Canada refines definition of “essential travel” during coronavirus Even foreigners who are exempt from coronavirus travel restrictions have to demonstrate they are coming to Canada for an essential reasonWith travel restrictions still in place, Canada has clarified what types of trips are considered “essential” in order to gauge which travellers should be let into the country. By Shelby Thevenot
Canada and U.S. agree to keep border closed until May 20 Extension of cross-border travel restrictions to limit spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)After reaching a mutual deal to close their borders a month ago, Canada and the U.S. are now extending the closure another 30 days, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Saturday. By Mohanad Moetaz
Sponsoring common-law partners to Canada during coronavirus Near, far, wherever you are— Canadians can still sponsor common-law partners for permanent residenceCanada’s travel restrictions to stop the spread of coronavirus do not extend to immediate family members, including common-law partners. By Shelby Thevenot
Coronavirus: Latest update on Canada’s special immigration measures A summary of major Canadian immigration developments over the past three weeksThe Canadian government has made sweeping changes affecting travel and immigration services during the coronavirus pandemic. By Shelby Thevenot
Canada still processing visa, eTA, study, and immigration applications IRCC will do its best to process study permit applications in time for the fall 2020 registration cycleImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says it will continue to process visa and electronic travel authorization (eTA) applications for those who are exempt from travel restrictions, with a particular focus on temporary foreign worker applications related to essential medical services and food supply chain services. By Alexandra Miekus
Canada still accepting spousal immigration applications despite coronavirus If you want to sponsor your partner for Canadian permanent residence you can still start the process amid coronavirus special measuresThe Canadian government has announced they will still be accepting and processing spousal and common-law sponsorship applications for partners who are both in Canada and abroad. By Kara Crudo
Foreign nationals allowed to come to Canada for work despite coronavirus measures Canada has pulled back on some coronavirus measures to allow entry to work permit holdersWork permit holders are now allowed to enter Canada even if they were approved after the government issued a travel ban to stop the spread of coronavirus. By Shelby Thevenot
Exempt permit holders and permanent residents can now travel to Canada Canada provides details of the process by which foreign nationals will be able to return to Canada despite border closuresCanada has addressed some of the uncertainties lingering from the first travel ban order. The government has released more specific terms and conditions for foreigners who had made commitments to work, study or settle in Canada. By Alexandra Miekus
Canada updates immigration instructions amid coronavirus response New instructions are available for citizenship, permanent residence, temporary residence applicants and their families as Canada works to stop the spread of COVID-19Canada has refined the special coronavirus prevention measures made last week affecting immigrants and their families. By Shelby Thevenot
