New Passport Requirements for US/Canada Border Crossings

By Michael Niren March 27, 2009 2 min. read

Canadians ready for new passport requirements

In a recent study, it appears that Canadians are more optimistic and prepared for the new US/Canada border requirements at land crossings into the United States than are their American counterparts.The new rule that is being implemented by the WHTI as of June 1, 2009 has been pushed back several times as the U.S. is concerned that not enough Americans will have valid identity documents and that the border crossing stations do not have adequate infrastructure to process tourists and business travelers quickly.  “We’re not as sure the Americans are ready for the imposition of their own deadline,” Prime Minister, Steven Harper said.“We believe that in Canada, we are pretty much ready for that deadline”

Washington has been implementing the new passport requirements for all travelers entering the U.S. over the past several years. However, Americans have not been as quick to embrace passport acquisitions, and the number of passport holders doesn’t even compare to Canadian holders.

Statistics show that nearly 75% of adult Canadians are a passport holders, whereas only 23% of adult Americans are passport holders and since the year 2000; .U.S. visits to Canada have dropped nearly 40% as a result of unclear document requirements.

Currently, as a result of a friendly border crossing agreement between Canada and the United States, all American citizens entering Canada by land or water are not required to present a valid passport. However, to enter Canada, the Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA)   requires proof of identity and their U.S. citizenship or a an equivalent travel document such as a NEXUS card, a WHTI approved Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), U.S. Passport Card, or a Free and Secure Trade (FAST)/Express Card.

New passport requirements for Americans traveling to Canada

With the WHTI being implemented as of June 1, 2009, American citizens who travel to Canada are now absolutely required to present a valid passport in order to successfully return home to United States. Even if you present all other approved travel documents without a passport, it will not suffice in accordance to the WHTI and may cause you difficulties at the Canada/US border. Americans are urged to start applying now for their passports as the passport offices are increasingly becoming backlogged.*

U.S. Citizens who are under the age of 16 will be able to present the original copy of their birth certificate or other proof of the U.S. Citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.As for Canadians, once the full implementation of the WHTI has taken affect, Canadians will need to present one of the following WHTI- compliant documents in order to successfully cross the border into the United states and to return home to Canada:a Canadian passport;a NEXUS Card;a FAST Card or; a WHTI approved Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) that is expected to circulate Ontario early spring.

For more information about issues relating to entry to Canada or the US, contact Niren and Associates immigration lawyers at 416 410 7484.

Intake

Name
Providing additional information helps us direct your request to the right team, resulting in faster service!
Ljiljana Pavkov Avatar

Ljiljana Pavkov

I have nothing but praise! The entire team was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and kind, especially Mansi Sanghiv. She patiently explained everything I needed to know and resolved all of my concerns. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the entire process. I am extremely satisfied with the service and experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for quality, dedication, and trust.

Lisanne Cholette Avatar

Lisanne Cholette

Mansi has been helping me navigate through a new chapter in my life. It has been a huge comfort to be able to lean on her knowledge and expertise and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

BERLITA COLLADO Avatar

BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

Shahrzad Sh Avatar

Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”

kevin geoffrey Avatar

kevin geoffrey

Visa place helped me with my daughter’s sponsorship 3 years ago. Last week I contacted them for some clarification on a different matter. It was about an issue which technically was a problem of CIC’s software glitch and had nothing to do with Visa Place.
Yet Reena Sandu was assigned for my case. she helped me with enthusiasm and showed no hesitation despite me being an ex-client from 3 years ago.
I was very happy that even after 3 years of finishing business, Visa Place were respectful of their clients. Special thanks again to Reena for her enthusiasm and support.

Nessie Leigh Ilarde Avatar

Nessie Leigh Ilarde

Thank you very much for helping me get my new visa! I appreciate Ms. Felicita and her colleagues for guiding us through the process making sure that everything is precise. Highly recommend your firm. Thanks again 🙂

parker ellis Avatar

parker ellis

Mansi Sanghvi has been nothing for of remarkable for me. I have been dealing with a visa, immigration issues , and any time I have to call her, she has been there to answer any questions. Has answers to every question and is there to HELP YOU. Truly could not recommend her more.