Effective December 26, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will expand its biometric entry and exit procedures at air, land, and sea ports of entry. A new Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rule now authorizes the government to photograph all non-U.S. citizens, including Canadians, when entering or departing the United States.
This change marks a significant shift from pilot programs to a permanent nationwide system. Here’s what it means for Canadian travelers.
1. What’s Changing
CBP’s updated rule moves facial recognition from a pilot program to a standard requirement.
- Every non-U.S. citizen entering or leaving the United States will now be photographed for identity verification.
- The photographs will be compared to government-held images, such as passports, visas, or prior border records, to confirm identity.
- The change applies to all ports of entry, including airports, land crossings, and seaports.
Until now, biometric checks were limited to select airports and pilot locations. The new rule allows CBP to expand this system nationwide.
2. Does This Apply to Canadians?
Yes. Under U.S. immigration law, Canadians are considered “aliens” when entering or leaving the United States.
- Canadian citizens will have their photo taken when entering or departing the U.S.
- This applies whether entering by air, land, or sea, even for short visits.
- NEXUS and pre-clearance travelers will also encounter facial capture systems, although the process will feel similar to current inspections.
Canadians generally will not be fingerprinted or asked for other biometrics unless required for a specific immigration process.
3. What About Dual Citizens and Permanent Residents?
- Dual Canadian–U.S. citizens: If you present a U.S. passport, you’re processed as a U.S. citizen. You may opt out of photo capture, and any image taken is deleted within 12 hours.
- Canadian permanent residents who are not U.S. citizens: You are treated as “aliens” under U.S. law and must comply with the photo requirement.
If you hold a U.S. work visa or green card (such as TN, L-1, or H-1B status), your photo will be matched to your existing immigration record.
4. How the Technology Works
CBP uses its Traveler Verification Service (TVS) to create a temporary “photo gallery” of expected travelers based on flight or border data.
- When you arrive, a live photo is taken and compared to your passport or prior travel images.
- If the system confirms a match, you’re cleared automatically.
- If no match is found, a CBP officer will manually review your documents or perform a secondary inspection.
CBP reports accuracy rates above 97% and a false-match rate below 0.1%, according to U.S. government testing.
5. Privacy and Data Handling
CBP says U.S. privacy and data protection laws cover all biometric data collections.
- Photos of U.S. citizens are deleted within 12 hours of verification.
- Photos of non-U.S. citizens (including Canadians) are stored under DHS retention schedules for identity and security verification.
- Airlines, airports, and cruise lines working with CBP must transmit images securely and delete their copies immediately after sending them to the U.S. government.
Travelers can review CBP’s privacy notices at ports of entry or visit dhs.gov/privacy for more information.
6. Why the U.S. Is Expanding Biometrics
According to CBP, expanding facial recognition helps to:
- Strengthen border security and verify traveler identity;
- Detect impostors and visa overstays more efficiently;
- Streamline entry and exit processing to reduce wait times; and
- Modernize U.S. border management to align with international travel standards.
Canada is already moving in a similar direction with its Entry/Exit Information System, which shares basic travel data with the U.S.
7. Key Takeaways for Canadians
- Starting December 26, 2025, expect facial photos at U.S. entry and exit points.
- The rule applies to all Canadians, regardless of age, visa type, or travel purpose.
- Dual Canadian, U.S. citizens can opt out if traveling on a U.S. passport.
- Privacy protections limit storage time and access to images.
- No special steps are required; look at the camera when prompted.
Bottom Line
For most Canadians, crossing the border will look and feel the same, except for a quick photo. But it’s part of a broader shift toward biometric travel systems designed to enhance both security and efficiency at U.S. ports of entry. As Canada and the U.S. continue to align their travel systems, Canadians should expect facial recognition to become the norm at future border crossings.
We Can Help!
If you have questions regarding an immigration matter, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
JEREMY L. RICHARDS is the founding partner of Richards and Jurusik and has dedicated his career to U.S. immigration law, with a specialized focus on assisting Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to work and live in the United States. (Full Bio)
