Maple News reports that Ottawa has updated its travel advisory, cautioning Canadian citizens who hold U.S. permanent resident (PR) status about growing risks of status termination and visa revocation due to shifting American immigration policies.
According to new guidance issued by Global Affairs Canada, U.S. authorities may reassess and potentially revoke PR status for Canadian citizens, particularly those with prior criminal convictions or long absences from the United States. The same warning applies to visa holders, whose permits can be canceled without prior notice.
The advisory comes as U.S. immigration enforcement intensifies under policy changes introduced in June 2025, including the reinstatement of a restrictive travel ban affecting individuals from 12 fully banned countries—such as Iran, Somalia, and Afghanistan—and partially restricting entry from nations like Cuba and Venezuela. While Canadian citizens are generally exempt, Canadian PRs who previously resided in these countries may face denial of entry into the U.S.
The Canadian government has also raised alarms over the mistreatment of Canadian nationals detained by U.S. immigration officials. In a high-profile case, Johnny Noviello, a Canadian citizen and U.S. green card holder, died in ICE custody in Florida while awaiting deportation due to non-violent drug convictions. His death has drawn fresh scrutiny to detention practices and the limited legal and consular support available to detained Canadians.
LGBTQ+ travellers are also being urged to take special precautions. U.S. agencies have amended document and program requirements to reflect “sex assigned at birth” instead of a traveler’s affirmed gender identity. Since January 2025, the U.S. has stopped issuing documents with the “X” gender-neutral marker, affecting Canadians applying for Nexus memberships, visas, or passports. Human rights advocates in Canada warn that these changes may result in emotional distress, heightened scrutiny, or potential discrimination against transgender and non-binary individuals.
In contrast to tightening American immigration policies, Canada is positioning itself as a welcoming alternative for skilled workers affected by U.S. regulations. Prime Minister Mark Carney recently indicated that Canada is exploring new pathways to attract displaced professionals hit by a steep $100,000 U.S. H-1B visa fee. These efforts follow the success of Canada’s H-1B Open Work Permit stream launched in July 2023, which maxed out its 10,000-application cap in less than 48 hours.
With nearly 95,000 international STEM graduates in the U.S. potentially impacted by changing visa laws, Canada’s ongoing efforts—through Express Entry, Global Talent Stream, and Provincial Nominee Programs—are seen as a proactive strategy to boost its tech and innovation sectors by recruiting top global talent.
Global Affairs Canada recommends Canadian citizens living in the U.S. regularly review their eligibility and consult legal experts when necessary. Meanwhile, Maple News will continue to monitor developments and provide timely updates on cross-border immigration issues.