September 30, 2014 Ottawa –With the important summer tourism season just passed, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander today announced that 2014 is a record year for visas issued in the world’s key markets for legitimate travel and trade. Canada granted more visas in the first eight months of 2014 than ever before to people from China (272,608), India (117,927), Mexico (59,863) and Brazil (55,730) all of which contributes to creating economic growth and opportunities in Canada.
These record-setting numbers are another indication that the government’s efforts to facilitate legitimate trade and travel are working. With CAN+ and various “Express” programs, it is now easier and faster for visitors, business people and students from high-growth countries to come to Canada.
The overwhelming majority (over 90 percent) of visitors to Canada are now opting for the ease and convenience of multiple-entry visas (MEVs). MEVs allow qualified visitors to enter Canada for six months at a time for up to 10 years. Last month alone, Canada issued close to 89,000 MEVs to individuals coming to visit Canada.
Kevin Menard
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
