The Entry/Exit Program is a cornerstone initiative for enhancing Canada-US border security and improving immigration program integrity. Introduced as part of the “Beyond the Border” initiative, the program collects and analyzes biographic entry and exit data of all travelers across land and air modes. This groundbreaking system enables the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage border security efficiently while maintaining compliance with individual privacy rights.
Key Highlights of the Entry/Exit Program
- What is Collected: The program captures essential biographic data, including names, date of birth, citizenship, travel document details, and entry/exit timestamps. While biometrics are out of scope, the data provides vital insights into traveler patterns.
- Mode of Operation: Land entry and exit data collection began in 2019, followed by air data collection in 2020, with full integration by November 2022.
- Use Cases:
- Identifying overstayed visas.
- Enhancing citizenship and permanent residency fraud detection.
- Monitoring individuals subject to removal orders.
Applications of Entry/Exit Data by IRCC
- Temporary and Permanent Residency
- Verifies compliance with stay limits for temporary residents.
- Checks residency requirements for permanent residency applications.
- Citizenship Verification
- Assesses physical presence in Canada to ensure eligibility.
- Supports investigations into misrepresentation or fraud.
- Fraud Investigations
- Tracks discrepancies in immigration narratives for asylum claims and passport applications.
Privacy and Data Protection
Privacy remains a top priority. The system only collects necessary biographic data and restricts access to authorized users for specific decision-making processes. Travelers have the right to request their travel history and correct inaccuracies, ensuring transparency.
Impact of the Entry/Exit Program
The Entry/Exit initiative enhances national security, streamlines immigration processes, and fosters better compliance with immigration and citizenship laws. This initiative reflects Canada’s commitment to maintaining the safety of its borders and the integrity of its immigration systems while upholding individual privacy.
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