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.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the launch of the new Global Talent Stream, a part of the Canadian government’s new Global Skills Strategy. As a result, certain high-skilled workers may now be able to obtain their temporary work permits in 2 weeks. This includes an open work permit for a spouse and a study permit for dependent children of the primary applicant.
The Global Talent Stream is comprised of two categories:
Category A is available for employers who have been referred by an Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) Designated Partner
Category B allows certain employers to hire foreign workers in one of the designated high-skill occupations.
Employers are required to develop a Labour Market Benefits Plan, which highlights their commitment to the Canadian labour market.
Our team of immigration consultants can help you determine your eligibility and prepare your work permit application. To find out if you qualify for expedited processing of your work permit application, contact us to discuss your options.
If you are an employer looking to hire foreign workers to fill labour shortages, click here to find out more.
According to a U.S. News study, Canada was ranked the second best country in the world in 2017. U.S. News partnered with Y&R’s BAV and Wharton to rank 80 countries, based on several attributes, divided into nine (9) sub-rankings:
Adventure (friendly, fun, pleasant climate, scenic, and sexy);
Citizenship (cares about human rights, cares about the environment, gender equality, progressive, religious freedom, respects property rights, trustworthy and well-distributed political power);
Cultural Influence (culturally significant in terms of entertainment, fashionable, happy, has an influential culture, modern, prestigious and trendy);
Entrepreneurship (connected to the rest of the world, educated population, entrepreneurial, innovative, provides easy access to capital, skilled labor force, technological expertise, transparent business practices, well-developed infrastructure and well-developed legal framework):
Heritage (culturally accessible, has a rich history, has good food and many cultural attractions);
Movers (different, distinctive, dynamic and unique):
Open for Business (bureaucratic, cheap manufacturing costs, corrupt, favorable tax environment and transparent government practices);
Power (a leader, economically influential, politically influential, strong international alliances and strong military alliances); and
Quality of Life (affordable, a good job market, economically stable, family friendly, income equality, politically stable, safe, well-developed public education system and well-developed public health system).
Coming in as the second best country overall after Switzerland, Canada was also ranked #1 in the Quality of Life sub-category and 4th in the Citizenship sub-category. With a great public health care system and strong education system, as well as being a safe and family-friendly country; Canadians can boast a high quality of life. Canada is also known for being welcoming to immigrants and accepting of the diverse cultures of all their citizens. Canada is a land of opportunities for many foreign nationals as well as a safe haven for refugees. It might even be said that the American Dream is currently alive in Canada. In fact, the United States ranked 7th overall behind the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Sweden (ranked 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th, respectively). Canada also ranked second best country overall in the same survey done in 2016 (behind Germany) as well as #1 in Quality of Life and #2 in Citizenship.
In addition to the above-mentioned categories, Canada also ranked number one for Best Countries for Education, well above the United States (which ranked 7th). Canada secured this #1 spot because of its highly developed public education system and quality universities. All in all we can say that Canada is a wonderful place to live. No matter where in the world you come from, what your beliefs are, and what your future goals look like, Canada and its occupants welcome you with open arms.
Are you interested in exploring this beautiful country? There are so many opportunities for individuals and families looking to study, work, and live in Canada. Our team of experienced immigration consultants is here to help you achieve your dream. Maybe you want to come for a visit to see the sights or to visit family. Perhaps you are looking for temporary status that allows you to work and /or study in Canada. Even if you are seeking a more long-term status, we can help. Canada places much value on the reunification of families. So if you have family members living in Canada, we can help with Family Sponsorship applications, including Spousal Sponsorship. From visitor visas to permanent residence to citizenship, our team can help you choose the best program to fit your needs. To get started, take our free online assessment or contact us today. We would gladly answer all of your questions and discuss your options for Canada immigration.
Many people were concerned about being turned down at the U.S./Canada border, as a result of U.S. president Donald Trump’s immigration policy. However, new information now shows that less people are being refused entry to the United States from Canada since last year. U.S. government statistics now show that the total number of Canadians refused entry between October 2016 to the end of February 2017 has dropped from the same time period last year (Oct 2015 – Feb. 2016). The number of Canadians refused entry is 8.5 percent lower than last year – down from 7,619 to 6,875. We also note that the number of Canadians attempting to cross the border decreased by about 180,000 people since last year.
It is possible that these numbers do not accurately explain the situation. Perhaps people are simply preparing better before they attempt to cross the border. Many people are hiring immigration attorneys and consultants to prepare their applications for them. Instead of just going to the border unprepared, people are now more cautious about the possibility of being denied entry. Additionally, the fact that much fewer attempts have been made to cross the border might suggest that people are just deciding to stay home rather than risk being refused entry. Several groups, including Toronto District Schoolboard – have decided to cancel all future trips to the U.S. to avoid problems at the border. Being refused entry is not the only concern among these groups as some people are being detained and having to undergo invasive searches when attempting to cross the border.
Canadians looking to cross the border into the U.S. may want to be prepared for possible issues and prevent these by communicating with a knowledgeable immigration consultant. We can verify that you meet all the requirements to enter the United States and help you prepare all the necessary documentation in order to avoid refusal or detainment at the border.
As of March 15, 2016, travelers planning to enter Canada for a visit, and are not visa-exempt will be required to apply for travel authorization prior to their arrival to Canada. Exceptions include American citizens and those with a valid travel visa.
The travel authorization, also known as Electronic Travel Authorization or eTA can be applied for online for a fee of $7.00 CAD.
While it is currently an option, we recommend anyone who is planning to travel before March 15, 2016 to apply for an ETA. The ETA will become mandatory on March 15, 2016 and anyone without an ETA will find themselves not being able to get on a plane.
The ETA application is done online via the Citizenship & Immigration website at www.cic.gc.ca.
Should you have questions about this – feel free call or email our office to speak with an immigration representative.
As of March 15, 2016, travelers planning to enter Canada for a visit, and are not visa-exempt will be required to apply for travel authorization prior to their arrival to Canada. Exceptions include American citizens and those with a valid travel visa. The travel authorization, also known as Electronic Travel Authorization or eTA can be applied for online for a fee of $7 CAD.
Electronic Travel Authorizations will be valid for a period of five (5) years, or until the expiration of the travelers passport, or whichever comes first. The eTA will be linked to the travelers’ passport, and it is therefore a requirement that the traveler arrives at the Canadian border presenting his or her passport used to apply for the eTA. Citizenship & Immigration Canada is allowing travelers to apply today for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) today, but this will become a requirement beginning March 15, 2016. Anyone arriving in Canada without an eTA could face problems at the border, and can risk being denied entry.
To apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), applicants must submit a request by completing an online application available at www.cic.gc.ca.
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