New Hampshire Resident and Canadian Citizen Denied U.S. Reentry by Border Patrol

Key Takeaways

• Since April 11, 2025, Canadian citizens staying over 30 days in the U.S. must register with USCIS.
• U.S. Border Patrol enforces stricter entry rules, with authority to deny entry and inspect devices without warrants.
• In-person services ended at Pohénégamook crossing July 7, 2025; remote program PTRA-Q now required.

As of July 2025, a significant update affects Canadian citizens who live in New Hampshire and other U.S. states but find themselves stuck in Canada after being refused reentry by U.S. Border Patrol. This situation highlights several recent changes in U.S. and Canadian border policies, new enforcement practices, and updated traveler requirements. Here’s a clear and detailed summary of what has changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for pending and future travel between Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸.

Summary of What Changed

In 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 made several important changes to its border enforcement and entry policies, especially for Canadian citizens. The most notable updates include:

• Stricter enforcement at the border: U.S. Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers now have even more authority to deny entry, even to Canadian citizens who live in the U.S.
• New registration requirement: Since April 11, 2025, Canadian citizens who plan to stay in the U.S. for 30 days or more must register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Increased scrutiny of travel history and intent: CBP officers are paying closer attention to whether Canadian citizens are truly temporary visitors or are living in the U.S. without proper status.
• Changes at certain border crossings: Some Canadian border crossings, like Pohénégamook, now require travelers to use remote programs instead of in-person services.

These changes mean that even if you are a New Hampshire resident and a Canadian citizen, you may be denied reentry to the United States 🇺🇸 if you do not meet all new requirements or cannot prove your eligibility.

Who Is Affected

The new policies mainly affect:

• Canadian citizens who live in New Hampshire or other U.S. states but do not have a green card or another permanent status.
• Canadian citizens who spend long periods in the United States 🇺🇸 and may be seen as living there without proper authorization.
• Travelers who use land border crossings and may not receive an I-94 record, which is an official record of entry.
• People who have been outside the United States 🇺🇸 for an extended time and are now trying to return.

If you are a Canadian citizen who lives in New Hampshire, travels back and forth between Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸, or has family, work, or property in the U.S., these changes directly affect you.

Effective Dates

• April 11, 2025: The new registration requirement for Canadian citizens staying over 30 days in the U.S. took effect.
• May 2025: CBP began reporting much stricter enforcement, with a sharp drop in illegal border crossings and zero releases of unauthorized entrants into the U.S. interior.
• July 7, 2025: In-person services ended at the Pohénégamook border crossing, replaced by the Program for Travellers in Remote Areas – Quebec (PTRA-Q).

Required Actions for Canadian Citizens and New Hampshire Residents

If you are a Canadian citizen and a resident of New Hampshire, here’s what you need to do to avoid being refused reentry by U.S. Border Patrol:

1. Check Your U.S. Immigration Status

• Make sure you have a valid visa, green card, or other legal status that allows you to enter and live in the United States 🇺🇸.
• If you usually enter as a visitor, remember that you must prove you are not living in the U.S. without permission.

2. Register with USCIS if Staying Over 30 Days

• If you plan to stay in the U.S. for 30 days or more, you must register with USCIS before entering. This is a new rule as of April 2025.
• This requirement is especially important for those entering by land who do not get an I-94 record.
• You can find the official registration process and forms on the USCIS website.

3. Gather and Carry Strong Proof of Your Ties to Canada 🇨🇦 and the U.S.

• Bring documents that show you have a home, job, or family in Canada 🇨🇦 if you are entering as a visitor.
• If you are a New Hampshire resident, carry proof of your U.S. address, job, lease, or family connections.
• Be ready to show evidence of your travel plans, such as return tickets or proof of temporary stay.

4. Prepare for Secondary Inspection and Electronic Device Searches

• CBP officers can search your phone, laptop, or other devices without a warrant.
• Remove sensitive or private information before traveling.
• Be ready for detailed questioning about your travel history, work, and reasons for entering the United States 🇺🇸.

5. Use ArriveCAN and Follow Canadian Customs Rules

• When returning to Canada 🇨🇦, use the ArriveCAN app to declare goods and speed up processing.
• Always declare all items you are bringing back to Canada 🇨🇦 to avoid fines or delays.

6. Enroll in Remote Border Programs if Needed

• If you use border crossings like Pohénégamook, you must now enroll in the Program for Travellers in Remote Areas – Quebec (PTRA-Q) for remote access.

7. Seek Legal Help if Denied Entry

• If U.S. Border Patrol refuses your reentry, contact an immigration attorney who understands U.S.-Canada border law.
• You may be able to appeal or request a waiver, but legal help is strongly recommended.

Implications for Pending and Future Applications

If you have a pending U.S. immigration application (such as for a green card, work visa, or other status), these new rules can affect your ability to return to the United States 🇺🇸 while your application is being processed. Here’s what you need to know:

• Leaving the U.S. while an application is pending can be risky. If you are a Canadian citizen living in New Hampshire and you leave the country, you may not be allowed back in, even if you have a pending application.
• You must still meet all entry requirements. Having a pending application does not guarantee reentry. You must have the right documents and meet the new registration rules.
• Delays and denials are possible. If you are denied entry, your pending application may be delayed or even denied, depending on your situation.
• Legal advice is important. Before leaving the United States 🇺🇸 while an application is pending, talk to an immigration lawyer to understand your risks.

