Latest Updates on Coronavirus Impact on Canadian Immigration

By Travis P June 9, 2020 (Updated February 2, 2023) 4 min. read
covid-19
Note: This page is constantly being updated. Please visit regularly for the most recent information. If you are looking for the most recent Canadian travel restrictions and updates, click here! You can also read VisaPlace’s statement on operating during the pandemic.

As of November 2022, there are no COVID-related travel restrictions when traveling to or from Canada.

Update 7/1: IRCC resumes processing all online applications for visitor visas, transit visas and electronic travel authorizations (eTAs).

Update 6/9: The IRCC announced that Canada will resume the processing of temporary resident visas (TRVs) submitted online as well as electronic travel authorization (eTA) applications on June 9.

Update 4/22: Canada allows International Students to work full-time if their position is an essential service.

Update 4/2: Service disruptions and restrictions due to COVID-19 may have an impact on processing times. Current processing times may not be accurate. No application in progress will be closed or refused due to lack of documentation or inability to complete the application process in time.

Update 4/1: New immigrants have been stopped from coming to Prince Edward Island under the provincial nominee program until further notice because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Update 3/18: International students, workers on visas, and temporary foreign workers will also be able to enter Canada, with the expectation that they’ll respect the government’s request to self-isolate for 14 days.

Update 3/16: Canada is closing its borders to those who do not hold Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status, or citizenship of the United States. This measure takes effect on March 18 at 12 noon. There are no exceptions to the travel ban, other than U.S. citizens and diplomats, aircrews and immediate family members of citizens.

Canada Borders Close Due to COVID-19

Canada has closed its international border to anyone who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. As of March 18, airlines will not allow foreign nationals on planes.

There are a few exceptions, including:

This means that temporary workers, international students, and would-be visitors to Canada are not permitted to enter Canada at this time. This also means that those hoping to move to Canada on temporary status, such as on a work permit or study permit, will not be allowed to enter Canada to activate their status and begin living, working, or studying here, as the case may be. This was announced on Monday, March 16.

The travel restrictions does not apply to essential trade or business.

As for permanent residents of Canada who seek to come back, basic assessment will be required based on advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada, said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He also stated that any individual with symptoms will not be able to enter the country.

Mr. Trudeau said the federal government will set up a financial support program for Canadians who still need to get on a plane.

Canadians abroad should see this as the time to come back, Mr. Trudeau said Monday.

Passengers returning from outside of Canada will be asked to go home to begin their process of self-isolation, Public Health Safety Minister Bill Blair said Monday.

He said the government is taking measures in airport processing areas to ensure proper social distancing is practiced, adding there will be accelerated efforts to disinfect spaces.

What to Expect at Canadian Airports

With regard to air travel, exemptions from restrictions will apply to “foreign nationals who have already committed to working, studying or making Canada their home”. This would appear to indicate that people who have already been approved for some form of permit or permanent residence visa may enter Canada by air.

Those who are eligible to travel to Canada can expect additional and potentially disruptive measures affecting their journey, as airlines have been mandated by the government to ensure that people displaying any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are not allowed to board aircraft.

How Do I Know If My Appointment Has Been Cancelled Due to the Coronavirus Outbreak?

IRCC is cancelling a significant number of in-person appointments scheduled to take place in Canada. This includes:

The federal government is warning against international travel and is considering steps to tighten the border to limit the spread of COVID-19.

*VisaPlace is offering no virus immigration consultations. Here, you are able to contact us from the comfort of your own home without having to worry about being exposed to COVID-19. Visit our book a consultation page and we will be sure to answer all of your immigration questions.*

BERLITA COLLADO Avatar

BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

Shahrzad Sh Avatar

Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”

kevin geoffrey Avatar

kevin geoffrey

Visa place helped me with my daughter’s sponsorship 3 years ago. Last week I contacted them for some clarification on a different matter. It was about an issue which technically was a problem of CIC’s software glitch and had nothing to do with Visa Place.
Yet Reena Sandu was assigned for my case. she helped me with enthusiasm and showed no hesitation despite me being an ex-client from 3 years ago.
I was very happy that even after 3 years of finishing business, Visa Place were respectful of their clients. Special thanks again to Reena for her enthusiasm and support.

Nessie Leigh Ilarde Avatar

Nessie Leigh Ilarde

Thank you very much for helping me get my new visa! I appreciate Ms. Felicita and her colleagues for guiding us through the process making sure that everything is precise. Highly recommend your firm. Thanks again 🙂

parker ellis Avatar

parker ellis

Mansi Sanghvi has been nothing for of remarkable for me. I have been dealing with a visa, immigration issues , and any time I have to call her, she has been there to answer any questions. Has answers to every question and is there to HELP YOU. Truly could not recommend her more.

Domenico Orsi Avatar

Domenico Orsi

Bansuri was great help on the phone today. They were able to swiftly set up an appointment and facilitate all of my needs and questions.

Lincoln Godfrey Avatar

Lincoln Godfrey

Anis did a great job of listening to my situation and getting an attorney to talk to me right away, so I can cross the boarder without worrying about what they might ask me. He was kind and understanding and I look forward to working with him and his company in the future.