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By Alia Shoaib
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Canada has updated its travel advice for its citizens planning on visiting the U.S., warning of heightened scrutiny and offering increased guidance for LGBTQ+ individuals, who are warned that they may face scrutiny over their gender identity.
Why It Matters
In January 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to restrict U.S. passports to “male” or “female” only, blocking gender identity or nonbinary markers. A June ruling by a federal judge in Massachusetts paused enforcement of this policy following a federal lawsuit filed by the ACLU, and litigation is ongoing.
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What To Know
Canada’s updated advisory warns travelers that U.S. authorities may terminate visas or permanent residency in certain cases, suggesting tighter enforcement.
Typically, Canadian visitors can stay in the U.S. for up to six months without a visa.
However, the updated advisory notes for those who do require a visa, U.S. authorities may periodically review already issued visas.
Reasons for visa termination can include violations of admission terms or a reassessment of eligibility, such as in cases of previous criminal convictions.
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The advisory also notes that permanent residents of the U.S. may have their status revoked for certain reasons. These include living outside the country for longer than permitted or a reassessment of eligibility, again potentially related to past criminal convictions.
It also expands advice for 2SLGBTQI+ travelers, who it says may face scrutiny over their gender identity.
Canada issues passports with an “X” gender marker for people who don’t identify as male or female, and the advisory cautions that holders may encounter entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize this gender designation.
The advisory notes that U.S. federal systems are being updated to no longer accept gender identity markers, and individuals may now be asked to provide their sex assigned at birth on various forms and applications.
The federal forms and processes potentially impacted include:
- visa applications
- NEXUS applications
- passenger manifests
- passport applications
- Social Security applications
What People Are Saying
The Government of Canada’s travel advice to the U.S. now says: “Federal systems in the U.S. are changing to no longer accept markers of gender identity. Sex assigned at birth may now be requested by federal forms and processes.”
What Happens Next
Canadian travelers are advised to review their documentation carefully and ensure they meet all U.S. entry requirements before traveling.
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