As Toronto awaits its new border checkpoint that will allow travelers to clear American customs before heading to the U.S., another pre-clearance facility is opening nearby for those making the return journey, marking a major milestone for Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
The government department announced Thursday that it will set up its first preclearance operation in the United States in 2025. A border control outpost is expected to open in New York sometime this year.
CBSA officers will be stationed alongside their U.S. counterparts at the Cannon Corners crossing south of Quebec's borders Mooers Forks, New York, just over two hours drive from Ottawa and about five and a half hours from Toronto.
However, the new checkpoint will only operate temporarily – expected to last two years – while the nearby customs facility at the Covey Hill port of entry on Canadian soil remains closed to the public.
The CBSA's first preclearance operation at the Cannon Corners, NY-Quebec border crossing will begin in early 2025.
This demonstrates our commitment to the US to improve border security and streamline trade and travel: https://t.co/0wNHxNvxRQ pic.twitter.com/QegEHgpUia
— Canada Border Services Agency (@CanBorder) January 2, 2025
“At the pre-clearance point, Canadian officials will inspect travelers and goods to determine whether they are approved for entry into Canada, as they currently do at ports of entry in Canada,” the Canadian government writes.
“This includes screening for dangerous goods such as firearms and drugs before they leave the United States.”
However, it notes that not all customs and border services are offered at the temporary location, noting that “while officers can carry out most types of immigration processing, refugee protection applications cannot be processed at preclearance.” Travelers seeking refugee protection in Canada must use a Canadian port of entry.”
The exact publication date of the new article will be announced later.
Comparing this first for the CBSA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection currently has eight pre-clearance facilities at Canadian airports. Another is scheduled to open at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in the coming months. There is also a pre-clearance facility in Prince Rupert, BC for US-bound vessels, which is unique in the world.