By Anna Mehler Paperny
Canada is closing its doors to more visitors and temporary residents by approving fewer visas and turning away more people who reach its borders with official documents, according to government data obtained by Multibagger.
In July, Canada refused entry to 5,853 foreign travellers, the most since at least January 2019. Border officers turned away 3,727 foreign travellers per month on average through the first seven months of 2024, an increase of 20% from a year earlier.
Separately, officers deemed 285 visa-holders inadmissible in July, also the most in any month since at least January 2019.
At the same time, Canada's immigration department is approving fewer visas. The ratio of refused visitor visa applications to approved ones was higher in June than at any point since the height of the pandemic. The number of approved study and work permits also dropped from multi-year highs in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Eight lawyers said they have heard from clients of greater scrutiny of visa-holders at airports and land border crossings. This increased skepticism may stem from a shift in attitude on immigration from the government.
One individual, Mohammed Kamil Shaibu, was denied entry to Canada last September while on his way to a conference in Edmonton. He was asked to return to Accra after being told his temporary-resident visa was no longer valid for travel to Canada.
Canada's tightening of borders and increased visa rejections may impact individuals looking to visit or immigrate to the country. It is essential for potential travelers and immigrants to stay informed about current policies and procedures to avoid any issues at the border.