The U.S. President signed an Executive Order on April 22nd, 2020 suspending the processing of U.S. permanent resident applications made by those outside of the United States for 60 days, with the possibility of extensions. While the ban has some exemptions, it represents a major reversing of U.S. policy on migration to that country, with possible long-term impacts.
Canada will not be adopting any similar immigration suspension measures. Despite the havoc wreaked onto the global economy by the coronavirus, Canada still recognizes that immigration supports the labour market and the country’s long-term economic growth.
Though Canada has enacted some temporary restrictions on foreign travel as part of efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus, applications for Canadian permanent residence are still being approved; the government is continuing to admit essential temporary foreign workers for key industries, and Canada is issuing even more invitations to persons to submit their Canadian permanent residence applications.
Canada welcomes three times as many immigrants on a per capita basis than does the United States. Immigration to Canada is a matter of shared federal-provincial jurisdiction under Canada’s constitution. This enables the provinces and territories, in partnership with the Federal government, to manage their own immigration programs to welcome newcomers that meet economic and social objectives.
Canada considers continuing immigration to be an essential component of our economic, demographic, and social future, in addition to supporting key Canadian industries.
The Watson-Goepel immigration team provides ongoing advice and assistance to individuals and businesses during this period of special measures to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
Learn more at our COVID-19 Resource Centre.
Watson Goepel’s immigration team includes Senior Partner, Celso Boscariol, K.C., Senior Immigration Paralegal, Deborah Killam, and Immigration Consultant, Nigel Thomson.
Celso Boscariol, K.C. Deborah Killam Nigel Thomson