Canada is seeing an increase in visa rejections and entrance denials for foreign visitors, due to housing shortages and public concern over immigration trends. This trend can be seen from the latest official data. Highlighting the difficulties students, workers, and visitors face when attempting to enter the country.
In the past several months Canada has seen a sharp increase in visa denials and entry denials for foreign tourists. The main reason given by the administration is the country’s continued housing shortage and rising costs. This requires taxing resources to absorb immigrants.
Although Canada has long been known for its friendly immigration policies, But public opinion has changed in recent years. Canadians expressed concern about the rate of immigration. Immigration and border authorities’ actions seem to be impacted by this shifting attitude.
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Record High Entry Refusals:
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reports that in July 2024, 5,853 foreign visitors including tourists, workers, and students were denied entrance into Canada. This is the largest number of people denied entry since January 2019.
Between January and July 2024, Border Patrol officials turned away 3,727 foreign tourists on average each month. This represents a 20% increase over the same time the previous year or 633 extra people.
Key Points:
- In July 2024, 5,853 tourists were denied entrance, a record high.
- Affected groups include students, workers, and tourists.
- Between January and July 2024, an average of 3,727 travellers were turned away per month.
- Year-over-year increase: 20%, or 633 more persons, than in the same period in 2023.
- Tighter scrutiny reflects stricter border control procedures in response to housing and immigration concerns.
Increased Inadmissibility Findings:
In July 2024, CBSA officers found 285 visa holders inadmissible, the largest amount since at least January 2019.
A CBSA spokeswoman stated that these findings may fluctuate owing to changes in migration trends or policy changes, emphasizing that decisions are taken on a case-by-case basis.
The CBSA did not mention any specific policy changes, stating that its responsibility in determining the admissibility of individuals entering Canada has remained unchanged.
Higher Visitor Visa Rejection Rates:
The percentage of applications for tourist visas that are denied reaches its highest point since the pandemic’s peak in June 2024. Data from the immigration service shows that in January, February, May, and June of 2024, there were more applications for visiting visas denied than approved.
Reduction in Study and Work Permits:
The number of accepted study and work visas in Canada has also decreased significantly, falling below the high levels recorded in 2022 and 2023. In August, Immigration Minister Marc Miller addressed the problem, saying, Canadians want a system that is not out of control.
Government’s Position on Immigration Policies:
Miller’s representative said that the immigration agency is still committed to applying regulations and procedures fairly and without discrimination.
The spokeswoman also attributed the drop in accepted study permits to a cap established in January, although the decreasing trend appeared to have begun the previous year.
Conclusion:
The tightening of Canada’s immigration and visa clearance processes reflects Canadians’ growing concerns about housing shortages and immigration rates. The impact on international visitors, students, and workers remains considerable as the government works to balance these issues.
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