COVID - 19 Updates
Biometrics Exemptions for Permanent Residence Applicants if Previously Completed Biometrics
September 24, 2020 By: Amanpreet Grewal
Foreign nationals who apply, or have already applied, for Canadian Permanent Residence, whether in Canada or abroad, are exempt from the biometrics collection requirement if they have previously provided their biometrics within the last 10 years.
The full update can be found here.
Contact us if you need assistance with your permanent residence application or wish to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Canada - USA Travel Restrictions Extended
September 18, 2020 By: Amanpreet Grewal
The COVID-19 Canada-USA travel restrictions have been extended until October 21, 2020. There are many exemptions as to who can travel across the border.
The full update can be found here.
General information on the exemptions to the travel restrictions can be found here.
Contact us if you need any legal assistance or need to find out if the exemptions to the travel restrictions apply to you.
Biometrics Exemptions for in-Canada Applicants
July 17, 2020 By: Amanpreet Grewal
As Biometric Collection Services remain suspended at Service Canada locations across Canada, on a temporary basis, if you are within Canada, you are exempt from the requirement to give your Biometrics if you are applying for, or have applied for, one of the following:
student, visitor or worker extension;
restoration of student, visitor or worker status;
work, study, or a temporary resident permit; or
visitor visa.
This exemption does not apply to those are applying from outside of Canada.
Restoration Period Extended
July 15, 2020 By: Amanpreet Grewal
Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, visitors, students and temporary foreign workers were encouraged to ensure that they remained in status while they remained in Canada during the Pandemic.
IRCC recognizes that the Pandemic has affected the temporary resident’s ability to submit complete applications to extend their status and the IRCC’s ability to process such applications. Additionally, as a result of travel restrictions and limited flight availability, IRCC recognizes that many temporary residents are unable to return to their home country.
Normally, visitor, study and work permit holders have 90 days from the date their temporary resident permit expired to restore their status in Canada.
Under the new Public Policy, if the temporary resident permit expired on or after January 30, 2020, temporary residents now have until December 31, 2020 to apply to restore their status in Canada, which is an extension to the 90 day restoration period. Temporary residents must meet the requirements for the type of status and authorization they are applying to restore.
With respect to former temporary foreign workers, they may apply for an employer-specific work permit to continue working while their restoration application is being processed provided they have a valid job offer and submit a work permit application supported by a LMIA or a LMIA exempt job offer.
Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/restoration-extension.html