Coronavirus & Canadian Immigration

During this unprecedented time of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, I hope you and your loved ones are safe and in good health wherever you are in the world.

So much has happened in the past few weeks so I'm writing this post check in with you and to keep you posted on Canadian Immigration updates.

Our offices are "open"

Our physical locations are closed right now due to the government's mandate to contain the spread of Coronavirus. However, we can still do meetings by phone or online. To book an appointment, click here.

Canada's travel ban - who's affected?

On March 16, 2020, Canada announced a travel ban to slow down the spread of COVID-19. As of today, only the following are allowed to enter Canada:

• Canadian citizens and their immediate family members
• Permanent residents and their immediate family members
• Temporary foreign workers
• International students with valid study permits or were approved for a study permit on or before March 18, 2020
• Approved permanent residents on or before March 18, 2020 who haven't landed in Canada yet

There are a few others who may be allowed to enter Canada - click here for the complete details.

2020 Parents and Grandparents immigration program

The opening of the 2020 Parents and Grandparents sponsorship program will be delayed due to Canada's ongoing commitment to slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

Processing of applications

Immigration Canada is still processing temporary and permanent resident visas. Processing times are expected to be slower, but rest easy: applications are still being looked at.

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Thanks to social distancing, I've had plenty of time to reflect on things. I'm so glad that I listened to my parents when they encouraged me to immigrate and become a Canadian citizen. Despite all the uncertainties brought about by COVID-19 right now, my family can rest easy knowing that we won't have to worry about expensive hospital bills. That, if we can't work, or if we can’t keep our business’ doors open, there’s a safety net ready to catch us. I can’t begin to express how grateful I am knowing that I’m supported by all my fellow Canadians.

I know that not everybody has these same luxuries, and I know these tough times might knock some of us down. Getting back up is going to be a challenge for all of us, but perseverance is what humans do best. This isolation is the perfect time to reflect on our lives, dream of the future and take the steps that we can right now. Once this crisis is over and we’ve all had time to realize our goals, I hope that we can all reach for them – more confident than ever.

Maybe you’ve already thought some things over. What have you realized thanks to these trying times?

I'd like to end this post reminding you to look for hidden blessings right now. Instead of being overcome with fear anxiety, look forward to getting through the other side... because "this too shall pass" as the saying goes.

Sending you love and blessings,

--Daphne