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.”
