The Newest Visa Requirement for Mexican Nationals Sparks Questions

In a recent turn of events, Canada’s announcement to reinstate visa requirements for Mexican nationals has ignited a wave of curiosity and inquiries. This article delves into the intricacies of this policy shift, exploring the questions it has raised and the potential impact on individuals and bilateral relations.

On February 29th, the Canadian Government introduced a new regulation stipulating that all Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs) held by Mexican passport holders will be promptly revoked unless they are associated with current valid Canadian Study Permits or Canadian Work Permits. Mexican nationals who hold a Canadian work permit or study permit will still be allowed to travel to Canada using their current eTA while their permit remains valid. All Mexican visitors will now be required to obtain a Canadian visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa).

Mexican applicants for Canadian work permits based on an approved LMIA will no longer be allowed to apply at the port of entry (Canadian border) for their work permit, as they have done in the past. With the default status of Mexico being a visa-required country, employer specific work permits, such as those based on an LMIA, will need to be applied for from outside Canada – only applicants from visa-exempt countries can apply at the port of entry for a work permit, such as citizens of the United States, UK, Japan, etc.

Breaking down the announcement, the article explains the context behind Canada’s decision to reintroduce visa requirements and addresses diverse questions raised by this announcement.

It categorizes inquiries into sections such as:

• Impact on study permits:

Q: How does this affect students on an eTA who are already in Canada?

Doherty Fultz: Since the processing period for a study permit is far shorter in Canada than it is in Mexico, any student who is currently in the country on an exchange student agreement and is qualified to do, should apply for a study permit. The combined processing time for a study permit and TRV in Mexico is now 10 weeks, but given the current situation, we expect it to increase significantly. Applying inside Canada is the best choice, as the study permit takes six weeks to obtain and the TRV takes fourteen days. Regarding applying for a TRV from inside Canada, students in these circumstances really should have had a study permit in the first place, so we recommend, if eligible, they take this opportunity to get one now.

• Impact on the student’s parents:

Q:Can the parents visit their student kids in Canada?

Doherty Fultz: Parents or grandparents of students should require a TRV immediately unless they are in possession of a Canadian work permit or study permit (for whatever purpose). The 40-day processing period from Mexico is expected to increase.

• Impact on Mexican students applying for an Initial Study Permit (ISP) from inside Canada:

Q: Can ISP students still flagpole to get their study permit?

Doherty Fultz: With the cancellation of all eTA’s at 11.30pm on February 29th, it means that, unless you have a valid study or work permit already, you will not be able to apply for an eTA for the purpose of flagpoling. You will instead need a TRV to enter Canada. This means leaving Canada to submit the TRV application because you cannot apply for one without a valid status. Even though you may have an initial study permit application approved in the system, without activating it by re-entering Canada, the permit has not technically been issued.

• Impact on holders of US visas and eTAs:

Q: For people with eTAs and US visas, are the eTAs still valid or not?

Doherty Fultz: Based on these two statements from the IRCC:

• 1. All eTAs held by Mexican nationals that were not tied to a study or work permit were cancelled at 11:30pm on February 29th.
• 2. IF a Mexican national does hold a valid US visa, or held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, they have to apply for a NEW eTA.
• 3. If they do not hold a valid US visa now, or have not held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years, they have no choice but to apply for a TRV.
• 4. No Mexican national who had an eTA prior to today still has the same one unless they have a work permit or study permit – they have to either apply for a new eTA or a TRV.

The reinstatement of visa requirements for Mexican nationals has undoubtedly raised numerous questions and concerns. Staying informed and engaged is key to understanding the implications for individuals and the broader community. Each question raised is an opportunity for enlightenment, each concern voiced is a chance for dialogue, and each change is an invitation for growth.

We are here to help you and support you with the new changes, so stay engaged, and let’s continue this journey together.