ENTRY/EXIT INITIATIVE - CANADA

Since February 2019, IRCC officers have been able to use the Entry/Exit tab to query the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) system for entry and exit information on travellers for the purpose of validating presence in and out of Canada. It can also be used to verify whether the traveller previously overstayed their allowable time of stay in Canada.

The Entry/Exit Program is a joint initiative, from the Beyond the Border Action Plan, between Canada and the United States (U.S.). 

In addition to the exchange of data with the U.S. at the land border, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will collect exit data directly from airlines on all travellers leaving Canada by air.

As air carriers begin sharing their data (2020 to 2021), overstay indicators will begin appearing within the Entry/Exit search results for temporary residents who have overstayed their allowable time in Canada. This will prompt IRCC officers to make an informed determination on select temporary residence applications.

IRCC will be able to query the CBSA’s Entry/Exit Information System directly to

• verify residency requirements to process an ongoing application by objectively verifying information provided by the client, such as in applications for grants of citizenship (CIT) or permanent resident cards (PR cards)
• verify if a temporary residence applicant may have previously overstayed their allowable period of admission in Canada
• assist in an investigation of an individual’s entitlement to a Canadian travel document

In addition, IRCC will be able to use entry and exit information to

• Verify that sponsors are residing in Canada
• Verify the residency of spouses-partners under spouse or common-law partner in Canada class
• Verify whether or not a refugee claimant entered Canada using their travel documents
• Support investigations of possible fraud in relation to immigration, citizenship, and passport and travel document programs
• to identify if a foreign national has previously exceeded their authorized period of stay in Canada.
• To outline the periods of time spent in and outside Canada for people applying for permanent residence. This will provide a full picture of whether or not residence has been maintained.
• To determine if a sponsor is residing in Canada.(for sponsorship applications)