Impacts of Pandemic on Permanent Residency

Whether you are a permanent resident who just landed or someone who just got their permanent residence, this article will help you understand how the Canadian government is working around the pandemic to unify you with your family.

Landed Permanent Residents:

Follow the procedures implemented at the airport. You must have a plan to quarantine yourself for 14 days which is mandatory even if you didn’t have symptoms.

Is your PR card about to expire?

Renew your PR card before you leave if it expired or its about to expire. Remember, you can only renew your PR card in Canada. Any urgent processing of PR card may take more than three weeks. Therefore, have travel plans accordingly if your PR card is in the verge of expiry.

If you are outside Canada and your PR card expired, you must apply for a PRTD.

Most VAC’s are closed due to the pandemic. Please check this list to see the status of your closest VAC

In case of closed VAC offices, submit your PRTD application through email.

Prospective Canadian Permanent Residents:

Canada is still accepting most PR applications. However, the timeframe of processing applications has been impacted by COVID-19. Processing times cannot be estimated under the pandemic.

Following applications are prioritized:

· Canadians and PRs returning to country

· Vulnerable groups

· Work permits for those who perform or support essential services

Does EI and CERB have any impacts on my sponsorship application?

EI and CERB will not cause any default to the application. If the sponsor is collecting social assistance, then they should pay it back to avoid being in default

I have a COPR can I come to Canada?

There are certain restrictions put in place due to the current pandemic. In addition to being exempt from travel restrictions, those that are awaiting to come to Canada or awaiting CoPR, contact IRCC for more information specific to your status.

I have a CoPR that:

· Was it issued before March 18th, 2020

· Was Issued after March 18th, 2020 and you are an immediate family member sponsored by a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident

· Or currently living in the US and will be coming to Canada directly

People who meet the above criteria and are exempt from travel restrictions can travel to Canada

Ensure that you’re coming to Canada to stay and you have a proper quarantine plan. Provinces and territories have their own restrictions that you must inquire.

Getting across this pandemic is not easy. Alpha Abroad has been tirelessly working with their clients to ensure they have the proper information helping them make the right decision when it comes to Canadian immigration.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.