Apr 23, 2020 | Featured, In the News, Permanent Residency, Temporary Foreign Workers, Tourist Visas, Work Permits
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.
Apr 12, 2020 | Featured, Help with Inadmissibility, In the News
The Canada travel ban put in place due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) mid March prevents most foreign nationals from traveling to Canada, with limited exceptions. On Friday April 10, the Canada Immigration announced that it will stop processing most non-essential visitor visa applications, and this includes Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) applications. Canada Immigration will continue to process applications for those individuals who are exempt from the travel ban.
Students who submitted or will be submitting their student permit applications for studies beginning in the Fall will have their applications processed. Students who have obtained a study permit prior to March 18, 2020 are permitted to travel while those who will have approvals will not be able to travel to Canada until the travel ban is lifted.
Applications for permanent residence will continue to be processed, but only those who have received their PR visa approval prior to March 18, 2020 may travel to Canada. Those entering Canada must remember to self-isolate for at least 14 days.
Foreign workers, students, and visitor visa applicants who qualify for an exemption under the current travel ban must submit their applications using www.cic.gc.ca online application system. It is suggested to verify whether your application may be processed, or if you meet an exemption to the travel ban.
Mar 25, 2020 | Blog, Featured, In the News, Where to seek help, Why you need an immigration specialist
You may be asking yourself what are the benefits of hiring an immigration authorized representative? Can’t I just prepare my own application? Why should I pay someone else to do it? These are all valid questions and, of course, you are not required to hire an authorized immigration representative. However, the process of preparing and submitting an immigration application can be time consuming and often complex. Making even what may seem as a minor error on an application or failing to submit a required document could result in delays in the processing of your application or even a refusal.
Many of our clients are those who tried to submit their application themselves and either received a refusal, or had their applications returned for different reasons. A refusal doesn’t just mean more time and money, it could also result in subsequent attempts to apply being more complicated and difficult each time.
With over 80 different immigration programs available, finding the right program or path to accomplish or achieve your goal can be complex and applying to a program for which you don’t meet the requirements will only lead to a refusal. Our team of authorized representatives have prepared hundreds of successful applications and assisted countless individuals and families to immigrate to Canada. We are well versed in immigration law, regulations and policies and can help you determine the best program for which to apply. Our authorized representatives will learn about your specific situation, your goals and We will communicate with you to assess your situation, learn about your work and education history and provide you with professional advice and recommendations. Our representatives stay with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth and timely process from that very first consultation until you successfully land and integrate in Canada.
What is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)?
As of 2004, Canada requires that all consultants complete an accredited program in immigration law and ongoing education to keep consultants informed on any new developments. Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) are legally authorized representatives in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). Before you hire anyone to work on your application or provide you with immigration related advice, it is very important that you verify that they are members of the ICCRC. Ask your consultant for his/her RCIC number and you can look them up to ensure you’re working with someone who meets the rigorous standards of the ICCRC. You can do this by going to the regulatory website www.iccrc-crcic.ca. You should be aware that there are many people who are not licensed but appear to be. Many scams exist, so be sure that you do not become a victim.
Mar 23, 2020 | Featured, Immigration, In the News, Policies and Problems
The Canadian government has now provided more information on the travel and border restrictions in light of the Coronavirus spread. On March 17, 2020 the Canadian border was closed to non-essential travel with some limited exemptions. To safeguard Canadian businesses and to ensure the proper flow of the supply chain in the country, Canada has made some additional exemptions to the standard immigration rules and regulations. Canada is yet to announce the date on which these specific exemptions take effect. We strongly suggest anyone with questions or concerns to call our offices to speak with our representatives.
WORKERS, STUDENTS & PERMANENT RESIDENTS
- all temporary foreign workers, including caregivers
- international students who hold a valid study permit or had been approved for a study permit when the travel restriction took effect on March 18, 2020. Those approved after this date are not exempt and should not travel to Canada.
- those who applied for permanent residence and who have been approved prior to the travel restrictions announced on March 16, 2020 but who have not yet travelled to Canada.
EXTENSIONS ON SOME WORK PERMITS
Individuals who hold a valid work permit in a low skill position will be able to extend their work permits for an additional (1) year. An application for an extension must be filed using the IRCC online application system.
ONLY 4 CANADIAN AIRPORTS OPEN
On March 18, 2020 the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the closure of all Canadian airports with exception to the following four (4). All air travel, with exception to flights originating from the United States, Mexico, Caribbean, and St-Pierre and Miquelon will be routed to these airports to help with the containment of the COVID-19 virus.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
- Immigration Canada has cancelled all inland landing interviews and will conduct interviews by phone. You will be contacted by IRCC if you had a scheduled landing interview.
- Biometrics offices are closed and are not providing services at this time. If you received a request to complete the step of biometrics, you will automatically be given 90 days to complete this step.
- Flag-polling is not permitted and is not encouraged.
- IELTS and CELPIP in-Canada testing centres are currently closed until further notice.
Our offices will remain open and we will continue to provide updates as necessary. We hope that you and your family stay safe during this difficult and unprecedented time.
Mar 20, 2020 | Featured, In the News, New Laws, Policies and Problems
The last few days have been a whirlwind and we know many of you are worried about the processing of your applications, reuniting with family, or returning to Canada. We want to assure you that you are not alone. Can-Am Immigration and our staff are here to provide you with the most up-to-date information pertaining to the Coronavirus as it relates to Canada Immigration, applications, and entry into the country.
CANADIAN BORDER CLOSED
As of March 17, 2020, the Canadian border is closed to non-Canadian citizens. Travel to Canada is limited to citizens, permanent residents, immediate family members and essential travel only. On March 18, 2020, the Canadian and United States border was also closed to non-essential travelers. This means that only Canadian citizens or permanent residents can travel from the United States to Canada. Travel for business or trade purposes is still allowed.
AIR TRAVEL LIMITED
To prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, airline companies are instructed not to allow anyone to board an aircraft if they are showing any signs of symptoms of COVID-19. Those individuals who believe they may be infected should not travel and should not take their chances to board an aircraft at this time.
ONLY 4 CANADIAN AIRPORTS OPEN
On March 18, 2020 the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the closure of all Canadian airports with exception to the following four (4). All air travel, with exception to flights originating from the United States, Mexico, Caribbean, and St-Pierre and Miquelon will be routed to these airports to help with the containment of the COVID-19 virus.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
- Immigration Canada has cancelled all inland landing interviews and will conduct interviews by phone. You will be contacted by IRCC if you had a scheduled landing interview.
- Biometrics offices are closed and are not providing services at this time. If you received a request to complete the step of biometrics, you will automatically be given 90 days to complete this step.
- Flag-polling is not permitted and is not encouraged.
- IELTS and CELPIP in-Canada testing centres are currently closed until further notice.
Our offices will remain open and we will continue to provide updates as necessary. We hope that you and your family stay safe during this difficult and unprecedented time.
