New report outlines recent progress on streamlining US-Canada travel

The White House has released a progress report on the implementation of a plan that facilitates trade and travel between the U.S. and Canada.

The third annual implementation report, issued May 19, documents the progress made over the past year on the bilateral Beyond the Border Action Plan. That plan was set by President Obama and Prime Minister Harper in 2011 and outlines joint priorities and initiatives for the U.S. and Canada.

The report introduces a new “Forward Plan” and includes updates on enhanced measures intended to deepen and strengthen the unique bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Canada. Several of these framework proposals involve additional information sharing with regard to visas and streamlining the travel process for both trusted travelers and business travelers.

Perhaps the most significant development for Beyond the Border over the past year was the announcement of consideration of a Known Employer pilot program to streamline adjudication of certain types of employment-based immigration benefit requests filed by eligible U.S. employers. While the Known Employer pilot has not yet been implemented, it is expected to commence by late 2015.

BAL Analysis: BAL has been working closely with DHS and the Beyond the Border working group over the years to move its critical business competitiveness initiatives forward and will continue to provide further updates as they become available.

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