In a new release today, Canada has provided more information on how exempt workers can enter the country while coronavirus travel restrictions remain in place.
Since March 18, Canada has had the restrictions in place to contain the spread of COVID-19. The current travel restrictions expire on June 30th (although restrictions on cross-border travel between Canada and the U.S. are in place until July 21).
Work permit holders are among those exempt from the travel restrictions so long as their trip to Canada is for essential reasons (essential travel is defined as non-optional and non-discretionary).
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released this guidance to provide more clarity to its staff and work permit holders about what constitutes essential travel.
Need assistance with a temporary visa application process? Contact wp@canadavisa.com
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IRCC notes there are two circumstances in which a temporary foreign worker (TFW) outside of Canada is able to enter the country if they are travelling for non-optional reasons:
IRCC officers will continue to prioritize work permits of foreign nationals seeking entry to Canada to work in occupations critical for health, safety, and food security reasons.
Such individuals are not subject to travel restrictions and may not be subject to the mandatory 14-day quarantine period currently in place for most people entering Canada.
Critical occupations include:
IRCC offers three examples in which a foreign national would be exempt from the travel restrictions and permitted to enter Canada:
The following two scenarios provided by IRCC are for people who cannot enter Canada since the travel will be defined as optional:
There remain instances where Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) officers will make discretionary decisions based on a foreign national’s specific situation.
CBSA officers will consider factors such as the foreign national’s current ties to Canada, whether they will be working in an essential occupation, and other motivations for travel to Canada such as whether an individual will be arriving to care for their children.
Since May 8, only International Experience Canada (IEC) candidates with a letter of introduction and a valid job offer with an employer currently operating may enter Canada. This applies to all IEC work permit holders under the three IEC categories (Working Holiday; Young Professionals; and International Co-op).
Foreign nationals and employers in Canada can continue to submit work permit applications during this time. IRCC continues to process new applications.
IRCC advises foreign nationals to ensure that the employer is currently allowed to operate based on the rules set out by the provincial government that presides over the employer’s location. IRCC also stresses the importance of adhering to the other advice outlined on its website before booking travel to the country (e.g., ensuring you present your a copy of your letter of introduction to airlines when boarding your flight to Canada).
Get help with Canadian work permits and TRVs
Need assistance with a temporary visa application process? Contact wp@canadavisa.com
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