Canada travel restrictions add one more month

Canada is expanding the travel restrictions it initially put in place for most foreign travelers at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Canada has just issued a new executive order announcing that its travel restrictions will be extended by one month, until August 31.

In mid-March, Canada announced that it was introducing travel restrictions effective March 18. Originally, the restrictions were in place until June 30, but at the end of last month, Canada extended them until today, July 31

Who is allowed to enter Canada?

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the following are among those who can travel to Canada right now:

• Canadian Citizens
• Permanent Residents
• Some people who have been approved for Canada PR
• Some temporary foreign workers
• Some international students
• Immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents (spouses or common-law partners, dependent children, a dependent child of a dependent child, parent or step-parent, guardian or tutor)

Coronavirus curve experiencing a downward trend in Canada

The decision to expand the restrictions is largely driven by the high levels of COVID-19 cases abroad, which stands in stark contrast to the situation in Canada. As data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows, daily cases of COVID-19, unfortunately, continue to increase around the world.

Since experiencing a spike in cases in April, Canada has seen its COVID-19 curve decline. For the most part, new cases of COVID-19 have been below 400 per day since early June. There was an increase in cases in mid-July, but daily cases have again fallen below 400 in recent weeks.

At the start of the pandemic, Canada imposed lockdowns that have since been relaxed considerably. However, social distancing and other public safety measures (for example, such as the mandatory wearing of a mask in some jurisdictions) remain in place. These measures, which include restricting foreign travel, have helped reduce the number of coronaviruses in Canada.

Immigration to Canada to continue

Throughout the coronavirus epidemic, Canada continued to hold Express Entry draws, inviting would-be immigrants to apply for permanent residence. However, bi-weekly draws are only for those selected in the Canadian Experience category and those who have received provincial nominations. Canada held a raffle for all programs in early July, which included applicants for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. At least one Express Entry draw is expected to take place next week, given the government’s previous activities.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) was also operational during the pandemic, although most provinces implemented special measures. Saskatchewan, for example, has measures in place to help applicants not lose their chance to obtain permanent residence, and Alberta only invites immigrants who are in the province. Promising immigrants have been invited from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Quebec has also invited candidates for immigration.

Temporary foreign workers are largely exempt from travel restrictions and have been less affected than other groups of immigrants and temporary residents. They can come to Canada as long as the purpose of their trip is non-discretionary and non-optional (eg, they come to work in a job that has been pre-arranged before their arrival).

Canada is also trying to support international students by making online studies eligible for post-graduation work permits. Some international students are currently exempt from travel restrictions. Canada has also implemented a two-step temporary study permit process.

Reference is taken from CIC News