Or listen on your favourite podcast app
In this episode of the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer, Evelyn Ackah podcast, Evelyn Ackah discusses a question she is hearing more frequently from clients and travellers: what is actually happening at the U.S. border right now? While the immigration rules themselves have not dramatically changed, the way those rules are being applied has shifted. Many travellers are experiencing more questioning, more secondary inspections and sometimes even refusals of entry.
Evelyn highlights several key developments affecting Canadian travellers, including significant U.S. visa interview delays for Canadian permanent residents who require visas, as well as increased scrutiny of social media activity during visa applications. These factors can lead to additional questions, longer processing times and unexpected travel complications.
She also explains why business travel is receiving closer attention at the border. Travellers must clearly understand the difference between entering the United States as a business visitor and performing work without authorization. In addition, strategies such as flagpoling at land borders are becoming less reliable, with officers often directing applicants to apply online or through consulates instead.
Whether you travel occasionally for meetings or regularly move between Canada and the United States for business, understanding the current border environment is more important than ever. In this episode, Evelyn shares practical insight to help travellers prepare properly, avoid common mistakes and approach cross-border travel with greater clarity and confidence.
Need immigration help? Book An Initial Call With Our Client Engagement Coordinator
Here are the key points from Evelyn Ackah's Solo Podcast
Increased Scrutiny at the U.S. Border
- Explains that while immigration laws have not dramatically changed, the way officers apply them at the border has shifted
- Travellers are experiencing more questioning, more secondary inspections and sometimes refusals of entry
- Highlights that cross-border travel is no longer as routine as it once was and requires more preparation
Visa Delays for Canadian Permanent Residents
- Discusses significant wait times for U.S. visitor visa interviews in Canada, particularly in cities such as Toronto and Calgary
- Notes that Montreal has also experienced major backlogs at the U.S. consulate
- Advises travellers and employers to plan well in advance if a visa is required
Social Media Scrutiny in Visa Applications
- Explains that many U.S. visa applications now require applicants to list their social media handles
- Officers may review public posts, affiliations and travel history as part of the screening process
- This can lead to additional questions or delays for some travellers
Business Travel and Work Authorization Risks
- Clarifies the difference between entering the U.S. as a business visitor and performing work
- Activities such as meetings, negotiations and conferences may be permitted
- Hands-on work or revenue-generating activities without proper authorization can result in denial of entry
Flagpoling Is No Longer a Reliable Strategy
- Explains that attempting to resolve immigration issues directly at the border through flagpoling is becoming less common
- Officers are increasingly directing individuals to submit applications online or through a consulate instead
Preparation Before Travel Is Critical
- Past refusals, criminal charges or dual nationality can affect admissibility at the border
- Proper planning and understanding your travel category can prevent unnecessary complications
- Seeking guidance before travelling can help individuals and businesses avoid costly disruptions
Need immigration help? Book An Initial Call With Our Client Engagement Coordinator
About Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah
Evelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. With offices in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, we work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, reach out to Evelyn at Ackah Business Immigration Law today by calling (587) 854‑3821 or emailing Evelyn directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.
The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, hosted by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah, was named as one of the Top 60 Podcasts on Immigration on the web by Feedspot.
0:00 Hi everyone and welcome back.
0:02 I’m Evelyn Ackah, and today I want to talk to you directly about something that has been coming up again and again in my practice.
0:09 What is actually happening at the U.S. border right now?
0:13 If you are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, a business owner, or someone who travels back and forth regularly, you may have noticed something feels different — and you’re not imagining it.
0:25 Over the past year, we’ve seen a real shift in how border officers are handling entry into the United States.
0:31 The rules on paper may not have dramatically changed, but the way they are being applied absolutely has changed.
0:38 We are seeing more questioning, more secondary inspections, and more refusals.
0:45 And sometimes, even when someone has all the right documents, they are still being refused.
0:50 Let me break this down for you.
0:51 First, visa delays are serious.
0:53 If you are a Canadian permanent resident from a country that requires a U.S. visitor visa, you cannot assume you will be able to travel quickly.
1:01 In some cities, like Toronto and Calgary, interview wait times can stretch well over a year.
1:06 Montreal has also experienced significant backlogs at the U.S. consulate.
1:10 So if your company plans to send you to the United States next quarter, or you are planning a family trip and may need a visa, you may already be too late.
1:22 Second, social media scrutiny is real.
1:24 Many U.S. visa applications now require applicants to list their social media handles.
1:31 Officers can review public activity, including posts, affiliations, travel history, and commentary.
1:37 For some individuals — especially dual nationals or people born in countries under additional scrutiny — this can lead to extra questions or delays.
1:44 Third, business travel is becoming more sensitive.
1:47 There is a real difference between entering as a business visitor and entering in a work capacity.
1:53 If you are attending meetings, negotiating contracts, or participating in conferences, that may be fine.
1:59 But if a border officer believes you are performing hands-on work or generating revenue in the United States without proper authorization, that can result in denial of entry or future restrictions.
2:10 Here’s something really important: many people still believe they can solve immigration issues by going to the border and handling things on the spot.
2:17 Flagpoling used to be common, but that is no longer a reliable strategy.
2:22 Officers are refusing to process most applications at land borders for flagpoling and are instead directing people to apply online or go to a consulate.
2:33 The bigger picture is this: cross-border travel is no longer casual.
2:38 It requires preparation.
2:39 It requires understanding exactly what category you fall under.
2:43 And it requires honesty and consistency in how you present yourself and the purpose of your travel.
2:49 If you have ever had a prior refusal, a criminal charge, or even something from many years ago — even decades ago — or if you have dual nationality, these details matter.
3:00 Depending on where you were born, it could impact your ability to enter the United States.
3:03 I say this not to create fear, but to create awareness.
3:06 Most problems we see could have been avoided with proper planning.
3:10 At Ackah Business Immigration Law, we help individuals and businesses prepare before they travel.
3:17 Sometimes that means reviewing documents.
3:20 Sometimes it means clarifying what activities are allowed and what are not.
3:24 And sometimes it means partnering with trusted U.S. counsel from our team.
3:28 But the goal is always the same: clarity before crossing.
3:32 If you are planning a business trip, sending employees across the border, or simply unsure whether your status could cause issues, it is worth having that conversation in advance.
3:43 Being turned away at the border is not just inconvenient.
3:47 It can affect your future travel, your travel record, and your peace of mind.
3:54 If you found this video helpful, please share it with someone who travels frequently.
4:00 And if you need guidance specific to your situation, visit ackahlaw.com and book a consultation with one of our lawyers.
4:08 Thank you for listening.
4:09 I’ll see you next time.
