Canada Starts Using AI to Screen Travelers at the Border
Canada Announces AI Screening for Travellers
This new AI system is looking to streamline border security.
Visitors to Canada will soon experience something radically different in how they’re processed at the border when Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) begins rolling out artificial-intelligence technology at chosen land ports of crossing. The technology, dubbed the Travel Compliance Indicator (TCI), will help officers process visitors faster and make borders more secure.
What is the Travel Compliance Indicator?
- Past travel history as documented by CBSA
- Method of transport (vehicle, ship, or aeroplane)
- Whether or not the traveler is solitary
- Nature of identification made
- Vehicle details like car registration details
Real-time checks will permit police officers to make immediate distinctions between individuals of low risk and individuals with potential secondary scrutiny.
Where is it being implemented?
- Six United States land ports of entry have utilized the TCI since 2023 as part of a test program. Locations have not been released for security purposes by the Government.
- The CBSA will deploy it across all land ports by the end of 2027 and will make other deployments at airports and seaports in later years.
Why Canada is Looking to Artificial Intelligence at Borders
TCI’s two broad goals are as follows, CBSA states:
- Improved travel process - With the reduction of unnecessary second screening from false positives, the agency anticipates easier travel for legitimate travelers.
- Increased operating efficiency - With escalating traveler volumes, CBSA maintains that technology is a more feasible replacement than growing its staff.
- It has taken over $15 million to develop and will take approximately $700,000 annually to sustain. Officials point out that such initiatives at upgrading are vital in helping Canada deal effectively with its borders in the coming years.
Protocols and Concerns
In response to this, CBSA emphasizes that TCI will act only as one supporting the decision and will never displace human judgment. All the final decisions about admission will be made by officers.
What Travelers Should Know
The TCI operates in the background with officers continuing to administer regular questioning and verification. The point of difference is how effectively officers can distinguish between compliant travellers, thus lessening ports-of-entry delay and bottlenecks.
Temporary Residence Applications
Visas for Visitors Abroad (TRV)
- India: Increased sharply from 28 to 58 days.
- Pakistan: Increased from 36 to 48 days.
- Nigeria: Down from 56 days to 32 days.
- Philippines: Shortened from 33 to 20 days.
- United States: Slight rise from 21 to 23 days.
Metro Areas Now Ineligible for Low-Wage LMIA Applications
The following Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) now fall under the exclusion list due to jobless rates exceeding the 6% threshold:
| Family Size | Minimum Required Funds (Annual) |
|---|---|
| 1 person (student only) | CAD $22,895 |
| 2 people | CAD $28,502 |
| 3 people | CAD $35,040 |
| 4 people | CAD $42,543 |
| 5 people | CAD $48,252 |
| 6 people | CAD $54,420 |
| 7 people | CAD $60,589 |
| Additional family member | CAD $6,170 |
These figures represent a significant increase from the earlier requirement of CAD $20,635 for a single applicant, which had been in effect since January 1, 2024.
A Step Toward the Future of Border Security
