An increase in asylum claims in Canada will mean changes to travel requirements for Mexican travellers.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced Thursday that they will now require a visa for access to Canada.

As of 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Feb. 29, 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).

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.

“In 2023 alone, asylum claims from Mexican citizens accounted for 17 per cent of all claims from all nationalities around the world. Most asylum claims from Mexico are either rejected by the Refugee Board of Canada or withdrawn or abandoned by the applicant,” Miller says.

He adds changes are an important step to preserve mobility for hundreds of thousands of Mexican citizens, while also ensuring the management of immigration and asylum systems.

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.

“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,” Miller adds.

“We strive for balance between the movement of people between our two great countries, and the need to relieve pressure on our immigration system.”