The Government of Canada collects biographic entry information on all travellers entering the country, but currently has no reliable way of knowing when and where they leave the country.
In 2020, the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) will receive biographic exit data (name, date of birth, etc.) from commercial air carriers in the framework of the Entry-Exit Initiative.
Once collected, the CBSA will be able to disclose this information to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
IRCC will then be able to use the information directly to verify:
Residency requirements
If a temporary residence applicant has previously overstayed their allowable period of admission in Canada
That sponsors are residing in Canada where required by law
Relationships and compliance with conditions for spouses and partners applying for or admitted under the family class
In addition, IRCC will be able to query the CBSA’s Entry/Exit Information System directly to assist in an investigation into an individual’s entitlement to a Canadian travel document.
The tracking and collection of entry and exit data will help Canadian immigration authorities to determine whether someone has stayed in Canada illegally or is breaking other immigration rules.
Permanent residents of Canada must keep proper and accurate travel records to substantiate travel outside Canada. The records can be in the form of boarding passes, travel itineraries and passport stamps.