What you need to know about a visa to Canada during the coronavirus pandemic

Posted by Avisa:   29.03.2020

Virtually all countries in the world are covered by the new Covid-19 virus, so governments are introducing quarantine measures to slow the spread of the virus. Canada is no exception.  As of March 18, 2020, foreigners were not be able to enter the country.  This rule does not apply to:

• Temporary workers;
• Students who study in Canada;
• Canadian citizens and persons with residence permits in Canada;
• Foreign nationals travelling at the invitation of the Canadian government for purposes related to the fight COVID-19;
• The next of kin of Canadian citizens and persons with residence permits in Canada;
• Transit passengers.

There is a ban on tourist travel, and you are not allowed to cross the Canadian-American border for 30 days after the ban was established.

If you are travelling on a plane, you will need to undergo a medical examination before you can board the flight. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed on board.

Upon arrival in Canada, passengers will undergo standard customs checks, as well as enhanced entry screening. All arrivals will have to self-isolate for 14 days, even if no symptoms present.

Only 4 airports will operate in Canada as of March 18: Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Toronto.

As of March 20, 2020, the Visa Center of Canada was closed for the reception and issuance of documents because of the situation with the coronavirus. All those who applied before the closure of the center will be able to have their passports returned via courier delivery offered by the Visa Center.

All visa applications can now be made online, but since it is necessary to pass biometric data personally, this process can stretch until the cancellation of quarantine in the Visa Center.

It takes up to 3 weeks to apply for a visa to Canada - a week is needed to prepare documents and 2 weeks are needed for the embassy to review the documents. Therefore, now is a unique opportunity to prepare for this process.  Carefully collect all the necessary documents, translate them into English, fill out all the necessary forms, and get professional advice from our Specialists.