Cari Gombinsky Was Live On Facebook

Cari was so excited to answer viewer questions during her first Facebook Live presentation on April 9th. Given the positive feedback we received, we look forward to hosting more online events in the near future to give people a chance to ask their visa and immigration related questions. 

Click HERE to like us on Facebook to be sure that you learn about future events.

2020 Parents and Grandparents Program

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that it is delaying the launch of the 2020 Parents and Grandparents Program. 

Applications from the 2019 program are still being processed and the IRCC does not expect the current situation to impact when parents and grandparents will arrive in Canada.

If you are interested in sponsoring your parents or grandparents, please contact us so we can keep you up to date on developments regarding the program.

Travel restriction exemptions

The current travel restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic prevent most foreign nationals from coming to Canada. However, there are a number of exemptions to these restrictions.

A foreign national who is an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident is permitted to travel to Canada with the required travel documents as long as they do not have symptoms. Their travel must be for non-discretionary reasons rather than optional reasons like tourism or recreation. 

In addition to these family exemptions, temporary foreign workers and some international students are now able to enter Canada as well.

Please note that we are still processing new applications for both permanent and temporary immigration programs.

Processing changes for visas due to COVID-19

Canada is temporarily suspending the processing of non-essential visitor visa applications. This suspension also applies to some electronic travel authorization (eTA) applications.

Visa and eTA applications will continue to be processed for those who qualify for an exemption to the travel restrictions. There is a particular focus on temporary foreign worker applications relating to individuals providing essential services, such as those in medical fields and food supply chains.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will continue processing study permits to the extent possible. As many visa application centres are currently closed due to COVID-19, applicants are now being given 90 days instead of the standard 30 days to provide biometrics. The only students who can currently travel to Canada are those who have a a valid study permit or who were approved for a study permit before March 18, 2020.

IRCC is continuing to process Permanent Residence applications. However, only permanent residents who received approval before March 18, 2020 can currently travel to Canada

Helping healthcare facilities and other workplaces under pressure due to COVID-19

The rule restricting international students to a maximum of 20 hours of work per week has been temporarily removed for students who are working in an essential service or function. Examples include healthcare, critical infrastructure, and the supply of food or other critical goods.