Recent data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) indicates a notable surge in the number of foreign travelers being denied entry at Canadian ports of entry. According to an emailed statement to CTV News, the agency rejected an average of nearly 4,000 foreign travelers per month during the first seven months of 2024. This figure represents a more than 20 percent increase from the 3,271 travelers turned away during the same period in 2023.
The month of July 2024 saw a particularly high number of rejections. In that month alone, 285 non-refugee visa holders were refused entry, while 5,853 individuals were categorized as “allowed to leave.” The designation “allowed to leave” refers to instances where travelers are given the option to voluntarily withdraw their application and exit Canada, rather than being formally refused entry. This increase in rejections follows a period of significantly reduced traveler rejections in 2020, which was likely influenced by the travel restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For comparison, in the first seven months of 2019, the CBSA turned away an average of 3,758 travelers per month, highlighting a marked increase in rejections post-pandemic.
CBSA spokesperson Luke Reimer has reiterated that the agency’s fundamental role—to assess the admissibility of individuals seeking entry into Canada—has remained consistent. He emphasized that admissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, with careful consideration of the information available at the time of entry. This ensures that each traveler’s circumstances are thoroughly evaluated before a decision is made.
The rise in traveler rejections has come against the backdrop of ongoing debates in Parliament concerning Canada’s immigration policies and their effects on the housing market. The federal government has been subject to significant criticism over its immigration targets, with some critics arguing that the influx of newcomers is contributing to escalating housing affordability issues. This criticism was further fueled by an internal report released by The Canadian Press in January, which highlighted concerns that the government’s ambitious immigration targets could potentially exacerbate housing affordability problems.
In response to these concerns, the federal government has recently enacted several measures aimed at addressing the perceived negative impacts of high immigration levels. These measures include ending the practice of allowing visitors to apply for work visas from within Canada and implementing stricter regulations for low-wage temporary foreign workers. These steps are part of a broader strategy to recalibrate immigration policies in light of housing market pressures. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also signaled those additional changes to immigration policy are expected in the fall, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing these complex issues.
During a recent Liberal cabinet retreat in Halifax, Immigration Minister Marc Miller indicated that the government is considering significant adjustments to the levels of permanent residency. The focus will be on ensuring that these adjustments are substantial rather than merely cosmetic. This signals a potential shift in policy aimed at balancing immigration objectives with other national priorities.
According to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the department approved over 1.1 million temporary visas in the first seven months of 2024. This figure is lower than the nearly 1.3 million approvals granted during the same period in 2023. This reduction reflects a broader trend in adjusting immigration flows in response to emerging challenges.
Reimer highlighted that several factors could impact the admissibility of non-refugee visa holders. These factors include increases in annual travel volumes, changes in entry requirements—such as the February 2024 decision to require Mexican nationals to obtain visas to curb asylum claims—and various socio-economic factors influencing migration patterns. Additionally, reasons for inadmissibility may encompass security concerns, serious criminality, financial reasons, health grounds, and non-compliance with entry regulations.
Reimer emphasized that possessing a temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization does not guarantee entry into Canada. Each entry decision is made based on the specific circumstances and information available at entry, reinforcing the CBSA’s commitment to thorough and fair processing of all traveler applications. As Canada navigates these complex issues, the interplay between immigration policy, housing affordability, and border management will remain a critical area of focus for policymakers and stakeholders alike.
