On Wednesday April 22, United States President Donald Trump signed the executive order to suspend immigration into the United States in hopes to prioritize the re-hiring of Americans displaced by the novel Coronavirus. The difference? Canada is still open to immigrants and accepting applications. The new U.S. immigration suspension will last for 60 days and will be reevaluated and extended if deemed necessary.
Foreign nationals who are outside of the United States and are seeking permanent residency (commonly called “green card”) will not be able to apply. It’s important to note that foreign nationals who are already in the United States are exempt from the suspension and will be able to adjust their status or extend their stay.
Children and spouses of U.S. citizens fall into the exemption of the suspension and may continue with their plans to submit their applications for a Green Card. Other foreign nationals such as temporary works in essential positions such as medical personnel, members of the Armed Forces and law enforcement, prospective adoptees are also exempt.
Canada remains wide open and accepting applications of all kinds
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is not immune to the Coronavirus situation. However, they have not stopped accepting applications, despite the skeleton shift and reduced number of visa officers.
Applications can be submitted even if they are incomplete
While the Canadian immigration department has slowed down processing, foreign nationals who are considering applying for permanent residence may still submit their applications. Given that many required services are closed, such as the English testing centres (IELTS, CELPIP), credential evaluation services (WES, and several others), including biometrics centres around the world, Canada will accept incomplete applications. Applicants may submit their applications and will be allowed to submit the missing documentation at a later date.
Extend your status and remain in Canada longer
Individuals who are currently in Canada and wish to apply for an extension of their visitor status, work permit or study permit may do so, and may remain in Canada on “implied status” until a decision is made on the application to extend their stay.
Pause on the processing of non-essential visitor visa applications
To combat processing delays on essential applications such as family reunification, some urgent work permit applications and extensions, Canada has announced that they will not process visitor visa applications for non-essential travel.
Do you need help to stay in Canada? Are you planning to submit your application for permanent residence or family immigration application?
Our skilled and professional team of immigration consultants are here to assist you overcome the hurdle during this uncertain time. Our immigration representatives are up-to-date in all aspects of immigration, including the unprecedented situation surrounding COVID-19 and can help you navigate through the system properly.
We are here for you. Call us today 416-665-3939 or 1-888-808-7338.
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