Covid-19 restrictions impacting immigration into Canada
COVID-19 travel restrictions are impacting immigration into Canada. Here’s one man’s story
Canada welcomed 341,000 permanent residents in 2019, its highest figure since 1913, but that number dipped to 184,000 during 2020. A spokesperson for Immigration Canada confirmed Canada isn’t allowing COPR holders who received their letters after March 18, 2020 to enter the country except in some circumstances, like those with immediate family members living in Canada.
The significant dip in permanent residents is a result of the pandemic’s shutdowns and mandatory quarantines, which have prevented people like Mishra from traveling to the country despite being approved to immigrate.
Immigration Canada also confirmed COPR holders will eventually be allowed to travel to the country, but didn’t specify when. They added anyone with expiring documents will be granted an extension once the borders open, and wouldn’t need to file a new application.