Canadian immigration authorities have warned visitors coming to the country to attend FIFA matches that there is no avenue leading them to an asylum claim in Canada, and they will have to leave the country after their visa-approved period. IRCC is scrutinizing the applications closely, and if they suspect that an applicant may not return home after the tournament, they can be refused a visa. On secondary scrutiny by border agents, they can be turned away if there is any suspicion.
About 22 people who came to Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics made asylum claims in Canada. They came from nine different countries: Ghana, Hungary, Mongolia, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Nepal and Japan. IRCC spokesperson Isabelle Dubois told Globe and Mail that the department will be screening applications from fans “to ensure they are genuine visitors both at the visa application stage and upon arrival in Canada.”
“Events such as FIFA tournaments are not an avenue to seek asylum. Individuals who overstay their authorized period of stay in Canada become inadmissible and may face enforcement action, including the refusal of future immigration or visa applications," Dubois said.
No leniency for FIFA visitors
Toronto immigration lawyer Stephen Green told Globe and Mail that he expects immigration officers will be applying the same criteria for fans as regular tourists and visitors, including whether someone has firm ties to their home country that would be a pull for them to return.
“Just because they are coming for the World Cup, the application is no different from someone coming to visit Niagara Falls. I would hope that they would stick to the same high standards,” he said.
Another immigration lawyer, Erin Simpson, pointed out that there could be misjudgment, as she has seen applicants from Iran and Cuba being refused to visit family in Canada though they have strong ties in their home countries.
