Canada and Mexico have enjoyed a strong diplomatic partnership for the past 80 years, focusing on enhancing North America’s competitiveness and fostering bilateral cooperation. To facilitate travel and connections between the two countries while ensuring immigration system integrity, Canada is updating its travel requirements for Mexican citizens.
Effective February 29, 2024, Mexican citizens with a valid US non-immigrant visa or a Canadian visa obtained within the last 10 years can apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) when traveling to Canada by air on a Mexican passport. The majority of Mexican citizens holding US visas will continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Canada, while those not meeting these criteria must apply for a Canadian visitor visa. This change aims to manage asylum claims by Mexican citizens more effectively while maintaining mobility for legitimate travelers.
The process for Mexican citizens seeking work or study permits in Canada remains unchanged, ensuring access to various labor pathways such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program. Canada reaffirms its commitment to fostering travel, tourism, and business ties with Mexico while enhancing regular immigration pathways and supporting managed migration and protection measures.
Expanding visa application centers in Mexico aims to better serve clients and alleviate pressure on Canada’s immigration system and social services. Canada plans to enhance the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) through a new bilateral agreement with Mexico, offering workers opportunities in year-round primary agriculture and seasonal fish, seafood, and food processing sectors.
These adjustments to travel requirements are part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to uphold asylum and immigration system integrity while considering evolving trends and impacts. More details, including guidance for transit passengers and upcoming flights, are available on IRCC’s website.
For more information, visit: Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.