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New Canadian immigration instructions during coronavirus pandemic

posted on March 22, 2020

By CIC News |

Canada is taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and accommodate immigrants affected by associated service disruptions and travel restrictions

Canada is taking exceptional measures to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, and help immigrants and travellers affected by service disruptions.

The following is a summary of policies that were just announced by the federal government:

Restrictions on foreign travel to Canada

On March 18th, the federal government announced the closure of the Canada-U.S. border to all “non-essential travel.”

On Monday, March 16, Canada had already announced it is closing its borders to most people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Exceptions will be made for immediate family members of Canadians, U.S. citizens (now also restricted by new measures), aircrew members, and diplomats.

Border restrictions will not apply to cargo and goods transportation.

In addition, airlines have been instructed to check all boarding passengers for symptoms of COVID-19, and no one who presents symptoms will be allowed to fly to Canada.

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