AI Technology at Canada’s Borders

Travellers entering Canada in 2025 may now face AI-powered border screening at select land ports of entry (POEs).

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has introduced a new tool called the Travel Compliance Indicator (TCI) to support officers in screening individuals crossing into Canada.

Currently, the TCI is being tested at six undisclosed land border crossings.

This tool assigns each traveller a “compliance score,” helping officers determine whether a person—or the goods they bring—should be sent for secondary inspection.

The CBSA aims to expand the TCI to all land POEs by late 2027, with plans to implement it at airports and seaports shortly after.

The ultimate goal: improve efficiency, reduce wait times, and strengthen border security in Canada.

Click Here To Learn More About Open Work Permit for Spouses of International Students

Impact on Newcomers and Travellers

According to the CBSA, the TCI is intended to enhance the traveller experience by reducing border delays and minimising unnecessary checks caused by false positives (when someone is wrongly flagged despite complying with entry rules).

False referrals can significantly slow down processing and put extra pressure on CBSA resources.

By using predictive analytics built on five years of historical data, the TCI helps border officers identify low-risk travellers quickly, letting them pass through with fewer delays.

However, CBSA has admitted that AI errors are possible. An inaccurate recommendation could lead to longer-term issues for certain travellers.

Despite this, the agency insists that the system is only an advisory tool, and final decisions will always be made by human officers.

CBSA also highlighted that AI screening provides operational benefits that can’t be matched by simply hiring more border officers.

How Canada’s AI Screening System Works

The Travel Compliance Indicator (TCI) uses artificial intelligence and predictive modelling to generate a traveller’s compliance score.

Here’s how it works:

• Travel history from CBSA records
• Mode of transportation (car, plane, or ship)
• Whether travelling alone or with companions
• The type of identification presented
• Vehicle details, such as license plate numbers

The system compiles this data in real time and compares it against established compliance patterns to predict whether a traveller will likely follow Canada’s entry regulations.

The TCI does not make the final decision—it only flags patterns that may warrant closer inspection. Officers then decide whether to send the traveller for secondary screening.

Canada’s Border Modernisation Plan

The AI-based TCI system has been active at six pilot land POEs since 2023.

• Investment: Over $15 million
• Annual maintenance: Estimated at $700,000

This initiative is part of the CBSA’s border modernisation strategy, designed to:

• Strengthen national security
• Manage rising traveller volumes
• Reduce border wait times
• Improve efficiency without hiring large numbers of new staff

Final Thoughts

The introduction of the Travel Compliance Indicator (TCI) marks a major shift in how Canada manages border security.

By combining AI technology with human decision-making, the CBSA hopes to create a faster, more secure, and efficient entry process for travellers, students, and newcomers to Canada.

For anyone planning to visit or immigrate to Canada in 2025 and beyond, it’s important to be aware of these changes and understand how AI screening at the border may affect your entry.

In a major immigration policy shift, President Donald Trump has announced a $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas, sparking debate across industries and political circles. The move, introduced through an executive order on Friday, is being positioned as a way to reduce overuse of the H-1B visa program while encouraging companies to prioritize American workers.

“We need exceptional workers, and this helps ensure that outcome,” Trump said from the Oval Office, where officials explained the details of the measure. The policy requires companies to pay the hefty fee before being allowed to bring skilled foreign workers into the U.S.

H-1B Visa News 2025: What’s Changing?

The H-1B visa, a highly sought-after U.S. work visa, enables foreign professionals to reside and work in the United States for up to three years, with the option to extend their stay for an additional three years. Traditionally, this program has been critical for industries such as technology, engineering, and healthcare, where specialized skills are often in short supply.

Economists argue that H-1B workers enhance U.S. competitiveness, drive innovation, and contribute to the creation of jobs for American citizens. However, Trump’s latest action adds a significant financial barrier.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed that the administration is still finalizing whether to require $300,000 upfront or collect the $100,000 fee annually for three years, plus vetting costs.

