Canada Records Increase in Visa Denials for Foreigners

Canada is experiencing a notable surge in visa rejections and entry denials for foreign travellers, primarily attributed to the country's ongoing housing crisis and escalating costs.

This trend marks a significant shift in Canada's traditionally welcoming immigration policies, as public opinion increasingly favours a more measured approach to immigration. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reports that a record high of 5,853 foreign travellers were denied entry in July 2024, encompassing students, workers, and tourists. This figure represents the peak of rejections since January 2019. The period from January to July 2024 saw an average of 3,727 monthly rejections, a 20% increase compared to the same timeframe in the previous year.

Concurrently, the CBSA identified 285 visa holders as inadmissible in July 2024, the highest number recorded in recent years. The impact of this tightened border control extends beyond entry denials with visitor visa application rejections reaching their highest levels since the pandemic's peak in June 2024. Notably, in several months of 2024, rejected applications outnumbered approvals. This trend coincides with a decline in approved study and work permits from their 2022 and 2023 peak levels.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller acknowledges the public's desire for a controlled immigration system while his spokesperson emphasizes the department's commitment to fair and non-discriminatory policy application. The government, under pressure due to rising housing costs, is considering measures such as capping foreign student visas. New Housing Minister Sean Fraser has indicated efforts to stabilize immigration levels in response to mounting housing pressures.

The issue has garnered attention from both major political parties with the Liberals and Conservatives agreeing on immigration's role in exacerbating the housing crisis. However, experts and economists caution against broadly targeting immigration as a solution to housing affordability. The increase in rejections and heightened border scrutiny may impact the country's reputation as a welcoming destination for international students, workers, and tourists.