Ottawa has issued new travel guidance warning Canadian citizens who hold U.S. permanent resident status that their eligibility to remain in the United States may be reassessed and potentially revoked. The warning highlights the growing immigration uncertainty under U.S. policy shifts, including risks for LGBTQ travellers and those from certain countries affected by U.S. travel bans.
On This Page You Will Find
- Ottawa’s new travel warning for Canadian PRs in the U.S.
- Impact of U.S. travel bans on Canadian residents
- Gender identity restrictions for LGBTQ travellers
- Legal case of a Canadian detainee in Florida
- Canada’s efforts to attract displaced H-1B tech workers
New Travel Warning from Ottawa
Global Affairs Canada recently updated its travel advice for Canadians living in or travelling to the United States. The update cautions that Canadians who are permanent residents in the U.S. may face termination of their status, especially if they have prior criminal convictions or have spent extended periods outside the country.
The notice states that “status can be terminated” following a reassessment of eligibility and also warns that U.S. visas can be revoked at any time.
Travel Ban Impacts Canadian PRs
As reported by the Globe and Mail, Global Affairs added that Canadians who were born in or previously lived in countries affected by U.S. travel bans – including Iran, Libya, Yemen, and others – may be barred from entering the U.S., even if they hold permanent residency in Canada. Although dual Canadian citizens are not affected, Canadian PRs from banned countries could be denied entry.
The travel ban, reinstated by U.S. President Donald Trump in June 2025, includes 12 fully restricted countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Somalia, and partially restricts citizens from countries like Cuba and Venezuela. The restrictions are part of a broader national security proclamation introduced on June 9, 2025.
Detention and Deportation Concerns
The updated guidance follows the case of Canadian Johnny Noviello, a U.S. permanent resident who died in a Florida detention centre while awaiting deportation due to several drug convictions. His death in June 2025, under the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has raised concerns about the treatment of detained Canadians.
Several other Canadians have also been detained by U.S. immigration officials in recent years, with limited consular access and complex legal challenges.
Gender Marker and LGBTQ+ Travel Restrictions
The Canadian government also issued special advice for LGBTQ travellers, warning that U.S. federal agencies now request information based on “sex assigned at birth” rather than gender identity. This change affects visa applications, Nexus cards, passport applications, and more.
Since January 2025, U.S. authorities have ceased issuing passports with the gender-neutral “X” marker. Canadians applying for Nexus or other travel programs must now declare themselves as either male or female, regardless of gender identity.
Human rights advocates in Canada have voiced concern that these requirements may cause distress or legal issues for transgender and non-binary travellers.
Canada Welcomes Displaced Skilled Workers from U.S.
While the U.S. tightens immigration enforcement, Canada is signalling its intent to attract highly skilled foreign workers affected by recent U.S. policy changes.
Prime Minister Mark Carney recently confirmed that Ottawa is examining ways to welcome those impacted by the new US$100,000 H-1B visa fee introduced by the Trump administration. The government is particularly focused on tech professionals and STEM graduates who may now find the U.S. less accessible.
In July 2023, Canada launched a dedicated H-1B open work permit stream for U.S.-based professionals. The 10,000-permit cap was reached in under 48 hours, demonstrating strong interest in moving to Canada.
Carney noted that many of Canada’s skilled tech graduates “go to the U.S.” but now “maybe we can hang on to one or two of them.”
Existing Options
With nearly 95,000 international STEM graduates in the U.S. potentially affected, experts say Canada should act quickly. Groups such as Build Canada argue that Canada’s high quality of life, similar time zones, and growing tech sector make it an attractive destination.
IRCC has not yet confirmed a new H-1B-specific program but continues to promote options like Express Entry, the Global Talent Stream, and various Provincial Nominee Programs. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor developments and prepare early.
FAQ
Can Canadian permanent residents lose their U.S. residency status?
Yes. U.S. authorities can terminate PR status if individuals have prior criminal convictions or have stayed outside the U.S. longer than permitted.
Does the U.S. travel ban affect Canadian PRs?
Yes, if a Canadian PR originates from a country listed in the U.S. travel ban, they may be denied entry, even if they are residents of Canada.
Can Canadians still use the “X” gender marker for U.S. travel documents?
No. The U.S. now only recognises “male” or “female” designations. Canadians must select one of these on Nexus and visa forms, even if non-binary or transgender.
What happened to the Canadian detained in Florida?
Johnny Noviello, a Canadian PR in the U.S., died while in ICE custody after being detained for drug-related convictions. His case raised concerns about detainee treatment.
Is Canada offering alternatives for affected H-1B workers?
Yes. Canada previously opened a work permit stream for H-1B holders and may introduce more options to attract skilled tech talent displaced by U.S. policy changes.
