It appears that Canadians will be exempt from President Trump’s sweeping ban on certain foreign workers. New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, a staunch ally of the President has broken from the Administration on this issue and lobbied for Canada’s exemption.
President Trump signed an executive order, expanding immigration restrictions to H-1B, H-2B, J-1 and L-1 visas, which will impact cultural exchanges as well as managers or other key employees for multinational companies.
Canada can be a viable solution for many US Companies seeking to port highly skilled foreign talent facing this crisis in the US.
The months of April/May were pretty much shut down months with little or no ease in COVID-19 related restrictions. However, towards the end of May, we have begun to see signs of these restrictions being eased or relaxed, especially in the days and weeks ahead.
You must have a plan for how you will self-isolate for 14 days when you get to Canada and how you will obtain medical care if you become sick. While in self-isolation, you will be unable to leave where you are staying for any purpose.
If you are travelling by air, you should self-identify to airlines when you are boarding that you are exempt from travel restrictions
When you arrive in Canada, your health will be assessed when you speak to the border services officer. You must isolate for 14 days, even if you have no symptoms. This is mandatory for all travellers, and there are significant penalties for anyone who does not follow this order.
You must have a plan for how you will self-isolate for 14 days when you get to Canada and how you will obtain medical care if you become sick. While in self-isolation, you will be unable to leave where you are staying for any purpose. If you do not have a plan for self-isolation, including how you will buy groceries and access other essential services, please delay your travel until you have made one.
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons continue to be permitted to board an aircraft, subject to health screening measures.
While the travel restrictions are in effect, IRCC will only be issuing new temporary resident visas or electronic travel authorizations to foreign nationals who can demonstrate that they need to travel to Canada urgently.
The interim order exempts certain foreign nationals who are authorized to travel to Canada to work.
Any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19.
Failure to comply with this Order is an offense under the Quarantine Act. Maximum penalties include a fine of up to $750,000 and/or imprisonment for six months.
Foreign nationals who have committed to working, studying or making their home in Canada will be permitted to enter Canada by air or land. IRCC will soon be putting procedures in place to ensure this.
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, as well as some foreign nationals travelling from the US who have been in the US for at least 14 days and are asymptomatic, will be able to enter Canada by air.
All travelers, with some exceptions, including Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and temporary foreign workers who enter Canada by air or land will undergo the necessary health checks and must isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Canada.
Canada and U.S. Provide Some Additional Clarity on the Status of Work Permit Holders and the Definition/Criteria of Essential Travel
