During Prime Minister Trudeau’s Press Conference on March 16th, he announced that as of Wednesday, March 18, 12:01 a.m. EDT, he will be shutting down the Canadian border to non-Canadian Citizens due to the spread of COVID-19.

Exceptions to this include Permanent Canadian residents, the immediate family members of Canadian citizens, diplomats, air crews, and U.S. citizens, who are still being allowed in.

This news has created a stir of uncertainty in the world of Immigration. If we are to review a strict reading of the classes allowed back into Canada, there is not an exception for lawful international students and temporary workers as they do not have permanent residency status in Canada. Unless these foreign nationals are spouses of Canadian Citizens, the likelihood of coming into Canada is not very high right now.

In response to the Federal Government’s decision, Transport Canada will deny boarding to those who have been outside of Canada or the United States in the last 14 days, unless they are air crews, travelers arriving in Canada in transit to a third country, Canadian Permanent Residents, diplomats, or immediate family members of Canadian citizens.

Information is changing daily, if not hourly. This is an unprecedented global pandemic no9t only affecting the economy, but it is also affecting Immigration Law. Many Visa Application Centres have also been closed, which is affecting processing times of applications. Now, with the suspension of border crossings, it will be even more difficult to obtain student visas, temporary work visas, or even permanent residence.

At this time, only 4 airports will remain open in Canada and will carry out enhanced screening, including Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.

Avoid being confused and lost with your immigration process, contact a licensed Immigration Lawyer/Attorney to help you navigate the issues that are developing with COVID-19 and your options.

Should you require further assistance, contact our firm to learn more!