Canada adjusts travel requirements for Mexican citizens

The Government of Canada recently announced that it is adjusting its travel requirements for Mexican citizens.

As of Feb. 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. Eastern time, Mexican citizens who hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years and are travelling by air on a Mexican passport will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA).

With the high number of Mexican citizens currently holding U.S. visas, the majority will continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Canada. Those who do not meet these conditions will need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa.

According to a statement by the Canadian government, “this responds to an increase in asylum claims made by Mexican citizens that are refused, withdrawn or abandoned. It is an important step to preserve mobility for hundreds of thousands of Mexican citizens, while also ensuring the sound management of our immigration and asylum systems.”

No changes to work or study permits

The application process for Mexican citizens seeking a work or study permit will not change.

Mexican citizens who want to work in Canada will continue to have access to a wide number of existing labour pathways, including the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program.

Canada supports ongoing travel, tourism and business with Mexico.

“We will continue to work with the Government of Mexico to strengthen our regular pathways to immigration, and with our provincial and territorial counterparts to support a system of managed migration as well as to support those in need of protection,” the statement said.

“Canada is expanding its network of visa application centres in Mexico to better serve these clients. Today’s action will relieve pressure on Canada’s borders, immigration system, housing and social services, while preserving mobility for Mexican citizens who want to come to Canada.”

More information about these changes, including for people in transit or with upcoming flights, is available on IRCC’s website.