IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Canadian government has removed its entry restrictions for travelers from South African countries and will increase its testing requirements for all travelers.

Key Points:

  • As of Dec. 18, travelers from Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe can enter the country.
  • Beginning Dec. 21, travelers, including Canadian citizens, leaving the country for less than 72 hours must have proof of a negative PCR test taken in a country other than Canada to enter Canada. Previously, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and those registered under the Indian Act did not have to provide a PCR test if their trip was less than 72 hours.
  • More information regarding the updated entry and testing requirements is available here.

Additional Information: Individuals traveling to Canada continue must submit all required information, including proof of vaccination in English or French and a quarantine plan, via the ArriveCAN app before arriving in Canada. Information regarding those eligible to enter Canada is available here.

BAL Analysis: Travel restrictions and health requirements may change with little to no notice. 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 © 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Canadian government has enacted more stringent COVID-19 testing requirements and expanded the number of countries subject to an entry ban due to the Omicron variant.

Key Points:

  • Air travelers who are entering Canada, except for those from the U.S., must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
    • Vaccinated air travelers coming from countries other than the U.S. must quarantine at home until they receive their test results.
    • Unvaccinated travelers who are allowed to enter Canada must be tested on arrival and day eight of arrival as well as quarantine for 14 days.
    • Unvaccinated travelers must stay in a designated quarantine facility or other suitable location while they await the result of their on arrival test.
  • Until Jan. 31, foreign nationals who have been in Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa or Zimbabwe in the previous 14 days are not permitted entry into Canada.
    • Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals with status under the Indian Act who have been in these countries must have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, take another COVID test upon arrival, quarantine for 14-days and take an additional PCR test on the eighth day of quarantine.

BAL Analysis: The list of countries affected by the Omicron variant could increase in the coming days and weeks, health measures may change with little or no notice. 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 © 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Canadian government has announced that it will exempt certain short-term travelers from COVID-19 testing requirements and expand its list of approved vaccines on Nov. 30.

Key Points:

  • Fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals registered under the Indian Act who depart and return to the country within 72 hours will not need to have a pre-entry COVID-19 test.
    • Children under the age of 12 and those who cannot be vaccinated will also be exempt from the pre-entry testing requirement.
  • Authorities will accept vaccinations on the World Health Organization Emergency Use Listing, including Covaxin.
  • Authorities will require certain travelers to be fully vaccinated to travel within Canada or depart the country.
    • Travelers should contact their airline or railway company to obtain the necessary form and submit it in accordance with their carrier’s approval process as of Nov. 30.
  • Beginning Jan. 15, 2022, travelers who are currently exempt from entry requirements will be required to be vaccinated to enter Canada. This includes:
    • Individuals traveling to reunite with family.
    • International students who are 18 years of age or older.
    • Professional and amateur athletes.
    • Individuals with a valid work permit, including temporary foreign workers.
    • Essential service providers, including truck drivers.

Additional Information: After Jan. 15, 2022, only agricultural and food processing workers, marine crew members, those entering on compassionate grounds, new permanent residents, resettling refugees and some children under the age of 18 will be able to enter the country without being fully vaccinated. Such travelers must still follow health and entry requirements.

BAL Analysis: Eligible individuals who are planning trips that are less than 72 hours will be able to travel without having to take a COVID-19 test. 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 © 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Canadian government has announced that it will allow international passenger flights to land at eight more airports by the end of November.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Nov. 30, individuals traveling internationally to Canada will be able to fly directly to:
    • Abbotsford International Airport in British Colombia.
    • John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport in Ontario.
    • Kelowna International Airport in British Colombia.
    • Regina International Airport in Saskatchewan.
    • Region of Waterloo International Airport in Ontario.
    • Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport in Saskatchewan.
    • John’s International Airport in Newfoundland and Labrador.
    • Victoria International Airport in British Colombia.

Additional Information: International travelers are currently able to fly directly to the ten Canadian airports listed here. More information on COVID-related travel, testing and border requirements can be found here.

BAL Analysis: Individuals who are planning international travel to Canada will be able to travel to more locations in Canada on or after Nov. 30. 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 © 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.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

The Canadian government recently announced that direct flights from India have resumed.

Key Points:

  • Individuals who are traveling directly to Canada from India must:
    • Obtain a negative COVID-19 molecular test conducted by the Genestrings Laboratory located at the Indira Gandhi International Airport within 18 hours of scheduled departure.
    • Present the negative test result with a QR code to the airline operator before departure.
  • Travelers who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 are exempt from the above requirements; however, they must present a positive molecular test conducted by a certified Indian laboratory between 14 and 180 days of scheduled departure.

Additional Information: Individuals can travel from India to Canada via an indirect route but must provide a negative molecular test result from a third country before continuing travel to Canada. Individuals traveling indirectly to Canada from India should make sure their third country destination will provide a COVID-19 test.

BAL Analysis: Travelers from India who do not meet the above requirements will not be able to enter Canada. 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. 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.

