loading . . . Resources for U.S. Research Collaboration and Travel York University continues to closely monitor the impact of the policies emerging from the American government on research collaboration and travel to the U.S. Memos from the Office of the Vice-President Research and a travel advisory from York International provide resources and suggestions for navigating the evolving travel landscape to the U.S. and minimizing potential disruptions to research.
York’s recommended cybersecurity practices for international travel offers recommendations and best practices to protect digital assets against unauthorized access, data theft and other cyber threats while travelling.
Below are resources to guide researchers in anticipating and navigating research and travel plans to the U.S.
**Quick Links** :
1. Academic Travel to the U.S.
2. Impact on Research Funding and Collaborations
3. Impact on Career Progression
4. Important Travel Resources
5. York University Updates
Academic Travel to the U.S.
##### **Recommended Travel Precautions** :
Canadians intending to stay in the US for more than 30 days will need to register with US immigration authorities. Visit the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS webpages on how to register and the requirements.
Canadian university researchers are advised to take additional precautions when traveling to the U.S. Below are recommended protective actions to better navigate the evolving travel landscape and minimize potential disruptions to their work.
* Review travel plans: Assess the necessity of US travel, considering potential delays and complications at border crossings.
* Prepare documentation: Ensure all travel documents, visas, and supporting materials are current and readily accessible.
* Stay informed: Regularly consult official government advisories and institutional guidelines for updates on travel policies.
* Consider alternatives: Explore virtual collaboration tools or alternative research destinations to mitigate travel-related risks.
* Consider airports that offer preclearance: Some Canadian airports, such as Toronto Pearson, offer U.S. border preclearance. This allows travelers to ensure they can cross the border while still remaining in Canada.
For additional travel advice from the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation, the Faculty of Graduate Studies and York International, read the Memo regarding U.S. research funding and collaboration (April 3, 2025), and the Memo: Guidance and support - Travel to the U.S. (April 4, 2025).
##### ****Safeguarding Electronic Devices from Border Searches****
U.S. border agents have the authority to search travelers’ electronic devices, including phones, laptops and cameras.
Under certain circumstances, York may lend a researcher travelling to the U.S. a device, such as a mobile phone or laptop that does not contain pre-loaded data or personal information. The clean devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on availability.
For cellphones, York only provides the hardware. Options for connectivity include:
1. Activate a SIM on the York Voice and Data flex plan and cancel the plan when back in the country. For assistance, contact [email protected]. It may take a day to activate this plan.
2. Buy a York prepaid data SIM. This option provides a data plan without a phone number. For more information, contact [email protected].
3. Buy a roaming plan with your preferred service provider.
4. Swap existing SIM card into the Motorola phone.
Researchers who need a secure laptop or phone should contact Jean Chan Kong, acting chief information security officer at [email protected].
York’s recommended cybersecurity practices for international travel offers recommendations and best practices to protect digital assets against unauthorized access, data theft, and other cyber threats while travelling.
##### **Travel Supports for Issues at the Border**
If an issue arises at the Canada/U.S. border, or while traveling in the U.S., connect with York International at [email protected]. They can provide tailored, situation-specific guidance to all York U travelers, such as:
* 24/7 emergency response for situations such as detainment, denied entry, missing documentation or personal safety concerns.
* Step-by-step guidance on immediate next steps to take at the border or during travel interruptions.
* Connection to embassy or consular services, as appropriate.
* Coordination with York University leadership, as appropriate.
* Advice on documentation to carry when traveling, such as proof of research or academic collaborations.
* Pre-departure consultations and advice, including risk assessments and mitigation strategies for anticipated issues related to border crossings, political climate, or changing U.S. regulations.
* Referrals to external partners, including our international health and emergency assistance providers or legal support resources, if required. All students traveling abroad must obtain GuardMe Insurance which comes with membership to the Crisis Assistance Plus program (CAP) – within that, legal and emergency assistance is a support item.
* Wellness check-ins and support post-incident, to ensure that the traveler feels safe and is able to continue their travel or return to Canada, as needed.
For more guidance on travelling to the U.S., check out:
Memo: Guidance and support - Travel to the U.S. (April 4, 2025).
Resources on Border crossing and academic freedom by the York University Faculty Association (YUFA).
##### **External Advisories and Resources**
* Regularly check the travel advice and advisories posted by the Government of Canada. United States Travel Advice.
* Register for the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) if you're travelling or living abroad. It allows the Canadian government to communicate important updates and safety information. Registration of Canadian Abroad - travel.gc.ca
* The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) has advised academic staff to only travel to the U.S. if essential and necessary, especially academics of specific citizenships, identities and research fields. Read the Advisory from CAUT about travel to the United States.
Impact on Research Funding and Collaborations
##### **Tariffs**
Tariffs could have an impact on industry partnered programs such as Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Alliance and Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) vendor discount.
##### **Federal funding**
US institutions are experiencing substantial reductions in federal research funding, which may pose challenges for current and future collaborations with U.S. organizations. Additionally, there are potential delays in these funds, and researchers with active U.S. federal funding are asked to be prepared for continued funding interruptions, and those with active applications are cautioned to expect delays.
For CFI and NSERC Alliance Risk Mitigation Strategies, read the Memo re US Research Funding and Collaboration (April 3, 2025).
Researchers who currently receive grants from U.S. funding agencies are being asked to fill a questionnaire with problematic questions. At this stage, the submission of the form is voluntary, and York is advising our researchers not to submit a response. Please inform the Office of Research Services (ORS) via [email protected] and your Associate Dean Research. if and when a request is received.
Impact on Career Progression
Researchers can note on their CVs the cancellations of research activities such as conferences, keynotes, talks or data collection that might be disrupted due to interrupted research funding, or restrictions on research collaboration and travel to the U.S. They should consult their Associate Dean of Research if a research project needs to be redesigned and if data cannot be collected as planned.
As per section F.3.1.5. of the Tenure and Promotion Policy, Criteria and Procedures of the Senate T&P Toolkit, candidates going up for Tenure and Promotion can include an explanation of any career anomalies or interruptions:
"_Candidates will be encouraged to include a brief personal statement (normally not more than 2000 words). Such a statement will normally provide an assessment of one’s career progress and an explanation of any anomalies (e.g., career interruptions)_ "
## Important Travel Resources
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## Border Issues
Should any issues arise at the border, contact: YORK INTERNATIONAL - SAFETY ABROAD
[email protected]
_*monitored regularly for urgent situations_
* * *
## Travel Advisories
Regularly check the travel advice and advisories posted by the Government of Canada.
United States Travel Advice
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## Registration of Canadians Abroad
Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) is a free service that allows the Canadian government to communicate important updates and safety information to Canadians traveling.
Registration of Canadian Abroad - travel.gc.ca
## York University Updates
MEMO: Guidance & Support - Travel to the U.S. - _April 4, 2025_
MEMO: US Research Funding and Collaboration - _April 3, 2025_
MEMO: US Federal Research Funds Update - _February 18, 2025_
Recommended Cybersecurity Practices for International Travel - _March 25, 2025_
## Contact us
If you have questions about **U.S. Research Collaboration and Travel** , or additional suggestions for resources, please contact the Faculty Affairs Office at [email protected]. https://www.yorku.ca/vpepc/faculty-affairs/supporting-scholars-resources-for-u-s/
