The Canadian government announced a new visa policy for Mexican nationals in a press release on Thursday, citing “an increase in asylum claims made by Mexian citizens that are refused, withdrawn or abandoned.” The policy creates new requirements for Mexican nationals receiving an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada by air.

Going forward, those who meet the following three requirements are eligible to apply for an eTA

1. You’re using a valid Mexican passport to fly to Canada or to transit through a Canadian airport to another destination;
2. You’re coming to Canada for a short visit (normally for stays of up to 6 months); and
3. You either have held a Canadian visitor visa (temporary resident visa) in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid United States nonimmigrant visa.

The eTAs are for air travel only. Those who plan to travel to Canada by other means are required to have a visitor visa. These requirements do not apply to Mexicans who have valid work or study permits.

Canada has faced a sharp increase in Mexican asylum claims in recent years. The number rose from 260 applications in 2016, when Canada reduced requirements from Mexican nationals, to almost 24,000 in 2023. In addition to this, the majority of these applications were either rejected, withdrawn or abandoned, according to Immigration Minister Marc Miller. These numbers have caused tension within the Canadian government. In January, Quebec Premier Francois Legault called upon Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to slow the influx of migrants, saying the province is reaching a “breaking point.”

Miller spoke to the new policy:

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.

Miller also said this change was in part due to Canada’s relationship with the US, calling the rising number of migrants “something we have to manage as a partner with the U.S.”

Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador issued a “respectful reproach” in his weekly press briefing. Obrador also said Mexico would act with “prudence” in response to these new restrictions.