Immigration Policies Changed Due To COVID

We all are aware that due to the coronavirus pandemic, a big stop is put on all the activities. Socializing is the biggest cause of the increase in the numbers of cases. So rules by the authorities of every country have now become strict about immigration policies. It’s difficult for people to cross borders without a proper check-up and all safety measures. To manage the outbreak of coronavirus immigration authorities have put many restrictions that limit the ability to process applications because of new immigration policies. Many countries have sealed borders with other countries to manage the outbreak. The other borders which are operating have various formalities. Immigration policies have now become another war for the citizens.

Starting with Canada let us take a look at the various steps taken by the IRCC to help the applicants to fight with coronavirus.

General Processing Measures

They have temporarily closed many visa applications centres. Others which operate only essential staff. The IRCC who facilitates the arrival of immigrants, refugees and provides help to newcomers to settle in Canada has now put many rules and regulations to enter Canada. They request mandatory documents such as police certificate, medical examination, biometrics, passport etc. Moreover, new applicants are indicated that if they have been gone through any history of infection with coronavirus, they would have to take various precautions.

Deadline Extension

Even though the deadline for submitting the documents is 30 days IRCC have extended it to 90 days for the convenience of the applicant. Applicants are not refused by the IRCC if you are a newcomer and unable to follow the various steps due to the coronavirus pandemic. They are provided with 90 days of extension to verify their documents.

News For New Applicants

Though now we know that the application of newcomers will not be refused but the applications which are in process at the IRCC centres may experience some delay.

The new applicants are strongly requested to fill the forms online. It is difficult for staff to receive the forms by mails or any other offline source. Also, Biometric collection services are suspended until further notice by the authorities at the centres in Canada. Keeping the safety first IRCC cancelled all the citizenship tests and retests, service trips and citizenship ceremonies. In-person appointments are cancelled.

Special Measures

Changes For Students

• There are various travel exemptions and restrictions for international students.
• Students need to be listed on the DLIs with approval of COVID -19 readiness plan before you travel to Canada.
• A valid study permit is necessary, which should be approved by the concerned authorities. This is applied to all international students, travelling across the world.
• Students who are Study permit holders in Canada are not affected by these changes
• If you are already studying in Canada, you can continue your studies without any issues with current DLIs. But if you are travelling again or a newcomer then DLI is important.

Necessary Requirements

As a student your, return to Canada won’t be considered essential:

• if your study program has been suspended or cancelled

• Or entering in Canada for any other reason than studies.

Following students are also exempted to be quarantine

• if they are from united states and cross the border daily for studies

• or DLIs is of British Columbia.

If the province in which your DLIs is not listed in the location mentioned in the list. You have to quarantine in Canada at the time of arrival. Wearing a mask is very important. As well as maintain proper social distance.

ArriveCAN is important before you check-in at the airport. While crossing the border you have to submit your travel plan and quarantine plan. Arrive can receipt is mandatory which you show to border service during arrival.

Temporary Residence

• Foreign nationals who are staying in Canada, if their status is expiring, they can soon apply for an extension to maintain their residence. But they are requested to apply online as any offline source is not promoted.
• People who are staying on temporary visas and have already applied for extension may stay in Canada till the further notice arrives from IRCC
• Their implied status is in the process due to the temporary shutdown of many IRCC centres the work process has become quite so as the only essential staff is allowed to work.
• In cases of restoration, the assessment will be arranged by the officer. After the appropriate verification, the condition of restoration status would be mailed.
• Moreover, if the restoration is no longer eligible, these kinds of cases would be handed over to the minister’s administrations and their decision will be implemented.
• Last but not the least IRCC will not waive any fees for temporary residence applications or extensions.

Permanent Residence Applications

• Any appointments which are missed will be rescheduled in a particular time frame,
• Additional 30 days is provided for submission of documents.
• Permanent residents who are coming from china Iran or south Korea must meet all the health safety measures
• Officers are also providing additional 45 days to comply with their return to Canada for medical opinion forms

Conclusion

The process has become a bit difficult due to the ongoing pandemic situation. However, it encourages everyone to opt for online registrations and applications. Digital forms will help the system to provide better support, while still maintaining social distancing measures. For any other information, regarding immigration policies, you can comment down below to ask our experts.