Recent data underscores a significant shift in Canada’s immigration strategy, which is reflected in the country’s more stringent entry protocols. Notably, there has been a decrease in the number of visas issued, alongside an increase in the number of individuals turned away at the border, including those with seemingly proper documentation.
This trend aligns with the initiatives of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government, aimed at curtailing the influx of temporary residents and potentially placing tighter controls on permanent immigration. As Canada gears up for the upcoming elections and the current administration faces a drop in polling popularity, it appears that these measures are in response to pressing domestic issues like housing shortages and skyrocketing real estate values. Many Canadians attribute these challenges, at least in part, to a rise in immigration.
Historically, Canada has been known for its open-door policy towards newcomers. However, public opinion seems to be shifting, as suggesting a growing concern that the country might be absorbing more immigrants than it can accommodate. This changing perspective seems to be influencing the discretion exercised by border and immigration authorities.
In a revealing snapshot of the current trend, data from July indicates that Canada denied entry to 5,853 international visitors, which included students, workers, and tourists. This figure represents the highest monthly total since January 2019. Across the first seven months of 2024, an average of 3,727 travelers per month were refused entry, showing a noticeable surge of 20% over the same timeframe in the previous year. Furthermore, immigration officers deemed 285 visa holders inadmissible in that month alone – the highest monthly figure recorded since at least January 2019.
A representative from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has highlighted that variations in the determination of who is considered inadmissible to enter Canada can stem from shifts in migration trends or changes in national policies. These assessments of admissibility are thoroughly evaluated on a case-by-case basis. While the CBSA has maintained its core function in determining the eligibility of those wishing to enter Canada, there has been a noticeable decline in the issuance of visas, overseen by the country’s immigration department.
Recent metrics reveal a significant increase in the ratio of visitor visa denials compared to approvals, particularly during June, marking a high not seen since the peak of the global pandemic. Specifically, there was a pronounced trend of more applications being rejected than accepted in the months of January, February, May, and June 2024.
Additionally, the issuance of study and work permits has decreased from record figures achieved in the years 2023 and 2022. In August, Immigration Minister Marc Miller commented on this, emphasizing that Canadians expect a well-regulated immigration framework. A spokesperson for the Minister stated that the immigration department is committed to ensuring policies are applied fairly and without bias. The drop in study permit approvals can be linked to a cap introduced in January, yet trends suggest this reduction started slightly earlier.
A group of eight attorneys has shared with Reuters that there is an increased level of scrutiny faced by visa-holders at entry points, such as airports and border crossings. Will Tao, a legal expert based in British Columbia, recounted instances where he represented visa-holders whose intentions while in Canada were questioned by border officials. These individuals were often advised to leave voluntarily or face the risk of deportation, leading some to exit Canada without a clear understanding of how this decision impacts their visa status.
Tao is of the opinion that the heightened skepticism from frontline border officers is a reflection of a broader shift in governmental attitudes towards immigration. He noted that there is an overarching perspective among these officers that entrance into Canada should be strictly regulated, with potential risks or non-compliance addressed proactively.
Your Temporary Resident Visa is No Longer Valid
In a recent journey, Mohammed Kamil Shaibu found himself in an unexpected situation while en route to a conference in Edmonton. Originally flying from Paris to Toronto, Shaibu was suddenly paged during his layover. What seemed like a routine trip quickly took a different turn when a Canadian immigration official required his attention.
Over a tense phone call, various inquiries regarding his occupation, trip intentions, and the process of obtaining his tourist visa were posed to Shaibu. “I was extremely anxious and struggled to answer,” he disclosed in an interview, acknowledging his inability to clearly remember his responses at the time.
The outcome was disappointing for Shaibu. He was informed that he could not proceed with his travel plans to Canada and would need to return to Accra. The Canadian immigration department followed up with an email confirming that his temporary resident visa had been rendered invalid.
Gideon Christian, an assistant law professor at the University of Calgary, weighed in on the matter, expressing concerns about the situation: “Issuing visas that are later not honored undermines the trust in the system. It’s unjust to approve someone for entry and then turn them away.”
Despite this setback, Shaibu’s perception of Canada remains optimistic. He views Canada as an exceptional destination, home to kind and hospitable individuals, and is open to the idea of attempting another visit in the future with hopes of a different outcome.
