Re-Opening of the U.S. - Canadian Border

According to a report published in Washington State, the United States intends to unilaterally open the U.S.- Canadian land border without restrictions on June 22nd, 2021. There has been no official announcement to date regarding the June 22nd re-opening of the Canadian-U.S. border.

The U.S. – Canadian border has been closed to non-essential traffic since March 20th, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and national public safety concerns associated with it. Ontario currently remains under COVID-19 lockdown orders until June 2nd, 2021, with restricted inter-provincial travel.  The current U.S. border closure order was extended on May 20th, 2021, until June 21st, 2021. On May 25th, 2021, immigration attorneys were notified that biometric processing had resumed at U.S. ports of entry, effective immediately, showing signs of a return to normalcy at the U.S. border.

A unilateral opening of the border by the U.S. would place significant pressure on the Canadian government to consider relaxing border restrictions. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated recently that the Canadian border would not be open until 75% of Canadians have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. With Canadians eager to travel to the U.S., and vice versa, the Canadian government will be hard-pressed with returning residents who do not want to undergo the required testing and 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

Additionally, once in the U.S. Canadian residents will be able to take advantage of COVID-19 vaccinations through the various service providers.

Serotte Reich will continue to provide updates, as the status of the immigration systems continues to shift frequently. If you need assistance or advisement regarding an immigration matter, please contact us at 716-854-7525 or www.srwborderlawyers.com/contact to schedule a consultation.