It feels like every day there is something new about COVID-19 and its impact on the lives of Canadians. For many, the rapid-fire news cycle has left them dazed and confused about how the government’s response to the virus impacts them. This confusion is doubled especially for those who are aspiring Canadians, foreign workers, or international students who find themselves uncertain about their status in the country.
Here are our top takeaways that you need to know as a foreign worker, international student, or an immigrant to Canada:
Table of Contents:
- Canada continues to process immigration applications
- Your Immigration Application Due Dates May Be Extended
- Canadian Citizenship Tests, Ceremonies and Oaths are Postponed
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence Holders Can Come to Canada
Canada continues to process immigration applications
Due to the Coronavirus, Canada imposed travel restrictions. Despite the travel restrictions Canada continues to accept immigration applications, hold express entry draws and invite people to apply for Permanent residence.
So your PR Card renewal applications, citizenship application, and other immigration applications are still being processed. If your immigration application needs to be renewed (ex: PR Card Renewal) or you need to apply for citizenship you can prepare your immigration applications from the comfort of your home using our online software.
Even though applications are accepted the processing of applications can take longer than usual as limited staff are working to process these applications.
We are not sure how long these restrictions can hold so it is recommended to complete any immigration obligations as soon as possible.
Your Immigration Application Due Dates May Be Extended
If you are currently applying for permanent residence under Express Entry, you may find that you have more time to complete your application. While IRCC hasn’t officially announced this policy, users have let us know that they see their due dates automatically extended for a period of 30 days. You can check it yourself by logging into your IRCC secure account.
If you are in the process of responding to a document request, IRCC officers have been instructed to provide a timeline extension to gather the required documentation. This also applies to any biometrics requests you may have received as part of your application.
Canadian Citizenship Tests, Ceremonies and Oaths are Postponed
Due to COVID-19, getting your Canadian citizenship may take you a little longer. IRCC has canceled all citizenship tests and ceremonies for Canadian citizen hopefuls. IRCC states that this cancellation applies until at least April 13, 2020, so be sure to check back then for the latest update on your application.
Confirmation of Permanent Residence Holders Can Come to Canada
If you are a holder of a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR), you are still allowed to travel to Canada. You must not be symptomatic of COVID-19 (no cough, fever, or difficulty breathing) and will be required to confirm to your airline that you are able to come to Canada according to the official government policy.
Keep in mind, even though you may be eligible to come to Canada, many government offices are closed. So, you may face difficulties with obtaining basic settlement services – for example, you may not be able to work because you cannot get a SIN number!
More COVID-19 impacts for aspiring Canadian immigrants are around the corner. We’ll make sure to keep you up to date on the top things you need to know!
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