Maple News reports that it’s been exactly one year since Canada closed its borders on March 18, 2020, in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic—a move that triggered sweeping and lasting changes to the country’s immigration system. Just days prior, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino had announced ambitious plans to increase immigration levels for 2020. But the viral outbreak quickly altered those ambitions.
Originally expected to be short-term, Canada’s travel restrictions have persisted beyond initial forecasts. Although modified over time, they continue to significantly limit inbound traffic. Land and air travel to Canada fell dramatically by between 88% and 96%. As of now, the federal government has not provided a roadmap for a full reopening of the border.
The impact on immigration was immediate and severe. Canada welcomed only 184,000 new permanent residents in 2020—its lowest level since 1998. Travel restrictions, visa delays, and processing disruptions, both at home and abroad, obstructed the immigration pipeline and hindered the country’s intake goals.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) halted or delayed many of its operations. Citizenship tests and ceremonies were suspended, permanent residency interviews were postponed, and visa application centers worldwide shuttered amid lockdowns. Applicants faced challenges in completing critical requirements such as language tests or biometric submissions. In response, IRCC extended application deadlines and granted affected individuals an extra 90 days to comply.
In the early phase of the border closure, only Canadian citizens, permanent residents, essential workers, and immediate family members were allowed to enter. Travelers had to meet “non-discretionary” criteria and complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival, including having a plan for accessing essentials without endangering others.
The federal government implemented several temporary measures to help immigrants cope with the evolving situation. Notably, international students—excluded from Canada if they received study permits after March 18, 2020—were later permitted to complete up to 100% of their studies online through December 31, 2021, and still qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This signaled the government’s recognition of international students’ long-term value to the Canadian labor market.
As the pandemic persisted, immigration policy had to adapt. The IRCC worked to digitize more processes, introduce special permanent residency draws, and focus on applicants already inside the country. Although Canada’s long-term immigration targets remain high, the path forward depends on both public health developments and global mobility trends.
Now, one year since the dramatic border closure, Canada’s immigration landscape has been irrevocably altered. The pandemic not only disrupted systems but also initiated new, flexible policies that may shape Canadian immigration for years to come.