Crossing the Border Between Canada and the US

Published on: May 20th, 2020

The border between Canada and the US was closed to non-essential travel in March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. That closure has been extended for another month. Foreign nationals who can prove that their travel is essential may still be able to come to Canada from the US for immigration purposes.

free assessment

At this time, the Canadian government is continuing to process applications for temporary and permanent residence.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the following may be valid reasons for crossing the border:

  • Foreign nationals coming to Canada to study
  • Foreign nationals coming to Canada to work
  • Those working in support of Canadian infrastructure
  • Those working in economic services and supply chains
  • Shopping for essential goods, such as medication

The latest version of the NAFTA trade agreement between Canada, the US and Mexico could make it easier for US citizens to come to Canada.

In order to take advantage of the benefits of this agreement, you must be a citizen of Canada, the US or Mexico. 

For the professional category, you must have a job offer from a Canadian employer for a position eligible under NAFTA (excluding intercompany transferees). A NAFTA Work Permit does not require an LMIA.

NAFTA visa types

In spite of the continued uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, we are glad to see that the Canadian government is continuing to invite foreign nationals to apply for permanent residency.Immigration plays an important role in Canada, and we hope to see these numbers continue to climb in the coming months. 

Interested in learning more about your Canadian immigration options? Get started today. Fill out our free online assessment and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.

get started

Recent articles

Express Entry Draw | Healthcare and Social Service

Express Entry Draw #398 | 4,000 Healthcare and Social Service Professionals Invited

The first Express Entry draw for healthcare and social service professionals just took place in 2026, inviting an impressive 4,000 candidates to apply. To receive […]

Express Entry Draw | Physicians with Canadian Work Experience

Express Entry Draw #397 | First-Ever Physicians with Canadian Work Experience Draw

Canada has made immigration history with Express Entry Draw #397, issuing 391 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for the first time ever exclusively to physicians with […]

Express Entry Draw | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Express Entry Draw #395 | 279 Invitations Issued in PNP Draw

In Express Entry Draw #395, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada invited 279 candidates to apply for permanent residence through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Express Entry Draw

Express Entry Draw #396 | 6,000 CEC Candidates Invited!

The third Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw of 2026 invited 6,000 candidates once again, continuing the strong momentum for the CEC program this year.

Express Entry Draw | Francophone Immigration

Express Entry Draw #394 | 8,500 Francophone Candidates Invited

Express Entry Draw #394 marks a milestone with Canada issuing a record-breaking 8,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to French-speaking candidates for permanent residence.

Express Entry Draw | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Express Entry Draw #393 | 423 Invitations Issued in PNP Draw

In Express Entry Draw #393, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 423 invitations to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), with a minimum Comprehensive […]

Free assessment

Discover your Canadian immigration options. Get your free assessment now!