminent flights, please visit the IRCC’s website.

By adapting its immigration policies, Canada reaffirms its commitment to fostering a robust, cooperative relationship with Mexico, ensuring that the movement of people across borders remains a cornerstone of economic and cultural ties.