The Canadian border will remain closed for at least one more month in an effort to reduce the number of coronavirus cases.
Canada first enforced its travel restrictions on March 18, on June 30, they were due to expire. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported that the travel restrictions are to continue. The latest Order in Council of Canada specifies that travel restrictions will now expire on July 31, at 23:59:59 EDT.
This means only excluded travelers can enter Canada. For important reasons only CBSA will continue to accept travelers into Canada. Additionally, the immediate family is permitted to reach Canada.
It comes as no surprise to agree to extend travel restrictions. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last week that Canada would not hurry to re-open its borders. Canada and the United States will both continue to limit cross-border travel at least until July 21.
This temporary order is one of the steps Canada is taking to help curb coronavirus spread. The latest Council order extends the quarantine period for Canada until 31 August. With certain people entering Canada, it's actually the rule of 14 days of self-quarantine.
The travel restrictions led to Canada’s progress in flattening the curve of coronavirus. All of Canada has been able to report about 200 new average COVID-19 cases or less in recent days.
It reflects a major change compared to the start of the pandemic when more than 1,000 cases were reported every day across Canada.
Given the popularity of Canada, the nation remains wary about reopening its economy and frontiers. Provinces around the country have relaxed several limits on lock-downs, although the social distancing steps are in place.
Maintaining border restrictions is not ideal given the importance of immigration and travel to the economy of Canada, but Canada remains the course so that it can eventually be in a strong position to welcome foreign travelers again.
The immigration program continues to operate in Canada
Since the start of the pandemic Canada's immigration program has continued to work. Canada has adopted flexible measures to allow for more time for immigration applicants to submit their documents. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) carrying Express Entry draws.
As long as an immigration candidate meets Express Entry's eligibility criteria, they may still get an ITA during the pandemic. For example, submitting an Express Entry Profile and then securing a provincial nomination effectively guarantees an ITA for permanent residence.
In 2020, it has already issued 49,900 ITAs, which is more than what IRCC reported in the first half of 2019. Furthermore, through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), specific provinces are accepting applicants for immigration.
