The Canadian government has significantly increased its rejection of visitor and temporary resident visas as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s liberal administration faces mounting pressure from voters to control immigration.
According to a recent report by Reuters, Canada has been turning away over 3,700 people per month on average in 2024, with some months seeing more visa rejections than approvals.
This surge in refusals comes as Trudeau’s party lags in the polls ahead of a potential election next year. Many Canadians blame the country’s traditionally liberal immigration policies for exacerbating housing shortages and driving up prices. The report highlights a shift in Canada’s immigration stance, likely in response to domestic concerns.
Trudeau’s government has also encountered strained relations with the United States over immigration policies. U.S. lawmakers have urged Canada to reduce the flow of migrant workers crossing the border, with some advocating for stricter border controls.
Glenn Cowan, CEO of the security firm One9, noted that reducing visa approvals could improve U.S.-Canada relations, especially concerning border security.
Historically, Trudeau has championed Canada’s open-door approach to immigration and criticised U.S. policies, such as the separation of migrant families at the border in 2018.
However, facing new pressures, Trudeau recently reviewed Canada’s migration policies to ensure a balanced and responsible approach to immigration.
The Reuters report reveals that Canada turned away 5,853 foreign travellers in July 2024, marking the highest monthly rejection rate since at least January 2019.
Border officers have averaged 3,727 monthly rejections this year, a 20% increase from 2023. Additionally, the Canadian immigration department has seen a rise in the ratio of visa refusals compared to approvals.
Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller acknowledged the decline in approved study and work permits in August, reflecting a move away from the highs of 2022 and 2023, which had sparked controversy within Canada. “Canadians want a system that is not out of control,” Miller stated.
Trudeau’s office did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