Click Here to Learn More About Working and Studying in Canada

Trump’s Immigration Policy: A Shifting Stance

Trump’s approach to the H-1B visa program has fluctuated over the years. During his first term, he imposed several restrictions on foreign worker visas, sparking criticism from tech companies and universities that depend on global talent.

Yet, in the 2024 campaign, he signaled openness to legal pathways for foreign graduates of U.S. universities. In a December interview with the New York Post, Trump described himself as “a believer in H-1B,” claiming the visas are necessary to attract the best talent.

This stance has created tension among his supporters, with immigration hardliners opposing the program while business leaders like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy defend it as vital for U.S. growth.

Currently, the U.S. issues 65,000 H-1B visas annually, with an additional 20,000 set aside for advanced-degree holders. High demand typically forces the program into a lottery system.

The Gold Card Visa USA: A New Pathway for Wealthy Immigrants

Alongside the H-1B fee hike, Trump introduced a controversial new initiative: the “Gold Card Visa USA” program. This fast-track immigration pathway allows individuals to obtain expedited U.S. visas by paying $1 million, while companies can pay $2 million to speed up the process for their foreign employees.

Commerce Secretary Lutnick, who spearheaded the initiative, argued that the current green card system admits too many low-skilled workers. The gold card visa aims to reverse that trend by targeting “extraordinary people at the very top,” as Lutnick put it.

This policy could reshape how the U.S. attracts foreign talent, focusing on entrepreneurs, investors, and high-income earners instead of entry-level workers.

Impact on U.S. Businesses and Foreign Workers

The introduction of a $100K H-1B visa fee and the gold card pathway could have far-reaching effects on U.S. industries. Sectors like technology and finance, which rely heavily on international talent, may face new challenges in hiring skilled workers.

Critics argue that the policy could discourage diversity and innovation, while supporters say it protects American workers and prioritizes high-value immigrants.

Final Thought

Trump’s new immigration policy in 2025 marks one of the most dramatic changes to the U.S. visa system in recent years. By imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas and launching the gold card visa USA, his administration is signaling a shift toward wealth-based and high-skill immigration.

For businesses, job seekers, and foreign professionals, these changes could significantly reshape the future of work and immigration in America.

As debates unfold, one thing is clear: the H-1B visa news 2025 will continue to dominate headlines — and its impact on U.S. industries, innovation, and the global workforce will be closely watched.

For many international students, the opportunity to work while studying in Canada is not only a means to gain valuable experience but also to support their living expenses. The good news? In most cases, you can work on-campus or off-campus without applying for a separate work permit.

With the right conditions on your study permit, you may:

• Work unlimited hours on campus, and
• Work up to 24 hours per week off campus during the school year.

However, all work privileges must be authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The rules will be clearly stated in your study permit.

⚠️ Breaking these rules — such as working more than permitted hours — could cost you your student status, limit future immigration opportunities, and even result in removal from Canada.

To legally work, you also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) — a nine-digit code required for jobs, taxes, and government benefits.

👉 Remember: you cannot start working until your classes officially begin.

What This Guide Covers

This step-by-step guide explains:

• Eligibility requirements for on-campus, off-campus, and remote work,
• How internships and co-op work permits fit in, and
• When and why you can take authorized leave from your studies.

Types of Work Allowed for International Students

Before diving into the details of Canada’s study permit work rules, it’s important to understand the types of employment:

• On-campus jobs: Work within your school grounds — like the library, cafeteria, or student union.
• Off-campus jobs: Employment outside school, such as restaurants, shops, or self-employment (e.g., Uber delivery, tutoring, or freelance work).
• Remote jobs: Employment with a foreign company that has no Canadian presence or clients.

Work Hours and Conditions

Here’s a quick overview of what international students can do:

Work type	Hours allowed per week	Key conditions
On campus	Unlimited	Restricted to your campus unless you qualify for exceptions.
Off campus	24 hours	Can hold multiple jobs, but capped at 24 hours per week.
Off campus (scheduled breaks)	Unlimited	Breaks must last at least 7 consecutive days; up to 180 days/year.
Remote work (foreign employer)	Unlimited	Not counted toward the 24-hour weekly limit.

