The federal government has published plans to create a screening program for travelers from visa-exempt countries; requiring them to obtain an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before coming to Canada. The plans, including proposed rule changes, were unveiled in the Canada Gazette on Saturday and are open to public comment until Aug. 2.
Under current immigration rules, temporary visitors, including study and work permit applicants, must obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV) before travelling to Canada unless they are citizens of exempted countries or other specified categories. The current country list includes the United States, United Kingdom and 43 other countries (primarily European and developed nations).
The TRV requirement compels travelers to complete application forms and submit documents, to allow decisions on their admissibility before coming to Canada. This pre-travel screening helps prevent the arrival of persons with criminal records, security and health issues, and those who there is reason to believe would stay in Canada indefinitely.
Visa-exempt travelers are not screened until they arrive in Canada, resulting in increased enforcement costs at entry points if they are found inadmissible. The government notes that in the 2012-13 fiscal year, 7,055 visa-exempt foreign nationals were found inadmissible, though it does not say how many of those were non-genuine visitors or U.S. citizens, whose removal would result in minimal added enforcement costs.
The ETA program will mirror a program already in effect in the U.S. (ESTA) (and is similar to one in Australia). Travelers could apply on-line or in writing for a $7 fee. If approved, the authorization will be valid for five years or until the applicant’s current passport expires. The eTA program will not apply to U.S. citizens and other specified applicants, including members of the Royal Family and accredited diplomats.
The government expects the program to cost $173.6-million to implement and carry out over ten years. User fee revenues are forecast at $162.3-million, with cost savings of $12.4-million in preventing inadmissible arrivals, for a net benefit of $1.1-million. It anticipates the program will not have any permanent effect on tourism to Canada.
The program is part of the North American perimeter security initiative with the United States and an example of the reaction to post-9/11 security concerns. Whether or not the added scrutiny provides further security against terrorism is debatable. What is certain is that the program adds to the cost of international travel and continues to play on fears, whether real or imagined.
Under current immigration rules, temporary visitors, including study and work permit applicants, must obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV) before travelling to Canada unless they are citizens of exempted countries or other specified categories. The current country list includes the United States, United Kingdom and 43 other countries (primarily European and developed nations).
The TRV requirement compels travelers to complete application forms and submit documents, to allow decisions on their admissibility before coming to Canada. This pre-travel screening helps prevent the arrival of persons with criminal records, security and health issues, and those who there is reason to believe would stay in Canada indefinitely.
Visa-exempt travelers are not screened until they arrive in Canada, resulting in increased enforcement costs at entry points if they are found inadmissible. The government notes that in the 2012-13 fiscal year, 7,055 visa-exempt foreign nationals were found inadmissible, though it does not say how many of those were non-genuine visitors or U.S. citizens, whose removal would result in minimal added enforcement costs.
The ETA program will mirror a program already in effect in the U.S. (ESTA) (and is similar to one in Australia). Travelers could apply on-line or in writing for a $7 fee. If approved, the authorization will be valid for five years or until the applicant’s current passport expires. The eTA program will not apply to U.S. citizens and other specified applicants, including members of the Royal Family and accredited diplomats.
The government expects the program to cost $173.6-million to implement and carry out over ten years. User fee revenues are forecast at $162.3-million, with cost savings of $12.4-million in preventing inadmissible arrivals, for a net benefit of $1.1-million. It anticipates the program will not have any permanent effect on tourism to Canada.
The program is part of the North American perimeter security initiative with the United States and an example of the reaction to post-9/11 security concerns. Whether or not the added scrutiny provides further security against terrorism is debatable. What is certain is that the program adds to the cost of international travel and continues to play on fears, whether real or imagined.
William Macintosh started practising as an immigration lawyer in
1984. You can reach him for advice or help on any immigration or
citizenship matter at 778-714-8787 or by e-mail at
macintoshlaw@gmail.com.
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