Canada immigration – flexible and active in crisis times

Canada has a great reputation for its immigration system. Canada immigration system remains active even when the global impact of COVID-19 is prevailing.

There’s great importance attached to immigration to Canada. Hence, federal and provincial draws have continued even after Canada implemented bold measures to prevent COVID-19 in mid-March.

Canada restricted the entry of foreigners to stop COVID-19 from spreading. The border restrictions at the Canada-USA port of entry will remain in place until June 30, 2020.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has kept going the draws through the Express Entry system or the Provincial Nominee Programs. Since March 15, 2020, around 3,920 candidates got invited through Express Entry. Provincial draws have recently been conducted by British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

Canadian government views the COVID-19 pandemic as a temporary development in a long-term immigration strategy. It’s designed to empower the Canadian economy by welcoming over a million immigrants by 2022.

The entry restrictions will certainly limit the number of immigrants in the short term. Hence, Canada may not be able to reach its target of 341,000 new permanent residents in 2020. Never the less, the importance of permanent and temporary immigrants to Canada won’t reduce. Of course, there will be exemptions for permanent residents approved before March 18, 2020.They are also those who haven't yet traveled to Canada.

A further exemption aims at seasonal agricultural workers, caregivers, and fish/seafood workers. They belong to the stream of temporary foreign worker. The Canadian food supply depends on the return of trained foreign workers. Their return is expected during the upcoming spring planting season.

International students with a valid study permit are also eligible to travel to Canada. These students could have an approved study permit. They must have possessed either of these when the travel restrictions began on March 18, 2020. They will also be required to follow 2-week quarantine like the foreign workers.

Canada’s immigration system- fast and flexible

Canada’s immigration system has already shown how quickly it can respond to a crisis like COVID-19.

Express Entry draws that have been conducted since March 18 have been program-specific. They were aimed at provincial nominees and Canadian Experience Class candidates respectively. These candidates are more likely to be present in Canada already. More draws can be expected that targets candidates, giving immediate benefits to the labor market. It be seen also with the provincial draws.

The quick reaction of the immigration system to COVID-19 will be kept up when the crisis finally comes under control.

Federal government’s financial support

The federal government has started the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). It provides $2,000 per month to workers who lost their income due to COVID-19. Employment Insurance is also available to them.

The Canada Child Benefit has also been increased. The last date of income tax filing is delayed. Banks are offering postponement of mortgage payment of up to 6 months.

Qualified small businesses are getting an unprecedented 75% wage subsidy for up to 3 months. This is effective from March 15, 2020.

Immigrants are essential for Canada to recover

Canada and its provinces are keeping up draws to meet long-term economic growth. The country will keep on featuring robust immigration policies. That makes the country an important destination for those looking for a great future.

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