In this episode of the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer, Evelyn Ackah podcast, Evelyn Ackah discusses a question she is hearing more frequently from clients and travellers: what is actually happening at the U.S. border right now? While the immigration rules themselves have not dramatically changed, the way those rules are being applied has shifted. Many travellers are experiencing more questioning, more secondary inspections and sometimes even refusals of entry.
Evelyn highlights several key developments affecting Canadian travellers, including significant U.S. visa interview delays for Canadian permanent residents who require visas, as well as increased scrutiny of social media activity during visa applications. These factors can lead to additional questions, longer processing times and unexpected travel complications.
She also explains why business travel is receiving closer attention at the border. Travellers must clearly understand the difference between entering the United States as a business visitor and performing work without authorization. In addition, strategies such as flagpoling at land borders are becoming less reliable, with officers often directing applicants to apply online or through consulates instead.
Whether you travel occasionally for meetings or regularly move between Canada and the United States for business, understanding the current border environment is more important than ever. In this episode, Evelyn shares practical insight to help travellers prepare properly, avoid common mistakes and approach cross-border travel with greater clarity and confidence.
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Here are the key points from Evelyn Ackah’s Solo Podcast
Increased Scrutiny at the U.S. Border
- Explains that while immigration laws have not dramatically changed, the way officers apply them at the border has shifted
- Travellers are experiencing more questioning, more secondary inspections and sometimes refusals of entry
- Highlights that cross-border travel is no longer as routine as it once was and requires more preparation
Visa Delays for Canadian Permanent Residents
- Discusses significant wait times for U.S. visitor visa interviews in Canada, particularly in cities such as Toronto and Calgary
- Notes that Montreal has also experienced major backlogs at the U.S. consulate
- Advises travellers and employers to plan well in advance if a visa is required
Social Media Scrutiny in Visa Applications
- Explains that many U.S. visa applications now require applicants to list their social media handles
- Officers may review public posts, affiliations and travel history as part of the screening process
- This can lead to additional questions or delays for some travellers
Business Travel and Work Authorization Risks
- Clarifies the difference between entering the U.S. as a business visitor and performing work
- Activities such as meetings, negotiations and conferences may be permitted
- Hands-on work or revenue-generating activities without proper authorization can result in denial of entry
Flagpoling Is No Longer a Reliable Strategy
- Explains that attempting to resolve immigration issues directly at the border through flagpoling is becoming less common
- Officers are increasingly directing individuals to submit applications online or through a consulate instead
Preparation Before Travel Is Critical
- Past refusals, criminal charges or dual nationality can affect admissibility at the border
- Proper planning and understanding your travel category can prevent unnecessary complications
- Seeking guidance before travelling can help individuals and businesses avoid costly disruptions
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About Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah
Evelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. With offices in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, we work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, reach out to Evelyn at Ackah Business Immigration Law today by calling (587) 854‑3821 or emailing Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.
The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, hosted by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah, was named as one of the Top 60 Podcasts on Immigration on the web by Feedspot.