Canada is increasingly restricting access by issuing fewer visas to tourists, students and workers, and is turning away more visitors with valid documents, according to recent data accessed by Reuters. The uptick in rejections coincides with the Liberal government’s strategy under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to reduce the influx of temporary and possibly permanent residents. The concerns stem from the shortage of housing, which has been attributed to migrants.

Canada’s traditionally welcoming attitude towards newcomers is shifting, with public opinion now leaning towards a belief that the country is accepting too many immigrants. This shift seems to be affecting immigration and border policies. In July, Canada turned away 5,853 foreign travellers — including tourists, students and workers — the highest monthly total since January 2019.

Border officials averaged 3,727 rejections per month in the first seven months of 2024, a 20% increase from the previous year, Reuters reported.

Additionally, in July, 285 visa-holders were deemed inadmissible, the most since 2019. A Canada Border Service Agency spokesperson told Reuters that such decisions are influenced by migration trends and policy adjustments, though no specific policy changes were highlighted.

Also read: Canada ends policy allowing visitors to apply for work permits from within the country

The immigration department is approving fewer visas and the ratio of denied visitor visa applications to approved ones was the highest in June since the pandemic’s peak, with more refusals than approvals in several months of 2024. Approvals for study and work permits have also declined from recent highs. Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated in August that Canadians expect a well-managed immigration system.

Miller’s office attributed the drop in study-permit approvals to a cap implemented in January, although the decline began last year. Reports from eight lawyers indicate increased scrutiny of visa-holders at borders. British Columbia attorney Will Tao told Reuters that some clients faced severe questioning and were advised to return or risk deportation, reflecting a notable shift in government policy.

Another person quoted by Reuters experienced the tightening of control firsthand when he was barred from entry while traveling from Paris to Toronto last September. Despite his visa being cancelled and being sent back to Accra, he remains optimistic about Canada and may attempt to visit again in the future. University of Calgary’s Gideon Christian criticised the practice of issuing visas that are not honoured, questioning the rationale behind such admissions.

(With inputs from Reuters)