Immigration Update: Covid-19 Impacts (April 20, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. EDT)
During this unusual time, CILF – Caruso Guberman Appleby, is here to continue to support you with respect to all of your immigration needs. We are here to answer your questions and keep you informed. We will provide updates as soon as they are available. Our firm is well positioned to continue to focus on your immigration needs.
The immigration situation continues to evolve. Here are the latest updates:
- We have heard from colleagues and clients that airline personnel and border officers are not applying the travel restrictions as written, with some even reading in additional eligibility requirements. It appears that some are imposing an “essential travel” requirement even on individuals who are exempt from the travel restrictions. The issue seems to be particularly affecting individuals trying to enter Canada from the United States. Airline personnel and border officers have been denying entry to spouses of Canadian citizens even though the interim orders and government officials have clearly stated that they are allowed entry. We strongly recommend that family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents planning on returning to Canada either speak to one of our lawyers before setting out, or delay their return until further clarification is provided by the Canadian government.
- Effective April 20, individuals travelling by plane must have masks that cover their nose and mouth. Officials will instruct passengers when they must wear the mask (typically in places where it is not possible to keep two metres apart from another person). Individuals who do not have a suitable mask may be denied boarding. Most individuals entering Canada are also required to present a feasible self-isolation plan or will be required to spend 14 days in a government quarantine facility. Please contact our office if you have any questions about what a self-isolation plan must contain.
- The unprecedented Canada-U.S. land border restrictions have been extended for another month, until May 20. All non-essential travel (travel that is not optional or discretionary) remains prohibited. Certain classes of individuals remain exempt from the restrictions but as outlined above and in prior bulletins airline personnel and border officers are not interpreting and applying the restrictions consistently.
In light of the above, we continue to strongly recommend that anyone (including Canadian citizens and permanent residents) seeking to enter or exit Canada speak with an immigration lawyer before doing so.
Our lawyers can be reached by phone (416 368 1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; guberman@cilf.ca; appleby@cilf.ca; cowling@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; tsoi@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; green@cilf.ca
Please contact your lawyer at CILF – Caruso Guberman Appleby for additional details or specific questions.