On-Campus Jobs for International Students

International students who meet IRCC’s requirements can take on-campus jobs in Canada without applying for a work permit.

Potential on-campus employers include:

• Your school,
• Faculty members,
• Student organizations,
• On-campus businesses,
• Contractors offering services on school property, or
• If you are running a business that is physically located on campus, consider yourself.

✅ There’s no limit to how many hours you can work on campus.

Eligibility to Work On Campus

You qualify if you:

• Are enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI),
• Hold a valid study permit with authorization to work, and
• Attend a public college/university, certain private Quebec institutions, or a recognized private Canadian school that awards degrees.

👉 Part-time students in their final semester are also eligible if all previous terms were full-time.

Restrictions

You must stop working on campus if:

• You drop below full-time status (unless it’s your last term),
• Your study permit expires,
• You are on authorized leave, or
• You switch schools and haven’t resumed studies.

Click Here To Learn More About Canada’s Brain Drain

Off-Campus Jobs for International Students

Working off campus is one of the biggest advantages for international students. You may work up to 24 hours per week during semesters and unlimited hours during breaks — without needing a work permit.

Eligibility for Off-Campus Work

You can work off campus if you:

• Are enrolled full-time at a DLI,
• Have already started your program,
• Are in a program lasting at least 6 months that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate, and
• Study at the post-secondary level (or in certain Quebec vocational programs).

👉 In your final semester, you can work off-campus part-time if fewer courses are needed to complete your program.

Working During Scheduled Breaks

International students can work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer holidays, winter vacations, or reading weeks.

To qualify, you must:

• Be a full-time student before and after the break, and
• Ensure the break lasts at least 7 consecutive days and is scheduled by your school.

⚠️ Unlimited work is capped at 180 days per calendar year.

Who Cannot Work Off-Campus Without a Permit

You need a work permit if:

• Your study permit prohibits off-campus work,
• You’re only enrolled in ESL/FSL courses,
• You’re taking general interest or prerequisite courses.

If you later qualify (e.g., switching programs), you can request changes to your study permit.

Co-op and Internship Work Permits

Some programs require internships or co-op placements. In these cases, you’ll need a co-op work permit in Canada.

Requirements:

• A valid study permit, and
• A letter from your DLI confirming the placement is mandatory.

⚠️ Students in ESL/FSL or general interest programs are not eligible for co-op permits.

Remote Jobs for International Students in Canada

Can international students work remotely in Canada? Yes, as long as the employer is outside Canada.

Conditions include:

• No Canadian operations or clients,
• No Canadian-based payment.

👉 Remote work does not count toward the 24-hour off-campus limit, making it an attractive option for students looking for extra income.

Authorized Leave from Studies

International students may take an authorized leave of up to 150 days while keeping their student status. However, you cannot work during this period.

Valid reasons include:

• School closures or strikes,
• Deferring program start dates,
• Family or health emergencies, or
• Switching institutions.

IRCC does not require you to notify them if you are on authorized leave, but your DLI must approve it.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the rules on how international students can work in Canada without a work permit is crucial. Balancing work and studies not only helps with finances but also provides valuable Canadian experience that can benefit your future career.

By following IRCC’s guidelines — whether through on-campus jobs, off-campus employment, internships, or remote work — you can make the most of your time in Canada while staying compliant with your study permit.

Are you a Nigerian citizen planning to travel abroad in 2025? ✈️ One of the biggest perks of holding a Nigerian passport is that you can visit several destinations without needing a visa in advance. With the right knowledge, you can explore exciting travel opportunities for tourism, business, or family visits — stress-free.

In this guide, we’ll cover the visa-free countries for Nigerian passport holders in 2025, visa-on-arrival options, and eVisa destinations to help you plan your next trip.

Why Travel Visa-Free as a Nigerian Passport Holder?

Traveling visa-free means:

• No embassy queues or stressful visa interviews.
• Lower travel costs since you don’t need to pay visa fees.
• Faster travel plans — perfect for last-minute trips.
• Easier exploration of Africa, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia.

