Canada had first imposed the travel ban in the country on March 18 and was due to end on June 30. Due to the recent increase in the number of Covid-19 cases worldwide, the Canadian Government’s Order-in-Council is extending the travel restrictions until October 30.
This new development means more uncertainty for immigrant students who wish to travel to Canada and pursue their studies. The end of October will be crucial for Canadian Immigration as the Government will have to decide whether or not to lift the travel ban or extend it yet again. They also will have to decide the number of immigrants they should target under its Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023.
As of now, Canadian shores are closed to non-essential travelers who wish to visit Canada for recreational purposes. In the previous travel restriction updates, the Canadian government has identified certain criteria that would exempt the individuals wanting to travel to Canada from the travel restrictions.
Individuals should satisfy the following criteria if they wish to travel to Canada:
- Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada.
- Individuals who have already been approved for Permanent residence.
- Certain essential temporary workers.
- Immediate family members of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Medical/Health specialist willing to provide services in Covid-19 related fields.
There is a 14-day mandatory quarantine rule that is to be followed by every individual who travels to Canada. The only exceptions to the quarantine rule are:
- Crew members of any airlines.
- People invited by the health minister to help with the COVID-19 response and other healthcare workers.
- People coming to receive medical services.
Canada is also issuing invites to apply for permanent residence even during the pandemic to applicants living in Canada as well as overseas. Travel restrictions specify that only those candidates who have received their permanent residence before March 18th will be allowed to travel to Canada.
Two major events have the potential to shape the immigration policy of Canada for the next three years and will shed light on the chances of immigration in the upcoming months. The first major event is the announcement of the New Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023 that will take place on October, 30 and another major event is the mandate letter which will be written by PM Justin Trudeau to immigration minister Marco Mendicino which will outline the Government’s immigration target for the upcoming year.
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