Canada’s Expanding Border Security Enhancements: What Travellers and Applicants Need to Know

Canada has long prided itself on having one of the world’s most secure and efficient border management systems. In 2025, the Government of Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced new measures to strengthen border integrity and immigration security. These enhancements aim to safeguard Canadians, maintain public confidence, and ensure that the immigration system remains fair and efficient.

For both Canadian citizens and foreign nationals, especially those with pending immigration applications, these changes bring new expectations when crossing the border.

What Are the New Border Security Enhancements?

Canada’s border modernisation strategy encompasses a combination of technological advancements, policy adjustments, and enhanced enforcement capabilities. Some of the most significant enhancements include:

• Increased Use of Technology

  1. Deployment of drones and AI-powered surveillance tools at high-traffic land border points to monitor irregular crossings.

  2. Enhanced biometric collection for certain immigration applications, with plans to extend biometric verification to citizenship applications by 2026–27.

• Document Integrity and Cancellation Powers

  1. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officers now have greater authority to cancel temporary resident documents (study permits, work permits, visitor visas) if fraud, inadmissibility, or misuse is detected.

  2. This includes cancelling permits at ports of entry if travellers fail to meet conditions or present false information.

• Enhanced Screening for Visa-Exempt Travellers

  1. Expanded review of Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) applications to ensure travellers pose no inadmissibility risks.

• Focus on Reducing Flag-poling

  1. Stricter measures to discourage “flagpoling,” where temporary residents exit and re-enter Canada at a land border to bypass regular processing channels.

What Canadians Can Expect at the Border

For Canadian citizens and permanent residents, the enhancements may translate into:

• Longer wait times during peak periods due to heightened screening.

• Increased likelihood of being asked questions about recent travel history.

• Greater scrutiny when accompanying non-Canadian family members.

While the measures aim at non-citizens primarily, Canadians may experience indirect impacts, especially if travelling with loved ones undergoing immigration processing.

What Foreign Nationals Can Expect

For foreign nationals, especially those with pending immigration or visa applications, the new measures will have a direct impact:

• Stricter Document Verification

• Officers are likely to cross-check information submitted in applications with what is presented at the border. Any inconsistencies may lead to refusal of entry or cancellation of status.
  

• Pending Applications Do Not Guarantee Entry

• Even if you have applied for permanent residence, work permits, or extensions, a pending application does not grant you the right to enter or remain in Canada. Border officers retain full discretion to admit or deny entry.
  

• Biometric Collection

• Applicants may be required to provide fingerprints and photographs at more entry points, even if they previously submitted biometrics abroad.
  

• More Attention to “Dual Intent” Applicants

• Those applying for permanent residence while holding temporary status (study/work permits) should be prepared to demonstrate ties to their home country and the temporary nature of their visit.

Practical Tips for Foreign Nationals with Pending Applications

• Carry Proof of Application: Always travel with your IRCC acknowledgement of receipt and supporting documents.

• Be Honest and Consistent: Any discrepancies between your application and statements at the border can raise red flags.

• Avoid Last-Minute Travel Risks: If your status is expiring, travel before renewal is finalised may complicate re-entry.
  

• Seek Legal Guidance: Complex cases, such as inadmissibility or abandoned refugee claims, require professional representation to avoid refusals.

Why These Changes Matter

Canada’s enhanced border security is a response to global migration trends, fraud prevention, and domestic housing and labour challenges. While the policies aim to protect Canadians, they also increase the complexity of travel for non-citizens. For those with pending applications, the risk of missteps at the border is now higher than ever.

✅ How Ayodele Law Can Help

At Ayodele Law, we understand how stressful border interactions can be, especially when your immigration status is in transition. Our experienced legal team can:

• Advise on travel risks if you have a pending application.

• Prepare you for border interviews and documentation requirements.

• Represent you if your status is cancelled or refused at the border.

• Assist with applications for restoration of status or appeals.

If you are a foreign national with a pending application or are concerned about Canada’s new border security enhancements, contact Ayodele Law today. Our dedicated team will guide you through every step, ensuring your rights are protected and your immigration journey stays on track.

📞Book a consultation today to give your application the best possible chance of success