Canada Immigration still to continue after travel restrictions extended until July 31

The Canadian border will remain closed for at least another month to reduce the number of coronaviruses. Canada initially implemented its travel restrictions on March 18 and they were due to expire today, June 30.

In an email to CIC News, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) confirmed that the travel restrictions will continue. Canada’s new order states that the travel restrictions will now expire at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT July 31.

This means that only exempt travelers will be able to enter Canada. The CBSA will continue to admit travelers to Canada only for essential reasons. In addition, the immediate family can enter Canada.

The decision to extend travel restrictions comes as no surprise. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last week that Canada would not rush to reopen the borders. Canada and the United States will also continue to restrict cross-border travel until at least July 21.

This temporary order is one of the measures Canada has taken to help contain the spread of the coronavirus. Another new order extends Canada’s quarantine requirement to August 31. It is currently the law for most people entering Canada in self-quarantine for 14 days.

Canada flattening COVID-19 Curve

Travel restrictions have contributed to Canada’s success in flattening the coronavirus curve. In recent days, all of Canada has been able to register approximately 200 new cases of COVID-19 per day or less.

This represents a significant improvement from the start of the pandemic when more than 1,000 daily cases were recorded in Canada.

Despite Canada’s success, the country remains cautious about reopening its economy and its borders. Provinces across the country have lifted numerous foreclosure restrictions, although social distancing measures are in place.

Maintaining border restrictions is not ideal, given the importance of immigration and travel to Canada’s economy, but Canada is staying the course so that it can eventually be in a position of strength to accommodate new foreign travelers.

Immigration to Continue in Canada

Canada’s immigration system has continued to function since the start of the pandemic. Canada has introduced flexible measures so that applicants have more time to submit their documents.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to organize Express Entry draws. It issues invitations to apply (ITA) to applicants for immigration, even if they are currently outside of Canada. As long as an immigrant candidate meets the Express Entry eligibility criteria, they can still receive an ITA during the pandemic.

For example, presenting an Express Entry profile and obtaining a provincial appointment effectively guarantees that a candidate will receive an ITA for permanent residence.

IRCC organized two Express Entry draws last week. It already delivered 49,900 ITAs in 2020, which is more than what IRCC released in the first half of 2019. In addition, various provinces invite applicants for immigration, including those abroad, through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Reference is taken from CIC News