Canada and Mexico forge 80-year strong diplomatic alliance

Thursday, February 29, 2024

For the past eight decades, Canada and Mexico have nurtured a robust and mutually beneficial diplomatic alliance, fostering a climate of positivity and cooperation. Together, we’ve strived to bolster North America as a premier economic powerhouse through extensive bilateral, regional, and multilateral collaboration. Recognizing the significance of fostering ties between our peoples while upholding the integrity of our immigration protocols, the Government of Canada announces adjustments to travel requisites for Mexican nationals.

Effective February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. Eastern time, Mexican citizens holding a valid US non-immigrant visa or having had a Canadian visa within the last decade, and traveling by air with a Mexican passport, may apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). Given the substantial number of Mexican citizens possessing US visas, most will continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Canada. Those not meeting these criteria must apply for a Canadian visitor visa. This measure addresses the surge in unsuccessful asylum claims from Mexican nationals and ensures streamlined mobility for hundreds of thousands while safeguarding our immigration and asylum frameworks.

The application process for work or study permits for Mexican citizens remains unchanged. Various labor pathways, including the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program, will continue to be accessible for those seeking employment opportunities in Canada.

Canada remains committed to facilitating seamless travel, tourism, and business exchanges with Mexico. Collaborating with the Mexican government, we aim to fortify our immigration channels and partner with provinces and territories to manage migration effectively and support individuals requiring protection. Expanding our visa application centers in Mexico underscores our dedication to enhancing services for our clientele. These measures alleviate strain on our borders, immigration system, and social services while ensuring continued mobility for Mexican nationals desiring entry into Canada.

The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) exemplifies the mutually advantageous migration initiatives we aim to foster regionally and globally. Canada stands ready to collaborate with Mexico in modernizing this program, exploring opportunities in year-round agriculture and seasonal processing sectors. This initiative promises benefits for both workers and businesses across the Canada-Mexico relationship.

Canada remains vigilant in monitoring the repercussions of its visa policies and asylum claim trends, recognizing these challenges as not confined to any single nation. Adjustments to travel requirements are made to uphold the integrity and sustainability of our asylum and immigration systems.

“Mexico is an important partner to Canada. We will continue to welcome Mexican temporary workers, students, visitors and immigrants who bring diverse skills and important contributions to our economy and communities. We strive for balance between the movement of people between our two great countries, and the need to relieve pressure on our immigration system so we can provide protection to those who need it the most.”

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