Canada: Temporary Cross-Border Measures for Indigenous Communities

Key Points 

• Canada introduced temporary measures aimed at facilitating easier cross-border travel for Indigenous people from the U.S.  

Overview 

The Canadian government introduced temporary measures, effective 10 October 2024, to help Indigenous people in the U.S. reunite with family in Canada and connect with their traditional territories. These measures aim to address the challenges faced by Indigenous families divided by the Canada-U.S. border and support reconciliation efforts. 

Eligible Indigenous individuals will be able to: 

• Work or study in Canada with some requirements waived 
• Extend their stay for up to three years if already in Canada 

These temporary policies provide relief while long-term solutions are developed. Applications must be submitted before travel or from within Canada but cannot be made at the border. Visit the government’s dedicated page for details on eligibility and the application process. 

Looking Ahead  

Continue to check the Canadian’s government website and Envoy Global’s website for the latest updates and information.