Executive Summaries Oct 29, 2021
New Business Immigration Guidelines: What Your Workers Need to Know
Every month, our Business Immigration and Mobility team keeps a watchful eye on important news that could have an impact on your foreign workers. Consult the October 2021 updates on business immigration.
Unvaccinated travellers will not be able to leave Canada as of October 30, 2021
Effective October 30th, unvaccinated air passengers or those who have not received two doses of one of the approved vaccines in Canada will not be allowed to travel to a Canadian airport. According to a Transport Canada news release: "The vaccination requirements will apply to all travellers 12 years of age and older who are air passengers flying on domestic, transborder or international flights departing from airports in Canada”. This measure applies to both Canadians and non-Canadians wishing to leave the country from Canadian airports.
There will be a short transition period during which they will be able to travel if they present proof of a valid molecular test for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to travel.
According to a Transport Canada news release, "The vaccination requirements will apply to all travellers aged 12 years and older who are air passengers on domestic, transborder or international flights departing from a Canadian airport." This measure applies to both Canadians and non-Canadians wishing to leave the country from Canadian airports.
It is important to note that as of November 8, dual vaccination will also be required to cross the U.S. land border for non-essential travel. It will therefore not be possible to enter the United States to fly to the desired destination.
Vaccination Certification System for International Travel
To facilitate inter-provincial travel, the Government of Canada recommends that citizens residing in the provinces and territories use their proof of vaccination either on their phone or in paper format between provinces. However, the Government of Canada recommends downloading the new version of the proof of vaccination with the federal government logo for international travel.
The Honourable Sean Fraser Appointed Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova first elected in 2015, is nominated as Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship in the new Liberal cabinet.
U.S. Travel: Recognition of two-dose Combinations of a COVID-19 Vaccine
As of November 8, 2021, Canadians vaccinated with any combination of two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized in the United States and by the World Health Organization (WHO) will be considered fully vaccinated and will be able to enter the United States. In addition to the required proof of vaccination to the U.S., air travelers will be required to show proof of a negative antigen or molecular test within three days prior to boarding a flight.
However, essential travellers will have a transition period during which they can travel without being vaccinated.
Canadian travellers entering by land will not be required to undergo COVID-19 testing. However, upon return to Canada, all non-essential travellers, both land and air, will be required to show proof of a negative molecular test.
Many requirements for essential workers and leisure travel vary before and after November 8. Contact our team for more information.
Where are the American workers?
The shortage of workers in the U.S. is causing a slowdown in business: reduced service hours in restaurants, rerouting school buses, and long lineups at the drug and grocery stores. How is it possible that so many Americans can afford not to work?
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Our mission is to help you understand the implications that such changes may have in your current operations and your global mobility planning.