For Nigerian passport holders in 2025, over 40 destinations are accessible either visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or via eVisa.

Click Here To Learn More About Canada PR Pathway for Education Students

List of Visa-Free Countries for Nigerian Passport Holders in 2025

Here are the top visa-free countries for Nigerians in 2025:

🌍 Africa (Visa-Free for Nigerians)

1. Benin Republic – up to 90 days
2. Ghana – up to 90 days
3. Senegal – up to 90 days
4. Sierra Leone – up to 90 days
5. Togo – up to 90 days
6. Gambia – up to 90 days
7. Liberia – up to 90 days
8. Mali – up to 90 days
9. Niger Republic – up to 90 days
10. Guinea – up to 90 days

✅ Most West African countries are part of the ECOWAS treaty, which allows Nigerians to travel freely within the region without a visa.

🌴 Caribbean (Visa-Free for Nigerians)

11. Barbados – up to 6 months
12. Dominica – up to 21 days
13. Haiti – up to 90 days
14. Saint Kitts and Nevis – up to 90 days

🌏 Asia & Pacific (Visa-Free for Nigerians)

15. Fiji – up to 4 months
16. Micronesia – up to 30 days
17. Vanuatu – up to 30 days

Visa on Arrival Countries for Nigerians in 2025

Apart from visa-free destinations, Nigerians can also travel to several countries that issue a visa on arrival (VOA) at the airport. This is convenient and saves time.

Popular Visa on Arrival Destinations:

• Maldives – 30 days
• Mauritius – 14 days
• Seychelles – 3 months visitor’s permit
• Madagascar – 90 days
• Comoros – 45 days
• Iran – 30 days
• Cambodia – 30 days

eVisa Countries for Nigerian Passport Holders in 2025

Some destinations require an eVisa, which you can easily apply for online before traveling.

Common eVisa Countries for Nigerians:

• Kenya
• Ethiopia
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Sri Lanka
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Applying for an eVisa is fast, affordable, and saves you the hassle of embassy visits.

Click Here To Learn More Travel Tips For Travelling Abroad For The First Time

Tips for Nigerian Travelers in 2025

✅ Always check the latest entry requirements before traveling — rules can change suddenly.
✅ Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your trip.
✅ Carry proof of return ticket and sufficient funds for your stay.
✅ For ECOWAS countries, carry a National ID or ECOWAS passport for easy border crossings.
✅ For visa-on-arrival countries, bring passport photos and cash (USD or local currency) for visa fees.

Final Thoughts

Travel opportunities for Nigerian passport holders in 2025 continue to expand, with dozens of countries accessible visa-free, on arrival, or with a simple eVisa. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway to Ghana, a vacation in the Maldives, or a Caribbean escape to Barbados, your Nigerian passport unlocks exciting adventures.

🌍 ✈️ The world is waiting — and with these visa-free travel options, it’s easier than ever to explore.

Since July, IRCC processing times for 2025 have shifted across many immigration categories, with some seeing faster decisions and others facing longer waits.

In this article, we’ll break down the current Canada immigration processing times for:

• Permanent residence (PR) applications
• Work permits
• Study permits
• Visitor visas
• Citizenship applications

Comparisons are based on IRCC’s published figures from July 17, 2025.

Permanent Residence Applications

Express Entry

Changes to Express Entry wait times have been minimal, with only slight increases in some programs.

Application Type	Current Processing Time	Processing Time as of July 17, 2025
Canadian Experience Class	5 months	5 months
Federal Skilled Worker Program	7 months	6 months
Federal Skilled Trades Program	N/A*	N/A*

*Processing times for the Federal Skilled Trades Program remain unavailable due to insufficient data.

IRCC service standard: 180 days

Express Entry remains Canada’s leading pathway for skilled immigrants seeking updates on Canada PR processing times.

IRCC invites more PNP candidates in the latest Express Entry draw. Read More

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Application Type	Current Processing Time	Processing Time as of July 17, 2025
Through Express Entry (enhanced)	8 months	8 months
Not through Express Entry (base)	20 months	19 months

Enhanced PNP times remain steady, while base PNP applications now take an extra month.

