Despite global efforts to contain the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Canada still continues to take steps to attract global talent from around the world.
Aside from announcing special measures to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Canada has also extended help to those interested in migrating to Canada for permanent residency. They have also taken measures for those interested in remaining as temporary residents.
Leniency towards temporary residence applicants is currently being exercised by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. The IRCC also continues to welcome individuals interested in submitting permanent residency applications and Express Entry profiles at this time.
IRCC has announced that it will continue to process applications that are in progress, and will not be refusing applications for non-compliance.
Applicants will now have 90 days to comply with the submission of biometrics, instead of the usual 30.
Should an Express Entry candidate who has been invited to apply for permanent residency be unable to submit a completed application within the 60-day period, they are encouraged to provide an explanation to the IRCC explaining why they have been unable to comply. The IRCC has the discretion to allow applicants an extension period of 90 days to compile and submit the necessary requirements.
Applications for extension have also been extended to holders of a confirmation of permanent residence. The IRCC encourages holders to contact them via the IRCC web form.
While candidates interested in submitting their applications for Express Entry and permanent residency will be affected by the disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, this should not stop them from preparing the necessary documents and requirements to the best of their abilities.
While the coronavirus crisis does create some challenges to Canada’s plans, they remain open to global talent and are intent on completing their 2020-2022 Immigration Levels Plan to welcome one million new permanent residents in the next three years.
By 2022, Canada hopes to welcome up to 390,000 immigrants. The plan allows IRCC plenty of flexibility, and suggests that Canada will plan to welcome even more immigrants than targeted, one the COVID-19 concerns have been properly addressed.
