CIMM – Mexico: Border Crossings/Asylum Claims – February 7, 2024

Key Facts and Figures

Over 2.3M people from Mexico have travelled to Canada since the visa requirement was lifted in December 2016. Mexico is the top source of travelers to Canada from Latin America.
After the visa was lifted in 2016, Mexico quickly became a top source country for refugee claims. Intake has more than doubled every year since 2016, and following the lifting of border restrictions in 2022, intake surged substantially with over 16,700 claims.
Approximately 24,000 Mexican nationals claimed asylum in Canada in 2023. This volume places significant pressure on Canada’s refugee system, and resources in provinces, territories, and municipalities.
Canada’s visa exemption for Mexico has generated impacts on the United States, in the form of irregular southbound migration by Mexican nationals holding electronic travel authorizations. Canada continues to monitor this migration trend and works closely with the United States in addressing these shared challenges.
Canada works closely with its Mexican partners to support the sustainability of the decision. The Canada-Mexico High Level Dialogue on Mobility most recently occurred in Mexico City on December 14, 2023. In addition to discussing the visa exemption, this forum supports partnership between both countries in addressing regional and hemispheric irregular migration and forced displacement.

Since the visa requirement was lifted on December 1, 2016, Canada has welcomed over 2.3M visitors from Mexico; this benefits our economy, our culture, and our people-to-people ties.
At the same time, there has been a notable and sustained increase in the number of asylum claims and immigration violations from Mexican citizens, most of which are not genuine.
The Government is monitoring these trends, and remains committed to protecting the integrity of its immigration system, and the safety and security of Canadians. And, we need to ensure that our refugee system works for those who truly need Canada’s protection.
Canada regularly engages with Mexico to discuss these issues, as well as with the United States, given the commitment by all three countries to managing migration through the Americas.

Canada remains concerned with the growing volume of Mexican asylum claimants. We continue working with Mexican officials to deter abuse of visa-free travel (such as non-genuine asylum claims, and the use of fraudulent Mexican passports). Based on available records, as of September 2023, approximately 58% of Mexican claims by Mexican nationals are abandoned, withdrawn or rejected.
Canada works to preserve the integrity of its asylum system by establishing fair and efficient procedures that maintain the integrity of Canada’s borders so that we can provide protection to those who need it.
Canada, the United States and Mexico are committed to working together to share best practices and strengthen protection systems in the Americas to increase their promptness, efficiency and fairness.