Background and Context

For many years, Canadian citizens enjoyed easy travel to and from the United States 🇺🇸, especially those living in border states like New Hampshire. However, since 2024, U.S. border policies have become much stricter. The COVID-19 pandemic led to new health and security rules, and many of these have become permanent.

In 2025, the U.S. government, led by Acting CBP Commissioner Pete Flores, reported a 93% drop in illegal border crossings compared to the previous year. This was achieved by releasing zero unauthorized entrants into the U.S. interior and by giving CBP officers more power to deny entry at the border. These changes are part of a larger effort to control who enters the United States 🇺🇸 and to prevent people from living in the country without proper status.

CBP’s Discretionary Authority

CBP officers have the power to deny entry to anyone, even if they have a valid visa or travel documents. This means that being a New Hampshire resident and a Canadian citizen does not guarantee you can return to the United States 🇺🇸. Officers can:

• Search your luggage, car, and electronic devices without a warrant.
• Ask detailed questions about your work, family, and travel plans.
• Deny entry if they believe you are living in the U.S. without permission or if you fail to meet the new registration requirement.

Privacy and Civil Rights Concerns

Some advocacy groups are worried about the increased searches of electronic devices and the broad authority of border officers. They recommend that travelers:

• Remove private or sensitive information from devices before crossing the border.
• Be polite and answer only the questions asked.
• Know their rights, but also understand that refusing to answer or cooperate can lead to denial of entry.

Canadian Government’s Role

The Canadian government cannot intervene if U.S. Border Patrol refuses to let you enter the United States 🇺🇸. However, they advise all travelers to:

• Follow both Canadian and U.S. border rules.
• Use ArriveCAN and other official programs to speed up processing.
• Contact the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for help with Canadian travel documents or customs questions.

Changes at Canadian Border Crossings

Some Canadian border crossings, like Pohénégamook, have ended in-person services and now require travelers to use remote programs such as PTRA-Q. This means you must enroll in these programs before crossing at certain locations.

Future Outlook

U.S. border policies are likely to keep changing throughout 2025. Officials are reviewing entry procedures and may introduce more technology, such as facial recognition and electronic declarations. Both the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦 continue to discuss border management, but final decisions about who can enter the U.S. are always made by border officers.

Official Resources and Contacts

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, use these official resources:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): CBP Official Website
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): USCIS Official Website
• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA): CBSA Official Website
• ArriveCAN: ArriveCAN Information

If you need to register with USCIS for a stay over 30 days, use the USCIS registration page for the most current forms and instructions.

Practical Steps for Travelers

If you are a New Hampshire resident and Canadian citizen facing reentry issues, follow these steps:

1. Check your status and documents before travel.
2. Register with USCIS if your stay will be 30 days or longer.
3. Bring proof of your ties to both Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸.
4. Prepare for possible searches and questioning at the border.
5. Use ArriveCAN and follow customs rules when returning to Canada 🇨🇦.
6. Enroll in remote border programs if using affected crossings.
7. Consult an immigration lawyer if you are denied entry or have a pending application.

Implications for Families, Workers, and Students

• Families: If your family is split between Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸, make sure everyone has the right documents and meets the new requirements before traveling.
• Workers: If you work in the United States 🇺🇸 but live in Canada 🇨🇦, or vice versa, keep proof of your employment and be ready to explain your work situation at the border.
• Students: If you study in the United States 🇺🇸, carry proof of enrollment and follow all new registration rules.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The new border policies between Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸 mean that Canadian citizens living in New Hampshire or other U.S. states must be more careful than ever when crossing the border. The U.S. Border Patrol has more power to deny entry, and new registration requirements are now in place for longer stays. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are part of a larger effort to control cross-border movement and prevent unauthorized stays.

To avoid problems, always check your status, register with USCIS if needed, carry strong proof of your ties, and seek legal help if you are denied entry. Stay up to date by checking official government websites and talking to immigration professionals before making travel plans. By taking these steps, you can reduce the risk of being stuck outside the United States 🇺🇸 and protect your ability to live, work, or study in New Hampshire and beyond.

Learn Today

U.S. Border Patrol → Federal agency controlling and securing U.S. borders, authorized to inspect and deny entry to travelers.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services responsible for processing immigration, registration, and visa enforcement.
I-94 Record → Official document issued by CBP recording a traveler’s entry and authorized stay in the U.S.
PTRA-Q → Program for Travellers in Remote Areas – Quebec, a remote border crossing registration program.
Secondary Inspection → Additional questioning and examination by CBP officers when entry eligibility or traveler intent is unclear.

This Article in a Nutshell

New 2025 border policies restrict Canadian citizens living in New Hampshire from automatic U.S. reentry. Registration over 30-day stays and stricter inspections impact travelers. Remote crossing programs replace some in-person services. Travelers must carry strong proof, prepare for device searches, and seek legal help if denied entry or with pending applications.
— By VisaVerge.com