The Canadian government has issued an urgent travel advisory for Canadian citizens holding U.S. permanent resident status, warning that their right to live and work in the United States could be reassessed or even revoked. The update, issued by Global Affairs Canada, highlights growing concerns around shifting U.S. immigration policies from tougher enforcement on permanent residents to travel restrictions for certain nationalities and LGBTQ+ individuals.

This alert comes amid a larger conversation about the uncertain future of immigration in North America, as both the U.S. and Canada recalibrate their systems for 2025 and beyond.

New Travel Guidance from Ottawa

Global Affairs Canada has revised its travel advice for Canadians living in or visiting the U.S., specifically those who are green card holders. The notice states that such individuals may have their status reviewed and terminated, particularly if they have:

• Prior criminal convictions
• Spent prolonged periods outside the United States
• Breached the terms of permanent residency

The advisory adds that U.S. visas can also be revoked at any time, leaving affected Canadians in a legal grey zone. According to Ottawa, Canadians born in or previously residing in countries listed under the U.S. travel ban, such as Iran, Yemen, Libya, or Somalia, may face additional entry restrictions. While dual Canadian citizens remain unaffected, Canadian permanent residents originating from banned nations could be denied entry into the United States.

The Reinstated U.S. Travel Ban and Its Impact

In June 2025, the Trump administration reintroduced a travel ban targeting 12 countries, citing national security concerns. The policy fully restricts immigration from several nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Somalia, and partially limits access for citizens from Cuba, Venezuela, and others.

This move has raised alarms in Canada, particularly for residents who travel frequently between the two countries for work, study, or family reasons.

Tragic Case Sparks Concern Over Detention and Deportation

The warning also follows the death of Johnny Noviello, a Canadian permanent resident detained in Florida by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in June 2025. Noviello was awaiting deportation after several drug-related convictions.

His death has reignited debates over immigrant rights and detainee safety in the U.S., as more Canadians face similar situations under stricter deportation measures. Several Canadian nationals have also reported limited consular access and prolonged detention periods, adding to fears about transparency and fairness in the U.S. immigration system.

Gender Marker and LGBTQ+ Travel Concerns

The updated advisory also includes important information for LGBTQ+ travellers. Since January 2025, U.S. agencies have reverted to using “sex assigned at birth” rather than gender identity on official documents such as:

• Visa applications
• Nexus cards
• Passport renewals

Additionally, the U.S. no longer issues passports with the “X” gender marker, which previously allowed non-binary and transgender individuals to identify outside the male/female binary. This policy shift has drawn criticism from human rights advocates, who say it creates discrimination and confusion for gender-diverse travellers.

Canada Responds by Opening Its Doors Wider

While U.S. immigration tightens, Canada is moving in the opposite direction. Prime Minister Mark Carney recently confirmed that Ottawa is exploring ways to attract skilled foreign workers affected by the new U.S. visa fee hike and related restrictions. The $100,000 H-1B visa fee introduced by the Trump administration has made the U.S. less accessible for international tech professionals. In contrast, Canada’s Global Talent Stream and Express Entry system offer a much faster and affordable route to permanent residence.

Carney noted that many Canadian tech graduates who previously left for Silicon Valley are now reconsidering, and Canada aims to keep them.

Why This Matters for Canadian and U.S. Residents

This advisory highlights how quickly immigration rules can shift and why it’s crucial for both Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay informed and maintain their legal status.

For those uncertain about their U.S. standing or considering moving back to Canada, consulting an RCIC-licensed immigration expert is strongly recommended.

ImmigCanada’s certified professionals can assess your situation, guide you through work permit renewals, and help you transition smoothly if you choose to return or relocate permanently to Canada.

Canada Remains a Safer, More Stable Option

As global migration policies tighten, Canada continues to stand out as a country that values inclusion, stability, and opportunity. With clear pathways to permanent residence, transparent policies, and supportive immigration programs, Canada remains a trusted destination for skilled professionals and global citizens alike.

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident concerned about U.S. policy changes, consult ImmigCanada todayfor expert advice and peace of mind.