2024 March
Mexican nationals must have a valid visa in order to enter Canada as of February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. EST, unless they meet certain requirements.
This is a reaction to an increase in Mexican nationals filing asylum requests that are turned down, withdrawn, or left unanswered..
These changes are applicable even if your travel is already scheduled.
According to the IRCC, acceptance for a new eTA or visa is not guaranteed even if you have pre-arranged travel or a valid eTA.
The majority of Mexican passport holders' electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) are currently being revoked.
Mexican nationals who go to Canada may reapply for a new eTA if they:
holding a visitor visa to Canada in the last ten years, or currently possess a valid nonimmigrant visa to the United States. Otherwise, they require a visa.
Nonetheless, Mexican nationals wishing to apply for work or study permits will still follow the same procedure.
Mexican nationals who possess legitimate work or study permits in Canada are not impacted.
They can proceed with their travel to Canada, and their eTA will not be canceled.
If Mexican nationals who are already in Canada without a valid work permit or study permit decide to stay, they will lose their eTA after a set amount of time.
They will need to obtain a new eTA, if applicable, or a visa if they wish to return after leaving Canada.
Airport arrivals from Mexico may experience delays in Canada due to modified entry policies.
Why are Mexican nationals now required to have a Canada visa?
At a time when Canada's asylum system, housing stock, and social services were already stretched thin, the number of asylum requests made by nationals of Mexico reached a record high in 2023.
About 60% of these applications were either withdrawn or abandoned by the petitioner, or the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada denied them.
At a time when Canada's asylum system, housing stock, and social services were already stretched thin, the number of asylum requests made by nationals of Mexico reached a record high in 2023.
About 60% of these applications were either withdrawn or abandoned by the petitioner, or the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada denied them.
Important things to remember
Except for eTAs associated with Mexican passports bearing a current work or study permit in Canada, all eTAs awarded to holders of Mexican passports before to 11:30 p.m. Eastern time on February 29, 2024, shall be void.
Mexican nationals who enter Canada without a legitimate work permit or study permit must reapply for eligibility or apply for a visiting visa.
Travels from Mexico may remain in Canada on an eTA for as long as they are permitted, which is up to six months from the date of entry.
But they need to have the right travel documentation (new eTA or visa) if they plan to leave Canada and come back.
For up to ten years, or until their passport expires, the majority of successful visa applicants are awarded multiple-entry visas, which let them come and go as frequently as they like within Canada.
You must wait until after 11:30 p.m. ET on February 29, 2024, to apply for a visiting visa or re-apply for an eTA.
What are the updated requirements for Mexicans seeking a visiting visa or eTA?
Mexicans will need to fulfil new standards in order to be eligible for an eTA as of February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. ET (Toronto time).
Unless they possess a valid work or study permit, Mexican nationals who currently hold an eTA will have it immediately terminated.
Before visiting Canada, individuals must apply for a new eTA or, if eligible, a guest visa if they already have an eTA application pending.
They will need to apply for a guest visa in order to enter Canada if they are no longer eligible for an eTA.
