Maple News reports that the Government of Canada has extended its international travel restrictions for another 30 days, maintaining border limitations until at least September 30, 2020. The extension is part of ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and safeguard public health. This marks the third time the travel restrictions—initially enacted on March 18—have been renewed after monthly reassessments by federal authorities.
In addition to restricted entry for most foreign nationals, the mandatory 14-day quarantine for permitted travelers remains in effect. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those exempt from the travel ban must continue to isolate upon arriving in the country regardless of symptoms. This measure has been in place since the beginning of the pandemic to protect communities from imported cases.
Despite these stringent measures, Canada remains committed to advancing its immigration objectives. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirms that specific groups are exempt from the travel ban, including newly approved permanent residents, certain temporary foreign workers, eligible international students, and immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
The federal government has also taken steps to support foreign nationals already in Canada. In a temporary but significant policy shift, individuals on visitor visas with valid job offers can now apply for work permits without leaving the country. The move is aimed at addressing ongoing labor shortages while offering flexibility amid global travel disruptions.
Canada continues to actively process immigration applications across multiple pathways. In recent months, the IRCC launched a new permanent residency program for asylum seekers working in healthcare, recognizing their frontline contributions during the pandemic. The federal government has also kept its Express Entry program running at full throttle.
As of August 2020, Canada has issued a record number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system—surpassing totals from any other year since the program began in 2015. In August alone, four separate draws invited candidates from all three Express Entry streams: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
Though overall admissions for permanent residency are down compared to 2019 due to travel limitations, Maple News highlights that Canada remains proactive in recruiting global talent to drive its long-term economic recovery. Experts suggest that immigration will be a cornerstone in rebuilding the workforce and strengthening the country’s competitive edge in a post-pandemic landscape.
With evolving policies and increasing flexibility for foreign workers and immigrants, Canada continues to demonstrate its long-standing commitment to welcoming skilled newcomers, even amidst the challenges posed by COVID-19.