COVID 19 Update: Summary Key Changes to Canadian Immigration Process

by | Apr 1, 2020 | Blogs

COVID 19 Update

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Government has made numerous changes to the immigration process and travel restrictions. We want to help our clients and communities in Canada and around the world by providing some updates, and links to valuable resources, in hope that these updates will help ease or minimize any uncertainly you may have regarding your immigration status at this difficult time.

Temporary Resident Applicants (Visitor, Student, Worker):

  1. Online Applications. Online Applications for Work Permit, Study Permit and Visitor Visa remain accepted and processed at this time. However, with the reduce staff at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”) offices in Canada and abroad, applicants can expect processing delays.
  2. Biometrics: Service Canada has suspended all biometrics appointment. IRCC has automatically giving applicant 90 days from the date on the letter (instead of 30) to give your Biometrics.
  3. Travel Restrictions: In summary, foreign nationals are prohibited from traveling to Canada, with the following exceptions: (1) has been in the United States for the past 14 days and their purpose for traveling to Canada is “essential” (e.g. not for tourism, recreation, etc); OR (2) Falls under one of the exemptions listed below:
    1. Immediate Family Member: Immediate Family Member of Canadian citizen or of a Permanent Resident. The definition of Immediate Family Member is defined here.
    2. International Student: Holder of a valid study permit, or a written study permit approval issued on or before March 18, 2020.
    3. Foreign Worker: Holder of a valid work permit or written work permit approval.
    4. Others: there are other foreign nationals on this list of exemptions released on March 26, 2020 here.

Permanent Resident and Citizenship Applicants:

  1. Paper Applications.  Paper Applications for Permanent Residence and Citizenship remain being accepted and processed at this time. However, with the reduce staff at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”) offices in Canada and abroad, applicants can expect processing delays.
  2. Landing Interviews. All in-person landing interviews scheduled between March 16, 2020 to April 13, 2020 have been cancelled. It will be rescheduled and the applicant will receive further instruction from IRCC.
  3. Citizenship Ceremonies and Tests: All citizenship ceremonies and tests from March 14, 2020 has been cancelled until further notice.
  4. Biometrics: Service Canada has suspended all biometrics appointment. IRCC has automatically giving applicant 90 days from the date on the letter (instead of 30) to give your Biometrics.
  5. Travel Restrictions: Canadian citizens and permanent residents are exempt from the travel restrictions, subject to health screening measures.

 Federal Court:

  1. Suspension Period (from March 17 to April 17, 2020) apply to all Federal Court proceedings, including filing an Application for Leave and Judicial Review, and perfecting Applicant’s record.

Our office is taking to ensure the well-being of our employees, clients, and our community, as the impact of COVID-19 continues to increase. We remain open on a limited basis with measures taken to restrict public access, but we are available for virtual consultations using various platforms, including Skype and Zoom. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us 204-944-8889 or send us an email at lawoffice@fridman.ca.

Please note, all the information below is based on information at the time of writing. This is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind

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