As of May 30, Canada has decided to restrict the hours at twelve border points between Canada and the United States for round trips on the same day, intended to renew temporary immigration status. Of these entry points, five are located in the province of British Columbia.

Round trip practice

This practice allows non-Canadians to renew their temporary status by briefly crossing the border into the United States. Upon returning to Canada, they can confirm or renew their temporary resident status, obtain a work permit or a student visa. Although this practice is legal, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBA) does not recommend its use as it does not guarantee re-entry for non-Canadians leaving the country.

Reasons behind the restriction

The restriction on the hours to make these trips was implemented to allow border agents to work more efficiently during periods of high traffic. ASFC wants to focus on other priorities such as high-risk travelers, imports, asylum applications and other essential immigration services.

Opinions on the measure

According to Kim K.C. Ly, vice-president of the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants, round trips are often used to reduce wait times in immigration procedures. Ly does not believe the new restrictions will deter non-Canadians who need to quickly renew or confirm their immigration status.

Len Saunders, an immigration attorney based in Blaine, Washington, also shares this view. Saunders believes the move will increase pressure on border agents as hours have been reduced. "I see a constant flow of people entering Canada renewing their visas. In my opinion, this is not a problem. I have never heard an immigration official on the US side complain or comment on this," Saunders said.

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