Updated Advice for US Travel

The federal government has updated its travel advice for visiting the U.S. This time, the revisions apply to Canadians in the United States under a visa or as a permanent resident and to 2SLGBTQI+ people, specifically those using an X gender marker on their passports. The travel advisory remains at green/take normal security precautions, but the “Entry and exit requirements” and “law and culture” sections have been amended with additional information. 

Visas and Permanent Residents

The first update is to make clear to visa-holders and Canadian permanent residents in the U.S. that the valid and approved documents that enable them to stay in America can be reviewed and terminated for a variety of reasons, including:

• violation of admission terms
• a re-assessment of eligibility, including because of previous criminal convictions

Additionally, a permanent resident card can be pulled if a person has been living outside the U.S. for longer than permitted.

Related: Canada Updates Travel Advice for U.S.-Bound Travellers: What You Need to Know

2SLGBTQI+ People

The travel advice for 2SLGBTQI+ people travelling to the U.S. now spells out that laws can vary by state and municipality, with some states enacting laws “affecting” 2SLGBTQI+ persons. Travellers are advised to check relevant state and local laws.

Additionally, the advisory states that U.S. systems are changing to “no longer accept markers of gender identity,” including an X gender. Trans people may be required to provide sex assigned at birth for federal forms and processes, including:

• visa applications
• NEXUS applications
• passenger manifests
• passport applications
• Social Security applications

 

Related: Emails Reveal Intergovernmental Trans Traveller Discussions

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