Maple News reports that Canada has released new details about the data collected from travellers at its borders and how this information is used by immigration authorities. The disclosure aims to offer more transparency around the country’s Entry/Exit Program and the role it plays in enforcing immigration policies and ensuring compliance with residency requirements.
Under the Entry/Exit Program, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) collects basic biographic information from individuals as they enter or leave the country. This includes the traveller’s name, date of birth, citizenship, passport information, and the dates of entry and exit. For immigration and citizenship applicants, additional data stored in the Global Case Management System (GCMS) may be collected, such as contact history, education, and employment records.
This collected data is shared with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which uses it to verify residency during applications for permanent residency, study permits, work permits, and citizenship. Authorities also use the data to determine whether a person overstayed a previous visa, to confirm if sponsors or applicants reside in Canada, or to investigate potential immigration fraud. For example, officials could use the data to confirm if a refugee claimant entered the country using legitimate travel documents.
Since July 11, 2019, Canada and the United States have exchanged biographic entry data at land border crossings. This cooperative exchange essentially allows Canada to use U.S. entry data as evidence of a Canadian exit, and vice versa. Although the program was later expanded to include air travellers, exit data for air travel is not yet regularly shared between the two countries. Currently, no traveller information is being collected via marine ports or railways.
Within CBSA, a wide range of personnel are permitted to access entry and exit records, including front-line border officers, intelligence analysts, enforcement officials, and others involved in immigration screening and verification. However, access is limited only to those with authorized roles related to border security and immigration processing.
Importantly, IRCC retains entry and exit data only for individuals who have applied for immigration services. The department can only disclose this information under specific circumstances tied to the administration of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and only when there is a formal information-sharing agreement, such as a Memorandum of Understanding, in place. Any disclosures not covered under existing agreements must be governed and approved by CBSA.
This increased focus on data transparency and inter-agency collaboration reflects Canada’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its immigration system while protecting personal information. For travellers and applicants, it underscores the importance of accurate record-keeping and truthful reporting in all immigration processes.