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From Evelyn and the Team at Ackah Business Immigration Law

Spring is here, and for many people, that means travel.

Family visits. Business meetings. Conferences. New opportunities across the border.

But this year, we’re seeing something different.

More Canadians are being stopped, more travellers are being turned back and many of them are genuinely surprised when it happens.

From their perspective, nothing changed. But the border definitely looks different.



More Travellers Are Being Turned Away at the Border

We’re seeing an increase in Canadians stopped or denied entry to the United States, including professionals, families and business owners.

In many cases, the issue isn’t something dramatic. It’s a detail that wasn’t prepared for, a document that wasn’t reviewed closely enough or a misunderstanding about what is required.

Processing delays and tighter screening mean there is less flexibility at the border than there used to be.

Once you are standing in front of an officer, there is no time to rethink your plan.

If you are travelling this spring, this is not the season to wing it. A small oversight can quickly turn into a cancelled trip, a missed opportunity or a very stressful airport experience.

Your Canadian PR Card Doesn’t Get You Into the United States

This is one of the most common and costly misunderstandings we see every year.

Holding Canadian permanent residence doesn’t give you entry into the United States.

If your passport requires a U.S. visitor visa, you still need that visa. Your PR status doesn’t replace it.

Right now, visa interview wait times in Canada are stretching well beyond a year in some cities. That means people are discovering too late that they are not able to travel when they planned.

We’ve seen this affect:

• Families who have to cancel long-planned trips.
• Professionals missing conferences and meetings.
• Businesses facing disruption when employees cannot travel.

If you hold Canadian PR and plan to travel to the United States, this is something to confirm before you book anything non-refundable.

Business Decisions Are Also Shifting Across the Border

It’s not just travellers feeling the impact of change. Businesses are also rethinking where and how they operate across the Canada–U.S. border.

Recently, even a small but telling example made headlines. A rubber duck museum relocated from Washington State to Delta, British Columbia after U.S. tariffs on plastic toys made in China pushed their costs too high.



That move stabilized their business and allowed them to continue growing.

While the example is unique, the underlying trend is not. Tariffs, supply chain pressures, access to talent and immigration pathways are all influencing where companies choose to expand or relocate.

Cross-border strategy is no longer optional. It is part of staying competitive.

Referrer of the Month

Nate Riordan

Partner, Wenokur Riordan PLLC

Seattle Bankruptcy Attorney Nate Riordan received a B.A. with honors from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1992 and graduated cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1998. Nate practiced law in Minneapolis until 2004, where he practiced in the areas of corporate bankruptcy, workouts, restructures, finance, franchise and corporate and transactional law. In 2004, Nate moved to Seattle and has practiced there ever since.

Currently, he is a partner at Wenokur Riordan PLLC. Nate was named a 2023 Seattle Super Lawyer, an honor bestowed on only 5% of the lawyers in Washington each year. This is the 5th year Nate has been named a Seattle Super Lawyer for his work in bankruptcy law.

More about Nate

Preparation Is What Protects Your Plans

Whether you are travelling for a few days or expanding your business long term, the common thread is preparation.

The border is no longer a place to figure things out in real time. It is the final step in a plan that needs to be built in advance.

If you are unsure about your travel requirements, visa status or cross-border strategy, we are here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

📞 Call us at (587) 200-9584

📧 contact@ackahlaw.com

🌐 www.ackahlaw.com

Let’s grow and thrive beyond borders.

Listen to Evelyn on the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Podcast

Evelyn dives deeper into the real stories, strategies and human moments behind immigration law.

From border updates and work permit tips to interviews with entrepreneurs and newcomers building their lives in Canada, the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Podcast helps you stay informed, inspired and confident in your next immigration decision.

Explore all episodes

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