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Latest Updates on Coronavirus Impact on Canadian Immigration

By Casey 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.*

Walter J. Avatar

Walter J.

I was frustrated after talking to several different immigration firms. Many just didn’t seem honest or upfront. However, a friend recommended VisaPlace to me, and I am glad they did. I worked with a lady and she was very knowledgeable and explained the process to me. She was so essential for the immigration process. I would definitely go back to her if i needed any further support.

Marco Tame Avatar

Marco Tame

I’d like to be clear that I’m somewhat of a skeptic, especially when it comes to investing time and money into a new venture. I’m originally from the UK but I made the decision to migrate to Canada after meeting my girlfriend online six months ago. I know the process is going to take time, but I wanted legal counsel to make sure I approach the process in the most efficient way possible – I HATE wasting time. My consultation over the phone was informative and eased some of my initial concerns about potential hiccups. The lawyer I worked with was good about getting back to me, although occasionally she couldn’t be reached due to being in court – that was fine, she typically followed up relatively quickly. I’m now well within the process of immigrating and I have appreciated having the legal support.

Michael Her Avatar

Michael Her

It was pretty easy to make an appointment with visaplace. I have seen some people complain about the pricing, which is odd because in comparison to other firms, their rates are relatively fair. They were also honest and upfront with the complexities of my case and gave me the option to decide whether or not I wanted to move forward. I did end up moving forward and things have been going according to what we discussed. I am relieved to know there are honest professionals out there who won’t over-promise you things they can’t deliver.

Michael Her Avatar

Michael Her

It was pretty easy to make an appointment with visaplace. I have seen some people complain about the pricing, which is odd because in comparison to other firms, their rates are relatively fair. They were also honest and upfront with the complexities of my case and gave me the option to decide whether or not I wanted to move forward. I did end up moving forward and things have been going according to what we discussed. I am relieved to know there are honest professionals out there who won’t over-promise you things they can’t deliver.

Morgan Whitaker Avatar

Morgan Whitaker

I had a bad experience with a previous firm so I was hesitant to reach out to another to get my wife into the country. But, I needed guidance. After a consultation with VisaPlace, I was put at ease. The process was smooth and they were usually quick to respond. If they couldn’t respond to me that day, they always followed up with me, which I appreciate.

Joan Whittington Avatar

Joan Whittington

UPDATE: I am choosing to update and not remove my original post so others will see that they do seem to care about the success of their clients cases.
After posting my initial review I was contacted by a senior consultant that took ownership of the lack of progress on my case on their end. I am updating because they are trying to make a difference and I have now been assigned a team that contacted me in one business day and gave me all of the paperwork I need to get started on for processing. At this point I am very satisfied and am hopeful my case gets resolved in a timely fashion and in a professional manner.

Initial Post: I had an appointment 2+ weeks ago and spoke with someone that was supposed to send a follow up email but have yet to hear back from her. She wanted to get my credit card info for payment but I had to wait for it to clear another payment. They are very irresponsible and not professional. Would not recommend.

Gregory Larocque Avatar

Gregory Larocque

I had a fantastic experience with Brenda! I was very anxious about my status for an upcoming trip to the U.S and Brenda managed to really ease my nerves. She gave exceptional customer service and she made my day. I truly had an incredible experience. I would recommend Brenda to anyone and everyone!