Every month, our Immigration and Business Mobility Team monitors major news that may impact your foreign workers. Check out these June 2021 business immigration updates.
Easing of Border Measures for Travellers Coming to Canada
Following public health requirements, scientific data and the epidemiological situation in Canada and abroad, Canada will ease some of the border measures for travellers coming to Canada as of July 5, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. These easing will apply to fully vaccinated travellers who meet Canada’s current travel restrictions while entrance to Canada will still be limited to foreign nationals unless they fall under a border restriction exemption.
A fully vaccinated traveler will not be automatically exempted from quarantine, mandatory hotel stay, or day 8 testing.
Application for Permanent Residence (COPR) in Canada
As of June 21, 2021, any foreign national with a valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) can travel to Canada.
Hong Kong Residents: New Pathways to Permanent Residence
In November of 2020, Canada has announced initiatives to help Hong Kongers come to Canada, which the first phase began in February of 2021. On June 8, 2021, the government added two new streams providing access to permanent residence to eligible Hong Kong workers or recent graduates living in Canada.
Among other things, eligible applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Have a valid temporary resident status;
- Be in Canada when applying and when granted permanent residence;
- Meet language, education, work and admissibility requirements;
- Be subject to regular Canadian immigration application processes, selection processes and admissibility requirements.
Canada-U.S. Border Closure Extended to July 21
The Canada-U.S. border closure will be extended until July 21, but will be eased for the following people who received their complete doses of one of the COVID-19 vaccines in July:
- Canadian citizens;
- Permanent residents;
- Essential workers;
Mandatory quarantine in a designated hotel while waiting for a negative COVID-19 test result will be abolished.
Entering France: Easing of Restrictions for Europeans
As of June 9, 2021, travel to France is allowed under the following current health terms:
- Countries classified as green (European area, Australia, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand and Singapore), no compelling reason is required and a PCR or antigenic test of less than 72 hours is required only for unvaccinated persons.
- Countries classified as Orange Zone, such as the United States or Great Britain, a PCR or antigen test is required if the traveler is vaccinated, otherwise a compelling reason, a negative test and a seven-day isolation is required for all travelers coming from an Orange Zone country.