Sean Fraser, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, made a significant announcement about visa-free travel to Canada in Winnipeg. According to the announcement, passport holders from 13 countries will now be able to fly to Canada without requiring a Temporary Residence Visa. It should be noted, however, that this new policy only applies to travelers from these countries who meet certain criteria.
The following are the requirements for visa-free travel:
Travelers from the aforementioned countries who have held a Canadian visa within the last ten years will be eligible for visa-free entry into Canada. This requirement demonstrates prior knowledge of the Canadian immigration system.
Individuals from the aforementioned countries who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa will also be eligible for visa-free travel to Canada. This condition acknowledges the rigorous screening process associated with obtaining a U.S. visa, supporting these travelers’ eligibility for visa-free entry to Canada.
The 13 countries whose passport holders will benefit from this new policy are as follows:
- Philippines
- Morocco
- Panama
- Antigua and Barbuda
- St Kitts and Nevis
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Argentina
- Costa Rica
- Uruguay
- St Vincent and Grenadines
- Seychelles
- Thailand
- St Lucia
While these passport holders will be able to travel to Canada without a Temporary Resident Visa, they will still be subject to regular immigration procedures and screenings upon arrival. The goal of this announcement is to make it easier and more convenient for eligible individuals from these countries to travel to Canada while maintaining the security and integrity of the immigration system.
Canada Travel Requirements for Newly Visa-Exempt Countries
When flying to Canada, newly visa-free travelers can apply for an eTA if they:
-In the last ten years, you have held a Canadian visa.
-Currently hold a valid non-immigrant visa to the United States.
-An eTA is a digital travel document that is required for most visa-exempt
-Travelers flying into or through Canada. This expedites, simplifies, and lowers the cost of their journey.
The eTA application is used by Canadian officials to conduct pre-travel screening. The majority of applications are approved automatically within minutes.
Eligible citizens must also have:
-Valid passport
-Credit card
-A valid email address
-Internet access
What are Canadians’ attitudes toward immigration?
The Canadian public has long been supportive of immigration. According to a 2022 poll, less than 30% of Canadians believe immigration levels are high. Canadians tend to be more accepting of immigrants and their country’s immigration system. This is due, in part, to the Canadian government’s efforts to promote and embrace multiculturalism and incorporate diversity into national identity. Canada also does not have a large-scale problem with unauthorized migration, which has led to anti-immigrant sentiment in many other countries. Nonetheless, according to some research, public support for immigration could easily erode, as it did during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How do newcomers to Canada adjust to their new surroundings?
Canada takes relatively large steps to help immigrants integrate by offering orientation programs, skills training, social assistance, and pathways to citizenship. In recent years, settlement programs have received more than three-quarters of federal immigration agency funding. This level of assistance stems from Canada’s status as one of the most popular destinations for newcomers, with high rates of immigrant satisfaction and naturalization. Immigrants have gained prominence in Canadian society, including positions in the prime minister’s cabinet.
What Is Canada’s Immigration Policy?
Canada has earned a reputation for welcoming immigrants and valuing multiculturalism over the last half-century. Over one-quarter of Canada’s population is foreign-born, the highest proportion in more than 150 years and one of the highest ratios among industrial Western nations. While immigrants are assisting the country in combating aging demographics and fueling economic development, some Canadians are concerned about the additional strain on housing and social services.
In recent years, Canada has become a more appealing destination for immigrants. However, Canada is also facing a labor shortage, which is exacerbated by a lack of skilled workers. Its immigration system is also dealing with a number of other issues, such as an increase in asylum claims and deportations.
Why is Canada an ideal destination for immigrants?
• Canada maintains a friendly and welcoming attitude towards immigrants and promotes multiculturism or the peaceful coexistence of communities from various cultures.
• Immigrants have a better lifestyle and many job opportunities where they can improve their skills. • Immigrant parents value a high level of education for their children, and Canada’s affordable education system has attracted many immigrants because it is considered one of the best educational systems in the world and is accessible due to its low costs.
• Canada is one of the safest countries in the world, and its citizens have access to universal healthcare. It has a stable democratic political system as well.