The Canadian government has increased the proof of funds required for Express Entry.
Key Points:
- Foreign nationals who are under the Federal Skilled Worker program may need to update their settlement fund numbers in their Express Entry profile before June 9 to remain eligible for the program.
- Those who update their profile keep the original date and time that it was received and will maintain their rank within the selection process.
- The new proof of fund amounts are available within the chart on this website.
Additional Information: Foreign nationals entering Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker program are generally required to show proof of funds to prove that they can maintain a standard of living while in Canada. Proof of funds is not required if the foreign national is authorized to work in Canada and has a valid job offer. If an individual is invited to apply and does not meet the exception to the proof of funds requirement, they must give written proof that they have this money. More information regarding what types of proof are accepted is available here.
BAL Analysis: While the increases to the proof of funds requirements are small, the change could affect foreign nationals’ eligibility for the Federal Skilled Worker program. Such individuals are encouraged to check the new numbers and update their profiles as needed.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
The Canadian government has announced additional immigration services for Ukrainian nationals in Poland and Germany.
Key Points:
- The new CI center located within the Canada Biometric Operations Center (CBOC) in Warsaw, Poland, will offer in-person information services to Ukrainian applicants.
- Ukrainian nationals will have access to essential information, such as guidance on pre- and post-arrival services and support once they arrive in Canada.
- As of May 4, Canadian authorities opened another CBOC in Berlin, Germany, to shorten wait times for Ukrainian nationals and their families in need of biometric appointments.
Additional Information: The Canadian government continues to provide overseas services to Ukrainian nationals, including at its recently opened temporary Visa Application Center (VAC) opened in Warsaw, Poland. More information regarding the additional overseas services for Ukrainian nationals is available here.
BAL Analysis: Canada has expanded its overseas immigration services for Ukrainian nationals to help those who have been displaced due to Russia’s invasion. Employers and employees are reminded that actions taken as a result of the invasion of Ukraine may change with little or no notice.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
The Canadian government has announced that it will resume draws for Express Entry and provide additional work permit options for Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders and those with spouses abroad under the Temporary Resident (TR) to Permanent Resident (PR) pathway.
Key Points:
- Express Entry. Foreign nationals will begin receiving invitations to apply permanent residence through Express Entry in July. At this time, it is unclear if initial draws will be program-specific or what score will be required to qualify for an invitation.
- Individuals who are the highest scoring candidates in the Express Entry pool may receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence earlier than expected.
- PGWP holders. Those who hold PGWPs that expired/will expire between January and Dec. 31, 2022, will be able to apply for a subsequent open work permit valid for up to 18 months.
- Details regarding the application process for the new open work permit will be published in the coming weeks.
- TR to PR pathway. TR to PR pathway applicants who currently live outside of Canada and are being processing as dependents will be eligible for open work permits in the coming months.
- Applicants will no longer be required to remain in Canada while their application is being processed.
- Applicants who are currently in Canada and are waiting for their permanent residence application to be finalized will be able to apply for a work permit until the end of 2024.
- Immediate family members who are outside of Canada will be eligible to apply for an open work permit.
Additional Information: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) took in a record number of applications in 2021 and, as a result, were unable to process the applications within the six-month standard. Draws were paused to meet the six-month target for processing goals. More information on Canada’s announcement regarding the resumption of draws for Express Entry and new open work permit options for certain foreign nationals is available here.
BAL Analysis: The Canadian government announced the new measures with intent to help temporary residents and foreign nationals who were negatively affected by COVID-19’s impact on immigration. BAL will proved more information as it becomes available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
The Canadian government has eased its COVID-19 entry requirements for certain travelers.
Key Points:
- As of April 25, fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to provide a quarantine plan to enter the country.
- Travelers who are ages 5 to 11 and not fully vaccinated but are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, stepparent, guardian or tutor will not be required take pre-entry COVID-19 tests to enter the country.
- Travelers who are 12 and older, not fully vaccinated and eligible to enter Canada must continue to take a pre-entry COVID-19 test to enter the country.
Additional Information: Travelers continue to be required to submit required documentation in the ArriveCAN app within 72 hours before arrival in Canada. Fully vaccinated travelers who do not submit information through the app will not be exempt from Canada’s COVID-19 entry requirements. More information regarding Canada’s border measures and entry requirements is available here. Individuals can check if they qualify as fully vaccinated in Canada here.
BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Canadian government has announced it will open a new temporary Visa Application Center (VAC) in Warsaw, Poland, for Ukrainian nationals.
Key Points:
- Beginning April 14, Ukrainian nationals can use a new temporary VAC opening in Warsaw, Poland.
- Eligible individuals can book an appointment to provide biometrics in Warsaw as of April 9.
- Canadian authorities are expected to open additional VACs to serve Ukrainian nationals in Bratislava, Slovakia; Budapest, Hungary; and Krakow, Poland.
