Update on travel restriction exemptions for extended family members and for compassionate reasons
In response to COVID‑19, Canada has established a multi-layered system, including robust quarantine measures and travel restrictions. These measures have been effective in helping to protect the health and safety of Canadians. However, the government recognizes that...
IRCC speeding up processing for spousal applications
September 24, 2020—Ottawa—Today, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, is announcing action to speed up spousal application processing and help families build their lives together in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and...
Immigration and consular assistance for those affected by the tragedy in Beirut
As part of the government’s response to the tragedy in Beirut, Canada is making it easier and faster for Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents to return home. The Government of Canada is prioritizing travel documents for Canadian citizens and Canadian...
New temporary public policy will allow visitors to apply for a work permit without having to leave Canada
Change intended to benefit employers who are still facing difficulties finding workers August 24, 2020—Ottawa—Visitors who are currently in Canada and have a valid job offer will be able to apply for an employer-specific work permit and, if approved, receive the...
Facilitative measures to support international students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has made a number of temporary policy changes intended to support international students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including: Applying for a study permit Students who have submitted a complete application will...
Canada introduces more study and work permit flexibility
Three new measures have been introduced to help individuals pursue Canadian study and work opportunities amid the coronavirus pandemic. Canada has just announced three major measures to help individuals who wish to pursue Canadian education and work opportunities. In...
Online study before study permits approval
The time that international students spend studying online from outside Canada now counts toward a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). When Canada initially relaxed the PGWP requirements to include online study as part of the eligibility criteria, it only counted...
Pathway to permanent residency recognizes exceptional service of asylum claimants on front lines of COVID-19 pandemic
August 14, 2020—Montreal—Front-line workers play a critical role in keeping Canadians healthy. In recognition of their exceptional service, today the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a temporary...
Canada sets up task force to support survivors and others affected by the tragedy in Beirut
Ottawa, August 13, 2020—The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued the following statement: “Canadians were shocked and deeply...
Spousal Open Work Permit Pilot To Become Permanent
Canada is making the Open Work Permit Pilot (OWPP) a permanent program, so the spouses and common-law partners of Canadians can continue to work while waiting on their permanent resident status. The OWPP applies to inland spousal and custom-based law sponsorship...