The land border between Canada and the U.S. was closed to all non-essential travel on Friday midnight to contain and stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. The border is however open for essential travel which relates to the transportation of goods and travel for work, in order to not impede trade and commerce between the two countries.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced “With the exception of Canadians citizens and permanent residents, all international visitors will be refused entry and will be turned around at the airport. Family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents will also be allowed to come home.”

In a news conference Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said “students who hold valid visas, temporary foreign workers and anyone with valid work responsibilities will be allowed to cross as well.”

The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) has strongly recommended ‘no flag poling’ as travel for the purpose of obtaining immigration services is non-essential. Anyone in Canada as a visitor, student or worker can apply online to IRCC to extend their temporary resident status. This will enable them to continue to stay, study or work in Canada while their application is being processed. Their current immigration authorizations and conditions remain unchanged as they have ‘implied status’ provided they apply before their current document expires.

For more information for COVID-19 immigration services: Call/Text/Email +1 416 904 3815 / info@onecanadavisa.com.