This post was intended for information purposes only to assist clients and the general public seeking information about Canada’s entry restrictions and various other updates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On October 1, 2022, the Government of Canada removed all COVID-19 entry restrictions, ending testing, quarantine and isolation requirements, and ending the mandatory use of the ArriveCAN application.
Immigration and Citizenship application processing times remain delayed due to accumulated files during times of resource restrictions.
Some temporary measures intended to benefit applicants remain in place, including:
- A temporary public policy permitting certain eligible visitors to apply for work permits or study permits from within Canada
- A temporary public policy permitting certain eligible temporary residents applying to change conditions to a new employer-specific work permit obtain a pre-approval work authorization to begin working for their new employer before a decision is made on their pending work permit application
- A temporary change to the Express Entry Ministerial Instructions allowing persons who obtained a post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate in Canada, whether part-time or full-time, or whether some of their studies were online, through distance learning or in-person, to be eligible for Canadian education credential points
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada continues to temporarily prioritize work permit applications received for health care occupations
- Service Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program continues to temporarily prioritize certain critical infrastructure and health care worker LMIA applications.
To discuss if you are eligible for any of these or other beneficial temporary measures, or otherwise inquire about how Canada’s COVID-19 response may impact your application, please contact us to schedule a consultation appointment.
