Canada: Artificial Intelligence Screening Piloted at Border Crossings

News reports indicate that individuals entering Canada are now subject to artificial intelligence screening at select land ports of entry. According to these reports, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has introduced the Travel Compliance Indicator (TCI), a tool that assigns travelers a “compliance score” using predictive analytics to assist officers in making screening decisions.    

The system is reported to be in use at six undisclosed land ports. Drawing on five years of CBSA data, the TCI analyzes travel history, vehicle details, type of identification, and other factors in real time. Travelers flagged by the system may be referred for secondary examination.      

Media coverage notes that CBSA has described the TCI as a way to reduce false positives, ease processing delays, and improve traveler experience while enhancing border security. Reports also highlight that CBSA officials emphasize the tool is meant only to support decision-making, with final authority resting with officers.      

According to these reports, the government intends to expand the TCI to all land ports by late 2027, followed by a rollout to air and sea entry points. With more than CAD 15 million in funding, the system is framed as part of CBSA’s broader modernization strategy to handle increasing travel volumes without significant staff increases.      

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.