Immigration Alerts & Events

CIC ANNOUNCES ALL CITIZENS OF MEXICO AND THE CZECH REPLUBIC NOW REQUIRE TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISAS TO ENTER CANADA – Effective July 14 2009

2009-09-25

On July 13, 2009, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) announced that effective Tuesday, July 14, 2009, all citizens of Mexico and the Czech Republic now require a temporary resident visa before travelling to Canada.

The new requirement for nationals of Mexico and the Czech Republic to obtain visas to travel to Canada will mean delays for many travellers. Applicants are advised to send their applications by courier or registered mail. These individuals will no longer be permitted to submit applications to obtain a work permit directly at the border or airport.

In an effort to make as smooth a transition as possible, CIC has granted a 48-hour grace period, in which Mexican and Czech citizens may apply for entry upon arrival. After July 15, 2009, however, all nationals from Mexico or the Czech Republic who want to travel to Canada will first need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa at a Canadian visa post outside of the country and meet the requirements to receive one. It is up to the applicant to satisfy the visa officer their visit to Canada is temporary, they will not overstay their approved time in Canada, they have enough money to cover their stay in Canada, they are in good health, they do not have a criminal record, and are not a security risk to Canadians. These requirements are the same for anyone who wants to visit Canada.

For Mexican and Czech nationals currently in Canada on valid visitor records, study permits or work permits, this means that while they may continue to reside in Canada on the basis of their permit, they will be required to apply for a temporary resident visa prior to travelling. Without a temporary resident visa in their passport in addition to their other immigration document, they will likely not be permitted to return Canada.

By law, all visitors to Canada require a temporary resident visa, except citizens of countries where an exemption has been granted. For a complete list of countries and territories whose citizens require a visa, please visit CIC’s website at www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp.

This document has been created for informational purposes only and does not contain a full analysis of the law, nor does it constitute a legal opinion of the Bomza Law Group.

For further information regarding this update or any other Canadian immigration matter, please contact the Bomza Law Group.