Updated on December 2, 2024 by canadian immigration experts
Effective January 6, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. (local time), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), in partnership with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will introduce updated operating hours at 35 land border crossings between Canada and the U.S. These changes are the result of a comprehensive analysis aimed at optimizing resources, enhancing security, and improving efficiency for travelers and trade.
Why Are These Changes Being Made?
- Traffic Patterns: Analyzing traveler and trade flow across various times of the day.
- Service Demands: Assessing peak and low-traffic periods to align operating hours with needs.
- Enforcement Efficiency: Streamlining resources to ensure smooth processing and compliance.
- Improve processing efficiency for travelers and goods.
- Simplify the return process for inadmissible goods and individuals when one side of the border is closed.
What This Means for Travelers
- Minimal Disruption for Most Travelers
The changes primarily affect periods of low traffic, ensuring minimal inconvenience for travelers. For those impacted, alternative border crossings within a 100-kilometer radius are available, maintaining accessibility and uninterrupted trade routes.
- Enhanced Commercial Flow
Flagpoling: A Quick Immigration Processing Option
Flagpoling is a popular and legal method for temporary residents in Canada to update their immigration status—whether it’s switching to a work permit or a study permit.
This involves briefly leaving Canada and re-entering through a border crossing for expedited processing.
- Check New Border Hours: Ensure the CBSA post you plan to visit is open and processes immigration matters.
- Schedule Your Visit: Arrange your visit during operating hours to ensure smooth processing.
- Prepare Your Documents: Have all required documentation ready for efficient handling.
Updated Service Hours by Province
Alberta
- Del Bonita: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
British Columbia
- Cascade: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
- Nelway: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Manitoba
- Cartwright, Coulter: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (commercial hours: Mon–Fri, excluding holidays)
- Crystal City, Goodlands, Piney, Snowflake, Windygates: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
- Gretna, South Junction, Winkler: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
- Tolstoi: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Quebec
- Bloomfield: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mon–Sat, excluding holidays)
- Gillespie Portage: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
- Fosterville: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (summer), 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (rest of the year)
- St. Croix: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (commercial: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon–Fri)
New Brunswick
- Bloomfield: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mon–Sat, excluding holidays)
- Gillespie Portage: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
- Fosterville: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (summer), 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (rest of the year)
- St. Croix: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (commercial: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon–Fri)
New Brunswick
- Bloomfield: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mon–Sat, excluding holidays)
- Gillespie Portage: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
- Fosterville: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (summer), 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (rest of the year)
- St. Croix: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (commercial: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon–Fri)
Saskatchewan
- Carievale, Estevan Highway, Oungre: Seasonal: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (spring/summer); 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (remainder of the year)
- Monchy: Weekdays only, seasonal hours
- Northgate, West Poplar River: Seasonal, with weekday variations
Tips for Smooth Border Crossings
- Check Service Hours: Review the updated hours for your intended crossing in advance.
- Locate Alternatives: Identify nearby crossings within 100 km if your usual port is closed.
- Account for Time Zones: Operating hours follow local time, so plan accordingly.
How Jane Katkova & Associates Can Assist You
Navigating border changes can be overwhelming, especially when paired with immigration procedures. At Jane Katkova & Associates, we provide expert guidance on:
- Flagpoling: Assistance with preparing documents and identifying suitable border crossings.
- Canadian Immigration Solutions: From work permits to PR applications, we help simplify complex processes.
- Compliance with New Regulations: Ensuring you meet all requirements for a hassle-free experience.
