Canada has officially made permanent the closure of the Four Falls port of entry in northwestern New Brunswick. Travellers who once used this seasonal border crossing must now plan to enter through nearby alternatives. The change is mainly about border operations, but it is also a useful reminder that anyone travelling to Canada should confirm entry rules, reporting requirements, and any admissibility issues before arriving at the border.
Canada permanently closes the Four Falls border crossing
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has confirmed that the Four Falls port of entry in New Brunswick is now permanently closed. This border point had already been out of service since May 2020, when pandemic-era restrictions led to a temporary shutdown. After several extensions over the years, the government has now decided that the closure will remain in place for good.
For travellers, the practical impact is simple: Four Falls is no longer an option for entering Canada. Anyone planning a land trip through this part of New Brunswick should update their route in advance and use another designated border crossing.
This announcement may seem local, but it matters to a wide range of people, including visitors, returning residents, temporary foreign workers, students, and families making cross-border trips. It also highlights an important point for anyone navigating the immigration to Canada process: border procedures can change, and travellers should always check the latest official guidance before departure.
A change that began during COVID-19
Four Falls had previously operated on a seasonal basis rather than year-round. The crossing stopped operating in May 2020 as part of temporary public health measures. Since then, it never reopened. The latest CBSA decision simply turns that long suspension into a formal permanent closure.
For people who travel regularly between Canada and the United States, this is a reminder that not every crossing has the same status, hours, or services. Before driving to Canada, it is wise to review both border logistics and your immigration or travel documents. If you are unsure which route or status applies to you, it may help to determine your eligibility and get professional guidance before making plans.
Which ports of entry can travellers use instead?
The CBSA says there are two nearby land crossings within about 15 kilometres of Four Falls that travellers can use instead. These are the Andover port of entry and the Gillespie Portage port of entry.
Alternate border crossings near Four Falls
Andover
6 Route 190, Carlingford, New Brunswick
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Gillespie Portage
600 Route 375, California Settlement, New Brunswick
Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Travellers should still check official CBSA border wait times and office listings before leaving, especially during holidays, storms, or busy travel periods. Hours can matter a great deal if you are travelling with children, crossing for work, or trying to meet a deadline connected to your status in Canada.
Why using the correct port matters
Anyone entering Canada must report to the CBSA at an authorized port of entry. Failing to report properly can lead to serious consequences, including fines, seizure of goods, loss of trusted traveller privileges, or legal action under Canadian law.
This is especially important for foreign nationals with pending immigration plans. A border issue can create problems that affect future applications under Express Entry immigration programmes, work permit applications, study permit renewals, or even permanent residence files. People preparing to apply for permanent residence in Canada should be particularly careful to maintain compliance with Canadian rules at every stage.
Why did Canada decide to close Four Falls for good?
According to the CBSA, the decision followed a review of operational needs in Atlantic Canada. The agency pointed to four main reasons for ending service at Four Falls permanently.
1. It was only a seasonal crossing
Unlike larger ports of entry, Four Falls was not open throughout the year. It generally operated only from mid-April to mid-October. That limited schedule reduced its role in the wider border network.
2. Traffic levels were relatively low
The crossing reportedly handled around 8,000 travellers during a season. Compared with busier border points, that volume was modest. When governments review service locations, low usage often becomes a major factor.
3. Other crossings are close by
Because Andover and Gillespie Portage are nearby, the CBSA determined that travellers still have reasonable alternate routes. From an administrative point of view, the agency appears to have concluded that the region can continue to function without reopening Four Falls.
4. There is no matching U.S. port on the other side
One of the more notable reasons is that there is no corresponding American port of entry directly opposite Four Falls. The CBSA said the permanent closure brings Canadian operations into line with U.S. border operations in that area.
For many readers, this may sound like a transportation story rather than an immigration one. But border infrastructure and immigration policy often overlap. Changes in ports of entry can affect how people travel for landing appointments, family visits, work assignments, and relocation plans. Newcomers settling in Atlantic Canada may also want to review regional pathways such as the Atlantic Immigration Program or the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program if they are considering a longer-term move.
What travellers and future immigrants should keep in mind
The closure of a small port of entry is also a good opportunity to revisit broader travel and admissibility rules. Not everyone who arrives at the border is automatically allowed into Canada, even if they have travelled before.
Criminal inadmissibility can affect entry
People with criminal records, including some offences that may seem minor in another country, can face problems at the Canadian border. A past DUI, for example, may create inadmissibility concerns. In some cases, a person may need rehabilitation, a temporary resident permit, or another legal solution before travelling.
This matters not only for tourists, but also for skilled workers, international students, and family members hoping to join loved ones in Canada. If you are planning to work in Canada with a valid work permit or study under a permit, admissibility issues can still affect your ability to enter.
Documents and immigration planning still matter
Travellers should carry the right documents for their situation. Depending on your status, that may include a passport, visa, eTA, work permit approval, study permit approval, proof of residence in Canada, or supporting documents for your purpose of travel.
For future immigrants, border compliance is only one part of the larger process. Many people entering Canada eventually move on to pathways such as the Canadian Experience Class or other federal and provincial options. Strong applications often depend on more than travel status alone. Applicants may also need language test results such as IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), and a clear strategy for improving their profile. If you are building a long-term plan, you may want to review ways to improve your CRS score and better understand available Provincial Nominee Program pathways.
Good preparation reduces stress
Whether you are visiting Canada for a short trip or preparing for a permanent move, careful planning can make the journey much smoother. That means checking border locations, confirming hours, reviewing admissibility, and making sure your immigration paperwork matches your purpose of travel. It can also mean getting a professional review before you act, especially if your case involves previous refusals, criminal history, family sponsorship questions, or multiple possible pathways.
Immigration rules, border procedures, and eligibility requirements can change quickly, so readers should always verify current information with IRCC, CBSA, or a licensed immigration consultant before making decisions. EverNorth Immigration is here to help with experienced, compassionate support at every stage of your move to Canada, and if you would like tailored guidance, you can book your free immigration assessment.
