Ottawa: Canada is considering a range of measures to curb the misuse of visitor visas and uphold the integrity of its immigration system. In an interview with Global News, Immigration Minister Marc Miller outlined how some temporary residents exploit visa provisions to extend their stay or transition to permanent residency.
Common practices among visa violators include overstaying their visas, working illegally in the underground economy, and using fraudulent documents to prolong their stay or secure employment.
In some instances, visitors even cross into the United States, taking advantage of the 6,000-kilometre undefended border between the two countries.
These challenges, Miller emphasized, underscore the need for stricter enforcement and tighter controls on visa usage.
New measures for temporary residents
The Canadian government has already introduced new regulations to better manage the evolving immigration landscape, specifically targeting international students and foreign workers. These changes include restricting post-graduation work permits for international students and revoking work permit eligibility for the spouses of undergraduate students and visitor visa holders.
Miller's September 2024 announcement reflects a broader effort to better manage visa processes while still welcoming newcomers.
Illegal crossings to the US
According to a CBC News investigation, illegal crossings from Canada into the United States have increased. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported 21,929 migrant encounters between October 2023 and August 2024 along the American side of the border, with nearly 60% of the apprehended individuals coming from India.
The Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) has noted that a majority of the asylum seekers hail from India, prompting Canadian authorities to reassess their visa protocols.
Collaboration with the US on border security
The US and Canada have implemented several measures to address border issues, with a particular focus on curbing illegal crossings.
In 2023, the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) was extended to cover the entire shared border, requiring migrants to apply for asylum in the first safe country they reach, whether it's Canada or the US.
This agreement aims to discourage irregular crossings and ensure asylum claims are made in a structured, legal manner.
Tackling fraud and visa violations
To prevent fraud and overstaying, Miller suggested enhanced background checks, financial scrutiny, and travel history assessments.
The use of biometric data and exit controls is also being explored to monitor visa holders more effectively.
Moreover, tougher penalties, including longer entry bans and criminal charges for visa violators, could serve as a deterrent.
The government is also planning to improve collaboration with the countries of origin for those violating visa terms, potentially leading to better tracking and information sharing.
Maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system
Canada continues to face challenges related to a global surge in displaced people seeking asylum.
The government is committed to improving decision-making tools for immigration officers to better detect fraudulent applications while ensuring that Canada's immigration system remains robust and sustainable for the future.
As Marc Miller emphasized, while Canada remains open to newcomers, maintaining the immigration system’s integrity is crucial to balancing the country’s capacity to welcome them responsibly.