Should I move forward or should I wait?
| Should I move forward or should I wait? In the past few weeks, Canada like many other countries has been in lockdown due to the coronavirus. Several clients are wondering how to move forward with planning to go to Canada. Here we will answer some of your questions to give clarity on how immigration files are being handled in Canada. Frequently Asked Questions 1) Question: Can I apply to migrate to Canada? Answer: Yes Permanent residence applications continue to be processed. In particular the Federal Government is still issuing invitations to apply for permanent residency to select individuals who are in the Express Entry pool. The government is also allowing applicants more time to upload supporting documents such as police certificates. During this time, however, only permanent residents who received approval before March 18, 2020, can currently travel to Canada. 2) Question: Can I apply for a visa? Answer: It depends With the current travel restrictions in place, most foreign nationals are prevented from entering Canada, with some exemptions. With these restrictions, Canada is suspending processing of non-essential visitor visa applications. Processing of visa and eTA applications for those who qualify for an exemption to the travel restrictions will continue. This includes all temporary foreign worker applications, with a particular focus on essential services, such as those in medical fields and food supply chains. 3) Question: Can I apply to study in Canada? Answer: Yes Several universities and colleges in Canada are still accepting applications for studies starting in September 2020 and January 2021 4) Question: Can I apply for my study permit? Answer: Yes If you have been accepted to a school in Canada, you can move forward and apply for your study permit. The Canadian government will continue to process applications to the extent possible. Study permit applications require biometrics, and some visa application centres that normally provide this service are closed. As a special measure, due to COVID-19, applicants are now being given 90 days instead of the standard 30 days to give biometrics. Please note that only students who have a valid study permit or were approved for a study permit before March 18, 2020, can currently travel to Canada. 5) Question: Can I start school if I am not able to travel? Answer: Contact your school If your program is offering courses online, you may be able to start school, if you have a study permit or who have been approved for a study permit for a program starting in May, June or September 2020 but are unable to travel to Canada due to travel restrictions. International students in this situation may begin their classes online while outside Canada and may complete up to 50% of their program while outside Canada if they cannot travel to Canada sooner. For September 2020 studies if you apply for a study permit by September 15 2020, you may be able to receive an approval-in-principle which will allow you to start studying online and receive a study permit later on which will allow you to travel to Canada if you are eligible. 6) Question: Are there any other immigration programs on hold due to the pandemic? Answer: Yes There are some communities in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program that are only accepting applicants that are already in Canada. For example the community of Claresholm is only accepting applications from persons living in Claresholm at the moment. Once the travel ban is lifted, they will continue to process applications from foreign nationals outside of Claresholm as well as Canada. We will continue to provide you with updates on any further changes, including how best to move forward with study permit and other immigration applications. |
| Have questions about going to Canada? Contact Kari Davis, RCIC at info@bisonimmigration.com or Call/WhatsApp 647-988-7765 or 876-784-9302 to book an assessment. |