In a new Order in Council, the Canadian government has extended Canada's border closing to all travelers except essential workers through October 31, 2020. The previous closure deadline was October 21. The extended border closure is in response to rising COVID rates in Canada and abroad. On October 30, Canada is scheduled to announce the Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023 announcement with information on how many newcomers Canada plans to welcome over the coming three years.
The list of people who are exempt from Canada's travel restrictions includes
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- dual citizens with a valid Canadian passport or special authorization
- people who have been approved for Canadian permanent residence
- essential temporary foreign workers
- some international students
- protected persons
- an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- anyone else who falls under the exemptions listed on the government’s website
Travelers who cross the Canadian border must quarantine for 14 days with limited exemptions.
IRCC Is Processing Immigration Applications
On September 24, Canada committed to faster processing of Spousal Sponsorship immigration applications through the remainder of 2020. Throughout the pandemic, Canada's IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has continued to process immigration applications, including:
- Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Study Visas
- Post-Graduate Work Permits
- Spousal and Family Sponsorship
- Essential Workers
- NAFTA Workers
- Temporary Workers
Canada Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino has said that immigration is vital to Canada’s economic recovery during and after the pandemic.
Call Ackah Law Before You Fly
Don't attempt to cross the border into Canada without making sure your paperwork and COVID's impact on Canada immigration has affected individuals, families, big corporations and small business owners, and there can be confusion at the border or when trying to board a flight to Canada. An experienced immigration professional can help qualified travelers cross the border into Canada, and help prepare your immigration application.
For more information and solutions for crossing borders seamlessly to live and work in Canada or the United States, contact Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (587) 324-2232 Ext. 100 or 1-800-932-1190 or email us directly.
