The United States and Canada have reaffirmed plans to launch two new preclearance projects this year, after U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra cast doubt on the future of the program last autumn. In comments published January 11 by the Canadian Press, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) called preclearance a “critical component” of its extended-border strategy. ([nationalnewswatch.com](https://nationalnewswatch.com/2026/01/11/preclearance-operations-in-canada-are-a-critical-component-of-border-strategy-u-s))
Preclearance allows U.S. officers to screen travellers at Canadian departure points, reducing bottlenecks at American airports and land crossings. The U.S. already operates at eight Canadian airports and one marine terminal; upcoming sites include Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, where construction finished in December, and Cannon Corners, N.Y., the first Canadian-run facility on U.S. soil. ([nationalnewswatch.com](https://nationalnewswatch.com/2026/01/11/preclearance-operations-in-canada-are-a-critical-component-of-border-strategy-u-s))
![Canada–U.S. Preclearance Projects Move Ahead Despite Earlier Doubts, Says CBP]()
Whether you’re a business traveller or a vacationer, keeping documentation in order will be even more important as new preclearance sites come online. VisaHQ’s Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) guides applicants through U.S. visa, eTA and travel waiver processes, offering real-time status updates and expert support so trips proceed smoothly through the expanded border checks.
Ottawa says the Billy Bishop facility will open by spring, enabling Air Canada to add new routes to New York, Boston, Washington and Chicago. Public Safety Canada also confirmed that rail and marine locations—such as Montréal Central Station and Vancouver’s cruise terminal—are under study for future expansion. ([nationalnewswatch.com](https://nationalnewswatch.com/2026/01/11/preclearance-operations-in-canada-are-a-critical-component-of-border-strategy-u-s))
For corporate mobility teams, expanded preclearance means faster connections and reduced missed-flight risk when routing employees to U.S. destinations. However, companies should update employee-travel guidance to reflect security-question protocols conducted on Canadian soil and ensure that Global Entry or NEXUS enrolments align with new departure points. Logistics firms may likewise benefit if land preclearance sites proceed, shortening border wait times for just-in-time shipments.
Preclearance allows U.S. officers to screen travellers at Canadian departure points, reducing bottlenecks at American airports and land crossings. The U.S. already operates at eight Canadian airports and one marine terminal; upcoming sites include Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, where construction finished in December, and Cannon Corners, N.Y., the first Canadian-run facility on U.S. soil. ([nationalnewswatch.com](https://nationalnewswatch.com/2026/01/11/preclearance-operations-in-canada-are-a-critical-component-of-border-strategy-u-s))
Whether you’re a business traveller or a vacationer, keeping documentation in order will be even more important as new preclearance sites come online. VisaHQ’s Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) guides applicants through U.S. visa, eTA and travel waiver processes, offering real-time status updates and expert support so trips proceed smoothly through the expanded border checks.
Ottawa says the Billy Bishop facility will open by spring, enabling Air Canada to add new routes to New York, Boston, Washington and Chicago. Public Safety Canada also confirmed that rail and marine locations—such as Montréal Central Station and Vancouver’s cruise terminal—are under study for future expansion. ([nationalnewswatch.com](https://nationalnewswatch.com/2026/01/11/preclearance-operations-in-canada-are-a-critical-component-of-border-strategy-u-s))
For corporate mobility teams, expanded preclearance means faster connections and reduced missed-flight risk when routing employees to U.S. destinations. However, companies should update employee-travel guidance to reflect security-question protocols conducted on Canadian soil and ensure that Global Entry or NEXUS enrolments align with new departure points. Logistics firms may likewise benefit if land preclearance sites proceed, shortening border wait times for just-in-time shipments.