Additional Information: Ukrainian nationals who have booked a visa appointment at another VAC location but intend to use the new Warsaw location should cancel their previous appointment. More information regarding immigration measures for those affected by the war in Ukraine is available here.
BAL Analysis: Employers and employees are reminded that actions taken as a result of the invasion of Ukraine may change with little or no notice.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Canadian government has launched the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) program for Ukrainian nationals.
Key Points:
- Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members can stay and work or study in Canada as temporary residents for up to three years instead of six months under the CUAET program.
- Applicants who are overseas must apply online for a Canadian visitor visa and provide their biometrics. Individuals may simultaneously request a three-year open work permit. Detailed application instructions are available here.
- Applicants who do not have a valid passport can still apply and Canadian authorities will provide a single use travel document on a case-by-case basis.
- Ukrainian workers, students and visitors and their immediate family members who are currently in Canada can now apply to extend their status for three years, apply for a new work or study permit or extend their existing permit.
Additional Information: Canadian authorities waived most application fees under the CUAET program, including visa application fees, biometric collection fees, permit fees, visitor extension fees and renewal fees. Applications submitted under the CUAET program will be prioritized for processing and individuals should expect to receive their visa within 14 days in normal cases. More information regarding the CUAET program is available here.
BAL Analysis: The Canadian government continues to consider other immigration concessions for Ukrainian nationals and their family members. Additional details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Employers and employees are reminded that actions taken as a result of the invasion of Ukraine may change with little or no notice.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
The Canadian government has announced that it will lift certain COVID-19 testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers.
Key Points:
- Beginning April 1, fully vaccinated travelers entering the country by air, land or water will no longer be required to take pre-entry COVID-19 test to enter the country.
- Fully vaccinated travelers arriving before April 1 must still follow the COVID-19 pre-entry testing requirements available here.
- Individuals are reminded that they may have to take an on-arrival COIVD-19 if selected for a mandatory random testing.
Additional Information: Travelers still must submit required documentation in the ArriveCAN app before arrival in Canada. Testing requirements will continue to be in place for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travelers. More information regarding Canada’s border measures and entry requirements is available here. Individuals can check if they qualify as fully vaccinated in Canada here.
BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
The Canadian government has announced that it will lighten its border measures for fully vaccinated travelers on Feb. 28.
Key Points:
- Beginning Feb. 28, fully vaccinated travelers, regardless of their departure country, will no longer be required to take an on-arrival COVID-19 test. Instead, fully vaccinated travelers will be randomly selected for testing upon arrival.
- Travelers who are randomly selected for COVID-19 testing will not be required to quarantine while they wait for their test results.
- Travelers who are not fully vaccinated will continue to be required to take a COVID-19 test on the first and eighth day after arrival and quarantine for 14 days.
- To meet pre-entry requirements, travelers will have the option to take an antigen test the day before their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border or take a PCR test within 72 hours before their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border.
Additional Information: Children under the age of 12 who are traveling with fully vaccinated adults continue to be exempted from quarantine requirements. More information regarding Canada’s border measures and entry requirements is available here. Individuals can check if they qualify as fully vaccinated in Canada here.
BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
The Canadian government has eased its border measures for travelers from India and Morocco.
Key Points:
- As of Jan. 28, foreign nationals traveling from India or Morocco on direct or indirect flights are no longer required to have a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test from a third country.
- Travelers, regardless of departure country, must have either a pre-departure PCR test taken within 72 hours before their scheduled flight or arrival at Canada’s land border or a positive PCR test result taken between 10 and 180 days before departure to Canada.
- Air travelers must continue to take a COIVD-19 test before leaving the airport and all travelers must submit their mandatory information via the ArriveCAN application.
Additional Information: More information regarding Canada’s border measures and entry requirements is available here.
BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Canadian government has extended its temporary policy that exempts some Canada-based foreign nationals from having to take an additional medical exam as part of their permanent residence application.
The exemption will remain in place until March. 31, 2022, and will apply to:
- In-Canada foreign nationals who have submitted a new permanent residence or visa application or have a pending permanent residence application and have not completed a new immigration medical exam.
- In-Canada foreign nationals who have competed an immigration medical exam within the last five years and were found to pose no risk to public health or reported to public health authorities for monitoring.
- In-Canada foreign nationals who have not left Canada for more than six months in the last year to live in a country that has higher incidences of a “serious communicable disease” than Canada.
Additional Information: A foreign national’s family members who live in Canada may be eligible for the medical exam exemption if they meet the aforementioned criteria. A list of countries requiring an immigration medical exam is available here.
BAL Analysis: The exemption intends to streamline application processing for low-risk in-Canada applicants and helps the Canadian government process as many applications as possible this year to meet its targets that were not met in 2020 and 2021.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
