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The Advance Passenger Information / Passenger Name Record Program (API/PNR)

What You Should Know on the API/PNR Program

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has the legislative authority to collect Advance Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record (API/PNR) information. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) requires commercial carriers to provide CIC with passenger and crew information. This information will allow CIC to:

• perform analysis on travellers while on route to Canada; and
• identify and intercept air travellers who may pose a concern.

This ability is the prime focus of the API/PNR program.

Why Does CIC Need the API/PNR Program?

The best way to secure Canada’s borders is to identify and intercept persons posing security risks as early and as far away from our borders as possible. The API/PNR program allows CIC to do just that. It is a new, highly effective initiative in which airlines provide CIC with the information on air passengers and crew before they arrive in Canada. By getting this information in advance, CIC can quickly process legitimate travellers and identify those who may pose a concern to the safety and security of Canadians.

The goal of the API/PNR program is to intercept those who may pose a concern, such as:

• known terrorists;
• human smugglers; and
• other criminals.

What Information is Given to CIC?

API/PNR is the same information that officers normally obtain through the examination of your travel documents and tickets. The critical difference is that CIC receives this information before your aircraft arrives in Canada.

Notice to the public: The airlines will notify all travelers bound for Canada that immigration authorities will be given passenger and crew information for official use by law.