As Toronto prepares for its new border checkpoint, enabling travelers to complete U.S. customs preclearance before departing for the United States, Canada is making strides in cross-border efficiency with a groundbreaking milestone. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced the opening of its first-ever preclearance operation on U.S. soil, scheduled for 2025, with a temporary facility launching in New York later this year.
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A Temporary Preclearance Site in Mooers Forks, New York
CBSA officers will soon operate alongside their U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) counterparts at a temporary checkpoint in Cannon Corners, Mooers Forks, New York. Located just south of Quebec’s border, this facility is within driving distance of key Canadian cities—approximately two hours from Ottawa and five and a half hours from Toronto.
This preclearance facility will replace the Covey Hill port of entry in Quebec, which will temporarily close to the public during this two-year operation.
What Services Will the Preclearance Site Offer?
At the Cannon Corners preclearance site, Canadian border officers will examine travelers and goods to determine their admissibility into Canada. This process includes:
- Screening for dangerous goods such as firearms and drugs.
- Conducting most types of immigration processing.
However, not all services will be available at the temporary facility. The Canadian government has clarified that claims for refugee protection cannot be processed at preclearance sites. Travelers seeking refugee status in Canada must continue to use official Canadian ports of entry for their claims.
Expanding Preclearance: A Step Toward Streamlined Cross-Border Travel
While this is a first for the CBSA, the United States already operates eight preclearance facilities at Canadian airports. These include major hubs like Toronto Pearson International Airport and Vancouver International Airport.
Excitingly, another U.S. preclearance facility is set to open at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in the coming months. Additionally, Canada hosts a unique marine preclearance facility in Prince Rupert, B.C., which handles U.S.-bound cargo from ships—a one-of-a-kind operation globally.
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When Will the Cannon Corners Facility Open?
Though the exact launch date for the Cannon Corners preclearance post is yet to be announced, it marks a pivotal advancement in cross-border collaboration between Canada and the United States. By situating CBSA officers directly within the U.S., the operation is expected to enhance the efficiency and security of Canada-bound travel.
These preclearance points are being financed by the u.s.taxpayers. We the people want the halt of illegals & fentanyl from coming across the Canadian border! These points are for travelers going NORTH,not SOUTH. Is the u.s.going to have preclearance for the Canadians coming to the u.s.? If so, are the u.s. taxpayers paying for that also? Something stinks like ludafisk!