In a recent update on the travel restrictions introduced in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak, the Government of Canada has announced that the foreign nationals already working, studying or committed to make Canada their permanent home are exempted from the restrictions. Travel by these individuals will be considered as essential travel for land border restrictions by the Government of Canada. The update, announced in a recent news release, has exempted the following persons:
- Seasonal agricultural workers, fish/seafood workers, caregivers and all other temporary foreign workers
- International students who held a valid study permit, or had been approved for a study permit, when the travel restrictions took effect on March 18, 2020
- Permanent resident applicants who had been approved for permanent residence before the travel restrictions were announced on March 16, 2020, but who had not yet travelled to Canada
In the news release, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada(IRCC) says: “Allowing foreign workers to enter Canada recognizes their vital importance to the Canadian economy.”
However, those affected by these exemptions should not travel to Canada immediately. The exemptions would come into effect only after the government makes an announcement in this regard, which will most likely be early next week.
The news release also says it is mandatory for all the travellers who come to Canada must follow the health screening protocols before travel and isolate for 14 days once they arrive.
The Government of Canada had announced certain other exemptions earlier and these will continue, according to the release. They include:
- Foreign nationals travelling at the invitation of the Canadian government for a purpose related to the containment of COVID-19
- Close family members of Canadian citizens
- Close family members of Canadian permanent residents
- A person who is authorized, in writing, by a consular officer of the Government of Canada to enter Canada for the purpose of reuniting immediate family members
- A person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act
- Accredited diplomats and family members (including NATO, those under the United Nations Headquarters Agreement, other organizations)
- Air crews
- Any foreign national, or group of foreign nationals, whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Minister of Public Safety
- Members of the Canadian military, visiting forces and their family members
- Transiting passengers
Canada has kept their doors open for new immigrants. If you wish to move to Canada, don’t hesitate to start the preparations. Contact us to explore your options for Canada immigration.