Changes To Canada’s Border And Immigration System

Canada has implemented significant measures to strengthen border security and ensure the integrity of its immigration system. Here’s a summary of key accomplishments:

1. Safer Borders & Reduced Asylum Claims

• New protocols under the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) have reduced illegal border crossings, cutting daily asylum claims from 165 to 12.
• A partial visa requirement for Mexican nationals reduced airport asylum claims by 97% and illegal crossings into the U.S. by 72%.

2. Eliminating Resource-Heavy Practices

• The practice of flagpoling (briefly leaving Canada to request immigration services) has been reduced by 86%, saving thousands of workdays for officials.

3. Enhanced Fraud Detection

• A new fraud detection system has led to an 89% drop in illegal crossings, a 61% increase in visa refusals for high-risk countries, and a 91% decrease in illegal crossings by study permit holders.

4. Stricter Immigration Integrity Measures

• Automatic 10-year multiple-entry visas were discontinued, and eligibility for work permits and the International Student Program was tightened.
• Ad campaigns in 10+ languages are combating misinformation and protecting prospective immigrants from exploitation.

5. Fighting Fraud in Immigration Representation

• Proposed regulations include penalties of up to $1.5 million for unethical consultants and compensation for victims of misconduct.