Service standards:

• 11 months for base applications (online)
• 180 days for enhanced (electronic)

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The AIP timeline has lengthened slightly since July.

Current Processing Time	Processing Time as of July 17, 2025
13 months	12 months

AIP applicants may still obtain a special work permit to begin employment in Canada while their PR application is processed.

Family and Partner Sponsorship

Processing times for spousal sponsorship in Canada have grown longer, especially for those destined for Quebec.

Class & Destination	Current Processing Time	Processing Time as of July 17, 2025
SCLPC – outside Quebec	36 months	34 months
Family Class – outside Quebec	13 months	11 months
SCLPC – in Quebec	40 months	38 months
Family Class – in Quebec	41 months	37 months

Most categories have an extra two-month delay, while Quebec Family Class sponsorship has increased by four months.

IRCC service standard: 12 months (Family Class overseas applications).

Temporary Residence Applications

Visitor Visas (TRV)

From Outside Canada

Visitor visa Canada processing time depends heavily on the applicant’s country.

Country	Current Processing Time	Processing Time as of July 17, 2025
India	58 days	28 days
Pakistan	48 days	36 days
Nigeria	32 days	56 days
Philippines	20 days	33 days
United States	23 days	21 days

India now faces the largest increase, while Nigeria has seen faster approvals compared to July.

From Inside Canada

Current Processing Time	Processing Time as of July 17, 2025
14 days	18 days

Processing has sped up slightly for those applying within Canada.

---

Visitor Records

Current Processing Time	Processing Time as of July 17, 2025
176 days	193 days

A modest improvement, down by about two weeks.

Work Permits

Processing times for work permit applications in Canada vary by location.

Outside Canada

Country	Current Processing Time	Processing Time as of July 17, 2025
India	8 weeks	7 weeks
Pakistan	9 weeks	5 weeks
Nigeria	11 weeks	12 weeks
Philippines	6 weeks	6 weeks
United States	3 weeks	4 weeks

Pakistan saw the biggest delay, while Nigeria and the U.S. experienced faster processing.

Inside Canada

Current Processing Time	Processing Time as of July 17, 2025
188 days	182 days

Timelines inside Canada are slightly longer than they were in July.

Study Permits

For international students, the study permit in Canada times remain variable.

Outside Canada

Country	Current Processing Time	Processing Time as of July 17, 2025
India	3 weeks	3 weeks
Pakistan	9 weeks	11 weeks
Nigeria	8 weeks	5 weeks
Philippines	7 weeks	10 weeks
United States	10 weeks	7 weeks

Inside Canada

Current Processing Time	Processing Time as of July 17, 2025
10 weeks	12 weeks

Study Permit Extensions

Current Processing Time	Processing Time as of July 17, 2025
164 days	180 days

Both initial applications and extensions have shown some improvement compared to July.

Citizenship and Proof of Citizenship

Citizenship Grants

Current Processing Time	Processing Time as of July 17, 2025
10 months	10 months

Processing remains within IRCC’s 12-month service standard.

Proof of Citizenship Certificates

Current Processing Time	Processing Time as of July 17, 2025
5 months	5 months

Applicants outside Canada may experience delays of an additional 3–4 months.

The proof of a Canadian citizenship certificate remains essential for naturalized citizens and those claiming citizenship by descent.

Processing Times vs. Service Standards

It’s important to distinguish between processing times and IRCC service standards:

• Processing times are estimates based on past cases and application volumes. They show how long it might take from submission to decision.
• Service standards are IRCC’s internal targets. They aim to finalize 80% of applications within these timelines, though some cases take longer due to complexity

Ease your pre-trip nerves with these 10 practical international travel tips for first-time explorers. With the right preparation, you’ll feel like a seasoned traveler on your very first overseas adventure!

Even if you’ve traveled extensively within your own country, your first journey abroad can feel both exciting and overwhelming. At Go Overseas, we’ve spent years on the road and still continue to pick up new insights along the way.

