COVID-19: Changes to Canadian Immigration Procedures

Because of the COVID-19, Canada Immigration has been a few changes in the rules. Canada’s (IRCC) has made some changes to its policies and deadlines to fulfill the needs of those affected.

At this time, the vast majority of foreign nationals are barred from entering Canada, although there are a variety of travel ban exemptions.

Applicants are still welcome to submit Express Entry profiles as well as their permanent and temporary applications for residence.

The IRCC has also clarified that applications for failure to comply at this time will not be rejected.

Here are some of the major points to know:

• An extension of 90 days shall be provided to applicants to include all documentation needed for their processing.
• Travel restriction is in force until midday EDT on 30 June 2020.
• All appointments, including knowledge tests, re-tests, interviews, trials, and ceremonies of the oath, will be rescheduled within a reasonable time.
• Applicants returning from China, Iran, or South Korea will be given an extra 30 days to submit their papers to IRCC, and an additional 45 days to satisfy demands for a medical opinion form.
• Applicants are still required to meet the requirements of physical presence, according to normal procedures.
• IRCC offices in China, Hong Kong, Ankara, and Manila will consider urgent temporary residency applications. These additional days spent in these countries because of COVID are not counted as Canadian days.

Here are the only entrants allowed in Canada at the moment:

• Canadian citizens
• Permanent residents
• Immediate family of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
• Permanent resident applicants who obtained permanent residency before the date of 16th March 2020, but had not traveled to Canada.
• Temporary foreign workers
• International students with a valid study permit or a study permit before the limitations on travel have been issued by Canada.

We are here to help you answer any questions you might have about your immigration requirements. As of now, we are working remotely to help you meet your deadlines; you can contact us via e-mail or by review form.