As of February 29, 2024, only Mexican citizens who hold a valid US 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). Those who do not meet these conditions will need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa.
This recent update was released in response to an increase in asylum claims made by Mexican citizens that are refused, withdrawn or abandoned.
The IRCC has confirmed the application process for Mexican citizens seeking a work or study permit will not change. Furthermore, IRCC has stated 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.
Some Key Points:
- All eTAs issued to Mexican passports before 11:30 p.m. Eastern time on February 29, 2024, will no longer be valid—except for eTAs linked to Mexican passports with a valid Canadian work or study permit. Mexican citizens travelling to Canada without a valid work or study permit will need to apply for a visitor visa or reapply for a new eTA—if they are eligible.
- Mexican citizens holding a valid work or study permit can still travel by air to Canada with their existing eTA as long as it remains valid, and they can continue to study or work in Canada based on the validity and conditions of their permit. Mexican visitors who are already in Canada on an eTA can stay for as long as they are authorized (up to six months from the date they arrive in Canada). However, if they plan to leave Canada and wish to return, they must have the proper travel documents (visa or new eTA).
- Most approved visa applicants receive multiple-entry visas, which allow them to visit Canada as many times as they want, for up to 10 years, or until their passport expires
- Most approved visa applicants receive multiple-entry visas, which allow them to visit Canada as many times as they want, for up to 10 years, or until their passport expires.
An eTA is a digital travel document that most visa-exempt travellers need in order to travel to or transit through Canada by air. Note an eTA is for air travel only. After 11:30 EST on February 29th, 2024, you need a visitor visa when you travel to Canada by car, bus, train, or boat, including a cruise ship (even if you don’t leave the ship).
IRCC first began expanding its eTA program to eligible citizens from visa-required countries in 2017. Mexico will now be among 15 countries whose citizens can to fly to Canada on an eTA, instead of a visa, if they meet certain requirements.
Disclaimer:
The information provided above is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be used as legal advice for a specific legal problem. *Please note that the application processing times are correct as of the date of writing and are based on straight-forward applications.
We understand navigating the Canadian Immigration system can be a difficult and somewhat confusing process, and we are happy to assist you with every step of the process. To set up an initial consultation with us, please contact Ocana Law.
Author: Jasmine Somal
Immigration Lawyer
Ocana Law