Venturing into unfamiliar territory may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these straightforward tips to help your first international trip go smoothly.

1. Get Your Travel Documents in Order

The most important step to avoid unnecessary stress is making sure your passport and visa are ready well in advance. Without them, your travel plans could come to a halt.

Passport

It’s easy to forget that passports expire. Many countries won’t admit travelers with less than six months of validity left, and some visas require extra blank pages. Always check your passport before booking flights, as the renewal process can take time.

Visa

Check if your destination requires a visa. Arriving without one could mean being denied boarding. While U.S. and U.K. passport holders have easier access to many countries, rules differ everywhere—so research thoroughly.

2. Research Your Destination

Spontaneity can be fun, but a bit of research goes a long way. Laws, customs, and cultural differences vary widely around the world. For example, chewing gum is banned in Singapore, feeding pigeons is illegal in Venice, and riding a cow while drunk is prohibited in Scotland. Knowing these quirks in advance helps you avoid trouble.

Questions to look up:

• Can you drink tap water?
• What currency is used?
• Are there dress codes linked to religion?
• Do you need vaccines?
• How tourist-friendly is the country?
• What language is spoken, and how common is English?
• Does the food meet your dietary needs?
• How do traffic laws differ from home?

3. Sort Out Your Finances

Notify your bank before traveling so purchases abroad aren’t flagged as fraud. Some destinations have limited ATMs or rely heavily on cash, so keep enough local currency on hand. Many travelers carry extra funds in a money belt for added security.

4. Compare Transportation & Accommodation Options

Transportation

Use tools like Rome2Rio or 12Go to compare routes and prices. Buses, trains, and subways are usually cost-effective and eco-friendly, while rideshare apps like Uber, Grab, or Bolt are convenient alternatives.

Accommodation

Hotels are reliable, but hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs can be cheaper and more immersive. For longer stays, look for monthly discounts. Platforms like Hostelz.com compare multiple booking sites to find the best deals.

5. Book in Advance

Booking flights, accommodations, and even transport tickets early saves money and stress. Last-minute travelers often face high prices or limited availability. Having a planned itinerary also gives you peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

6. Prevent Travel Fatigue

It’s tempting to cram as much as possible into your itinerary, but slow travel is often more rewarding.

Tips to avoid burnout:

• Allow time to recover from jet lag.
• Carry medication for motion sickness if needed.
• Prioritize fewer destinations for deeper experiences.

7. Put Health & Safety First

Staying aware and cautious will help you enjoy your trip without unnecessary risks.

Safety reminders:

• Protect valuables with crossbody bags or money belts.
• Share your itinerary with loved ones. U.S. travelers can register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
• Purchase travel insurance for emergencies, medical needs, or lost luggage.
• Trust your instincts and use common sense, especially at night or when meeting new people.

Click Here To Learn About The Best Travel Destinations For 2025

8. Pack Smart

Packing efficiently makes your trip much smoother.

• Use packing cubes for organization and space-saving.
• Travel light—carry clothes for different weather, but avoid overpacking.
• Secure your belongings with locks, safes, or carry-on storage for valuables.

9. Learn Airport Survival Tips

Airports can be overwhelming, but breaking the process down makes it manageable.

Pro tips:

• Print necessary documents (visa, flight info, hotel details).
• Know your departure terminal.
• Check in online beforehand.
• Download shows or podcasts to pass the time.
• Weigh bags in advance to avoid extra fees.

10. Stay Connected

Traveling abroad doesn’t mean being cut off from loved ones.

• Decide between international roaming or a local SIM card.
• Check Wi-Fi availability at your destination.
• Consider a VPN if social media or messaging apps are restricted.

Final Thoughts

Planning your first trip abroad might feel overwhelming, but preparation makes all the difference. By getting your documents ready, packing smart, securing travel insurance, and pacing your itinerary, you’ll not only avoid stress but also make unforgettable memories.

Travel slowly, stay safe, and enjoy every moment—your first international adventure is just the beginning of many more! 🌍✈️