Mexican nationals can travel to Canada without the need for a CANADA VISA FOR MEXICAN CITIZENS from December 1, 2016.
The move comes after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the lifting of the visa restriction in June.
Trudeau made the decision despite warnings from his own officers over fears there could be a flood of asylum requests from Mexicans.
Canadian Immigration Minister John McCallum warned recently the visa requirement would be swiftly reinstated in the event of large increase in asylum claims.
There are fears Donald Trump’s election as US president could also result in increased claims.
But McCallum said that even before Trump’s victory, Canada had been preparing for a possible increase – with the power to re-impose the restriction an important part of the original deal struck to lift the requirement.
McCallum says he hopes the time never comes, although the original visa restriction was imposed because of the number of claims being received by the Canadian government.
McCallum said he had assessed the risks and they were outweighed by the benefits of increased trade and tourism. He said both Canadian and Mexican officials were working together to minimize the risks.
The visa requirement was imposed by the Conservatives in 2009 because of the overwhelming number of asylum claims from Mexico. The annual number of claims dropped from 9,000 to 1,199 as a result of the move, with associated costs falling from $304 million to $44 million.
However, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada estimates $465 million was lost as a result of the restriction.
Trump Factor
Meanwhile, there are also fears Trump’s anti-immigration policies could force Mexicans already in the U.S. illegally to try and make the move north to Canada.
Experts say Mexicans who are used to the standard of living may choose to try Canada instead of return to their home country.
Since his election victory, Trump has vowed to deport or jail three million people who are in the U.S. illegally. On his plan to build a wall, the President-elect has suggested it may have to be just a fence in places.
It is not known exactly how many people per year make it across the U.S.-Canada border illegally, whether by boat, swimming or by land in remote areas. Figures show 487 were caught in 2011.
A far greater issue is created by those who come on the premise of a visit and never leave.
Foreigners are drawn to access the country illegally because they know children will be allowed to go to school and health emergencies will be treated whatever their status.
The website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada crashed on election night because of the sheer volume of Americans looking for a way out as Trump’s victory became clear.
But officials say there are no plans to increase staff to meet the increased demand.
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Under the Canadian government, citizens from certain countries must obtain a temporary visa before they can visit the country. Mexicans visiting Canada however, can do so without having to procure a visa, provided their stay is for a period of six months or less. Mexicans can also come to Canada for business or education purposes, but will need a special work or study permit before crossing over.
Note: all visitors from Mexico require an CANADA VISA FROM AUSTRIA if arriving by plane (an eTA is not necessary if arriving by land or sea).
Entry Eligibilit
Even though a temporary visa is not necessary, Mexicans visiting Canada must still satisfy a number of requirements to be eligible for entry. These include:
- A valid travel document, such as a passport
- A medical exam showing evidence of being in good health
- A letter of invitation from a person residing in Canada, if needed
- A biometrics profile (photo and fingerprints) – for those traveling to Canada for work, study or immigration purposes
Mexicans Visiting Canada for Work
In Canada, most temporary work positions for foreigners require a work permit; however, there are some jobs that do not call for it.
The employer’s first responsibility is to find out if the job applicant is eligible to work in Canada. In some instances, the employer has to consult with the Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) department and obtain a labour market opinion, which will then confirm whether or not the employer can fill the job position with a foreign employee.
To apply for a work permit outside of Canada, the individual must provide proof of an existing job offer in Canada, a completed application and written authorization from the HRSDC. There is an application process and fee associated with obtaining a work permit.
Mexicans Visiting Canada for School
Each year students from all over the globe come to Canada to pursue their studies. To apply for a study permit, the individual must first show proof of identity and proof of acceptance into a recognized educational institution in Canada. They must also confirm that they possess the financial means to pay for their tuition fees, living expenses and transportation costs back to Mexico.
Study permits are typically valid for the entire term of the study program, plus an added 90 days. Those who plan to take a course or program lasting six months or less do not require the permit.
Mexicans Visiting Relatives in Canada
As of December 1, 2011, parents and grandparents from Mexico can visit their relatives in Canada using the Super Visa. This visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for up to two years. Visitors can make multiple trips during this period without applying for a new entry visa each time. For more information, see the Super Visa.
Canadian citizens
Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport. American-Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or U.S. passport.
Canadian permanent residents
Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document.
U.S. citizens
U.S. citizens must carry proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport.
Lawful permanent residents of the U.S.
As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:
- a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and
- a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)
Features
Complete list of acceptable status documents for lawful permanent residents of the U.S.
Visa-exempt (eTA eligible) travellers
The following travellers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board their flight to Canada. However, these travellers do not need an eTA if entering by land or sea – for instance driving from the U.S. or coming by bus, train, or boat, including cruise ship.