The Canadian government recently announced that it has extended the restriction of all direct commercial and passenger flights from India.

Key Points:

  • All direct commercial and passenger flights to Canada from India are suspended until Sept. 27.
  • Once the suspension expires, travelers eligible to enter Canada will be able to fly directly from India to Canada if they have:
    • Received all applicable doses of a Canadian-approved vaccine.
    • Evidence of a negative COVID-19 molecular test taken within 18 hours of scheduled departure from the approved Delhi airport testing location.
    • Uploaded applicable information into the ArriveCAN app or website.

Additional Information: Individuals traveling from India to Canada via an indirect route must have proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours of departure from a third country. Those in Canada continue to be advised to not travel outside the country for non-essential travel purposes.

BAL Analysis: Individuals traveling from India will be able to fly directly to Canada on Sept. 27 unless the flight ban is extended. Border measures currently in effect remain subject to change as the virus situation evolves. 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 © 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded access to A-75, Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWPs).

Key Points:

  • Individuals who are on implied status, eligible for restoration of status and those who have valid work permits with more than four months of validity remaining are eligible for BOWPs.
  • Foreign national applicants who are in the following classes and meet the requirements listed below are now eligible for BOWPs.
    • Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) applicants. PNP applicants are eligible if they provide a copy of the nomination letter that indicates their employment is unrestricted and they are selected “Open Work Permit” on their application form.
    • Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) applicants. AFP applicants must provide their approval in principle letter and submit their applications online.
    • Quebec skilled worker applicants. Quebec skilled worker applicants are eligible after they complete a completeness check.

Additional Information: The BOWP lets individuals keep working while they wait for the results of permanent residence applications. The BOWP remains available to the federal skilled worker class, Canadian experience class, federal skilled trades class and the caring for children class. More information on the BOWPs and specific eligibility requirements can be found here.

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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended a policy that allows certain visitors to apply for an employer-specific work permit without having to leave the country.

Key Points:

  • The policy has been extended until Feb. 28, 2022.
  • In order to be eligible for the employer-specific work permit, applicants must:
    • Be in Canada with valid temporary resident status as a visitor.
    • Have submitted an employer-specific work permit application using the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker.
    • Have stayed in Canada with status since they submitted their application.
    • Have submitted the application on or before Feb. 28, 2022.
  • Former temporary foreign workers who converted to visitor status and who meet the additional eligibility requirements found here will be able to work while their permit application is processed.
  • All in-Canada work permit applications must be submitted electronically through this website.

BAL Analysis: The extended policy is designed to help Canadian residents find work and help employers find workers. BAL will continue to monitor developments regarding this development and will provide 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 © 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently asked some travelers who submitted their visitor visa applications before Sept. 7 to reapply.

Key Points:

  • Individuals who submitted their visitor visa applications before Sept. 7 should submit a new application via the IRCC Portal if they are traveling for reasons including but not limited to:
    • Uniting with an immediate or extended family member who is a Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act or permanent resident of Canada.
    • Joining an immediate family member who is in Canada temporarily.
    • Visiting for business purposes (meeting, special event or training).
  • Applicants should include the most up-to-date information and a previous application number if possible.
  • More information and a full list of reasons travelers should reapply for a visitor visa can be found here.

Additional Information: Previous visa applications will be automatically withdrawn once a new application is submitted. IRCC does not guarantee a refund for the first application and will not send a letter confirming the withdrawal of the initial application. Individuals who no longer wish to travel to Canada can request an application withdrawal through this online form.

BAL Analysis: IRCC is hoping to gain more insight into which cases can be expedited if possible. BAL will continue to monitor developments regarding visitor visas and will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global practice. 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.

The Canadian government has eased travel restrictions for fully vaccinated foreign nationals entering the country for non-essential reasons on or after Sept 7.

Entry Requirements:

  • Individuals must have received the last applicable dose of a Canadian-approved vaccine at least 15 days before entering Canada.
    • Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 are exempt from quarantine when accompanied by fully vaccinated parent(s)/guardian(s), but they must follow enhanced public health measures. This may include not attending daycare or school for 14 days after arrival.
    • Children 12 years and older must carry out a 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
  • Individuals must have a COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours before their flight departure or arrival at a land border, regardless of vaccination status; officials will not accept antigen or rapid tests.
    • Travelers are exempt from the molecular test requirement if they have proof that they tested positive and have recovered from COVID-19 between 14 and 180 days of entering Canada.
  • Travelers must submit their mandatory information via ArriveCAN, including proof of vaccination in English or French along with a quarantine plan.

Additional Information: Travelers must be asymptomatic upon arrival and may be selected for a random COVID-19 test when entering the country. Direct commercial and private passenger flights from India and Morocco remain suspended until Sept. 21 and Sept. 29 respectively. More information regarding Canada’s entry requirements can be found here.

BAL Analysis: The Canadian government is still advising its citizens to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada. 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. 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.