Backgrounder - The Visa Requirement for Mexico

Text version: Mexico vs. All Other Countries from 1999 to 2008

The number of Mexican refugee claims received in Canada has increased every year since 1999 whereas the number of refugee claims received in Canada reached its peak in 2001 and had decreased yearly until 2005. Since 2005, the number of Mexican refugee claimants has almost tripled from about 3,400 in 2005 to more than 9,400 in 2008, which has contributed to the increase in overall refugee claims. Source: CIC.

Refugee Claims Received in Canada: Mexico versus all other countries from 1999 to 2008
Year Mexico All Other Countries
1999 1,167 29,731
2000 1,421 36,432
2001 1,730 42,979
2002 2,095 31,373
2003 2,608 29,291
2004 2,827 22,716
2005 3,456 16,315
2006 4,940 18,020
2007 7,163 21,369
2008 9,467 27,449

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Acceptance Rates in 2008

In 2008, the acceptance rate for Mexican refugee claims was 11% while the overall acceptance rate for all countries (including Mexico) was 42%. Excluding Mexico, the acceptance rate increases to 56%. Source : IRB.

Refugee Claims in Canada - Acceptance Rates in 2008
Region % Accepted
Mexico 11
All countries 42
All countries without Mexico 56

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Claims finalized versus Number of Mexican Refugee Claims Accepted

In 2005 and 2006, the acceptance rate for Mexican refugee claims was 19% and 28%, respectively. In 2007 and 2008, the acceptance rate decreased to about 11%. Source: IRB.

Number of Mexican Refugee Claims finalized versus Number of Mexican Refugee Claims Accepted
Year Finalized Accepted
2005 3679 697
2006 3283 931
2007 3614 378
2008 5654 606

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Refugee Claims Pending Before the IRB

In 2005 and 2006, the acceptance rate for Mexican refugee claims was 19% and 28%, respectively. In 2007 and 2008, the acceptance rate decreased to about 11%. Source: IRB.

Refugee Claims Pending Before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada as of March 31, 2009
Mexico 22%
All countries without Mexico 78%
TOTAL 100%

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