Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in the United States are facing a new era of uncertainty as both the U.S. and Canadian governments recalibrate their immigration policies for 2025. In an urgent advisory released on October 11, 2025, Global Affairs Canada warned that Canadians holding U.S. permanent resident status—commonly known as green cards—could see their right to live and work in the U.S. reassessed or even revoked. The advisory, which comes amid sweeping changes under the Trump administration, signals a dramatic shift in the landscape for North American migration and cross-border travel.
According to the advisory, Canadians with prior criminal convictions, those who have spent prolonged periods outside the United States, or anyone who has breached the terms of their permanent residency are at particular risk. The notice doesn’t mince words: “Your status may be reviewed and terminated.” U.S. visas, the advisory adds, can be revoked at any time, leaving affected Canadians in a precarious legal position. The warning is especially stark for Canadian permanent residents who were born in or previously resided in countries now subject to the reinstated U.S. travel ban, such as Iran, Yemen, Libya, and Somalia. While dual Canadian citizens are largely spared, those with ties to banned nations could find themselves denied entry at the border.
These developments follow the Trump administration’s June 2025 decision to reinstate a travel ban targeting 12 countries, citing national security concerns. The policy fully restricts immigration from Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Libya, Yemen, and North Korea, while imposing partial restrictions on citizens from Cuba, Venezuela, and Nigeria. As reported by Global Affairs Canada, the ban has created a patchwork of access and exclusion, with implications for thousands who travel between Canada and the U.S. for work, study, or family reasons.
The human cost of these policies has become painfully clear in recent months. The death of Johnny Noviello, a Canadian permanent resident detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Florida, has sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny of detainee safety. Noviello, who had several drug-related convictions, died in June 2025 while awaiting deportation. His case has brought attention to the harsh realities facing immigrants caught in an increasingly unforgiving U.S. system. Several other Canadian nationals have also reported limited consular access and prolonged detention, casting doubt on the transparency and fairness of U.S. immigration enforcement.
The advisory also highlights new challenges for LGBTQ+ travelers. Since January 2025, U.S. agencies have reverted to using “sex assigned at birth” on official documents—such as visa applications, Nexus cards, and passport renewals—rather than recognizing gender identity. The U.S. has also stopped issuing passports with the “X” gender marker, which previously allowed non-binary and transgender individuals a way to identify outside the male/female binary. This policy shift, according to human rights advocates, fosters discrimination and confusion for gender-diverse travelers, many of whom now face additional hurdles at the border.
While the U.S. tightens its borders, Canada is moving in the opposite direction. Prime Minister Mark Carney has made clear that Ottawa is actively seeking to attract skilled foreign workers affected by the new U.S. restrictions and the Trump administration’s introduction of a $100,000 H-1B visa fee. “Many Canadian tech graduates who previously left for Silicon Valley are now reconsidering,” Carney noted, signaling that Canada aims to retain and attract top talent. The country’s Global Talent Stream and Express Entry programs offer a much faster and more affordable route to permanent residence, with processing times as short as two weeks for tech and STEM professionals and six months for skilled workers and graduates.
Canada’s Global Talent Stream has become a beacon for tech professionals seeking stability and opportunity. With the U.S. H-1B Open Work Permit Stream closed since 2023, Canada is positioning itself as a safe haven for those disillusioned by U.S. immigration hurdles. The Express Entry system, known for its transparency and efficiency, is increasingly attractive to both Canadian expatriates and international talent looking for a more predictable path to permanent residency.
These changes are not occurring in a vacuum. Across the globe, countries like Australia and the UK are also rethinking their immigration strategies, with some opting for stricter controls on foreign nationals. But the impact is particularly pronounced in North America, where cross-border ties—personal, professional, and educational—run deep. As Global Affairs Canada’s advisory makes clear, staying informed and maintaining legal status is now more important than ever for Canadians living in the U.S. or considering a move south.
South Korean nationals, too, are feeling the effects of the Trump administration’s toughened stance. Official data released on October 12, 2025, revealed an 18.3% decline in nonimmigrant U.S. visas issued to South Koreans from January to May 2025 compared to the same period the previous year. The most dramatic drops were seen in short-term business and tourist visas (B1 and B2), which fell by 41.2%, and in E1 and E2 temporary residence and work visas, which dropped by 36.4%. Student visas (F-1 and M-1) and those for internships and cultural exchanges have also seen significant declines.
This downward trend is not lost on South Korean politicians, who have voiced concerns about the economic and social fallout. The reduction in visa issuances threatens to disrupt business, tourism, and educational ties between South Korea and the U.S.—relationships that have long been mutually beneficial. The travel industry, in particular, stands to lose as South Koreans, who make up a significant portion of international visitors to the U.S., reconsider their plans or opt for alternative destinations.
The broader context is clear: the Trump administration’s anti-immigration stance is reshaping the global movement of people, with ripple effects felt from Silicon Valley to Seoul. As the U.S. becomes less accessible, countries like Canada are stepping up to fill the gap, offering more inclusive and stable pathways for those seeking new opportunities.
For Canadians and South Koreans alike, the message is unmistakable—immigration rules can change quickly and dramatically. Whether it’s the risk of losing permanent resident status, the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ travelers, or the steep decline in visa approvals, individuals must stay vigilant and informed. Consulting licensed immigration experts is now more crucial than ever for those navigating this shifting terrain.
Amid tightening borders and rising uncertainty, Canada’s commitment to inclusion, stability, and opportunity stands in sharp contrast. For many, it’s not just a safer bet—it’s a new beginning.
