New Changes to Canada-U.S. Visa and Immigration Information Sharing
What’s New?
On January 17, 2025, new rules took effect to improve how Canada and the U.S. share visa and immigration information. Under these changes, both countries can now automatically exchange personal and biometric data about permanent residents whenever immigration screening requires it. As a result, officers on both sides can review accurate information more quickly when someone applies for a visa.
Why the Change?
The two countries already had an information-sharing agreement from 2012. However, the latest updates expand how much detail they can share. Because of these amendments, Canada and the U.S. can work as even stronger security partners. This helps each country make clearer and faster decisions about immigration cases and potential security risks.
How Does This Help?
These improvements offer several benefits:
• Identity Verification
They allow officers to confirm a person’s identity more efficiently, reducing mistakes and delays.
• Better Screening
They strengthen security checks, making it easier to spot people who might pose risks before they enter either country.
• Streamlined Visa Process
They support quicker visa decisions for applicants who have followed immigration rules in the U.S. and have a clean record.
Privacy Matters
Canada and the U.S. both take privacy seriously. Because of that, they handle all shared information through secure systems and follow strict privacy rules. Each country must use the data only for immigration-related purposes, ensuring that personal details stay protected at every step.
What Does This Mean for You?
The updated system helps both countries detect high-risk travelers earlier and manage their borders more effectively. For genuine visitors, this means smoother processing and a more reliable immigration experience overall. Ultimately, the goal is to keep travel safe, efficient, and well-organized for everyone.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
