At the beginning of 2020, Canada was intending an increase in immigration. The pandemic arose, destructing many plans around the world, which led to a significant decline in Canadian immigration. Even after a year of the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic, travel restrictions—modified or not— continue to affect immigration levels in Canada.
The unpredictability of the spread of the virus prevents the government from declaring any timetables on when the travel restrictions will be lifted or when travel in Canada will return to normal.
After admitting the lowest level of immigrants 184,000 by the end of 2020, Canada is hoping to invite a maximum number of permanent residents this year. Canada already targets inviting 401,000 immigrants in 2021, which would be the highest number of permanent residents ever admitted.
AMID NEW BEGINNINGS:
The prerequisite of Covid 19 safety measures had affected, and to some extent, closed important operations at the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). Initially, only Canadians, their immediate family members, and essential workers were allowed to enter Canada.
IRCC had to cancel in-person permanent residency, landing appointments, citizenship ceremonies, tests, and retests. Language tests were put on a standstill. Taking into account the situation, applicants were given the opportunity to ask for an extra 90 days to complete their immigration application to the IRCC.
Permanent residents were only exempted from travel restrictions if they received their COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) before 18 March.
AMID THE PANDEMIC:
Before the pandemic, studying far from the university would have not been taken into consideration when applying for PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit). But from February 2020 to December 31st federal government has decided to issue students PGWP even if they complete 100% of their course online.
Minister Mendicino announced that extended family members like adult children can visit their parents, also for compassionate reasons like funerals, foreign nationals could travel to Canada.
The pandemic, together with the whole world, has forced the IRCC to “Go Digital.” Canada now offers citizenship ceremonies and citizenship tests online. Approved permanent residents can now even complete their landing process online without an in-person meeting.
AMID NEW RULES AND NEW STRAIN:
With the discovery of mutating coronavirus and increasing cases, Canada implemented a compulsory 14-day quarantine for air travelers in the designated hotels. It has made it mandatory for all international candidates to carry out the Covid-19 test after their arrival in Canada.
The Canadian government has not approved exemption for any permanent residents other than the US. According to IRCC, candidates with approved permanent residency applications can complete their landing process when travel restrictions are lifted.
AMID THE CIRCUMSTANCES, CANADA’S VISION:
Canada like every other country has suffered through corona breakdown enough. Canada’s economy is primarily based on the influx of immigrants since their demographic complications remain a matter of concern. Currently, the only way to lift the economy is by inviting skilled and beneficial immigrants.
Canada’s determination to approve as many applications it can to meet its target number is stronger than ever, but as mentioned before, there is no clear future as to when the immigration process will be normal at least until the major population is vaccinated.
At CosmosImmigration, we are abreast of the upcoming changes in the appliance process, and have successfully immigrated our clients in these tough times. Get a free consultation with our immigration experts to better understand your circumstances and find the best solution for your entry into Canada.