New Business Immigration Measures: What Your Foreign Workers Need to Know

List of Professions Eligible for Simplified Processing

The list of occupations eligible for simplified processing covers the entire Quebec region and considers the labour needs of all of its regions. All occupations and job titles on the list are considered high paying specialized positions. The list is effective since February 24, 2021.

Additional Restrictions for International Travellers to Canada

On February 12, the Government of Canada announced that international travellers in Canada, by air or land, will be subject to more stringent testing and quarantine, to address the new variants of COVID-19:

By land:

• Since February 15, 2021, travelers arriving in Canada by land must provide proof of a negative result on a COVID-19 test, conducted in the U.S., within 72 hours prior to arrival in Canada, or a positive result obtained 14 to 90 days prior to arrival.
• Furthermore, as of February 22, 2021, travellers entering Canada at a land of entry must be tested upon arrival in Canada, and again towards the end of their 14-day quarantine.

By air:

• As of February 22, 2021, all travelers in Canada by air are required to be screened upon arrival in Canada, before leaving the airport and again, towards the end of the 14-day quarantine period.
• With some exceptions, travellers are also required to book a 3-night stay in a government approved hotel before departing for Canada. These measures are in addition to those already in place for boarding and health requirements for all travellers.

As of February 22, 2021, all travellers, whether by land or air, will be required to electronically communicate their travel and contact information, as well as their quarantine plan through the ArriveCAN application, before crossing the border or boarding an aircraft.

International Experience Canada: Rounds of Invitations

The opening of the pools in some countries for the 2021 season will take place shortly. Only IEC participants with a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction and a valid job offer are allowed to travel to Canada.

Schedule for the 2021 season: The pool is scheduled to open on March 1, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EST.

• France - Young Professionals: Quota - 2,200
• France - Working Holidays: Quota – 7,100
• International Corporate Volunteering (VIE) Quota – 450

The Suspension of Entry of Immigrant Who Present a Risk to the United States Labour Market has been revoked

On February 24, 2021, President Biden rescinded Presidential Proclamation 10014 which prohibited the entry of certain immigrants into the United States due to possible harm to economic interests due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Although the immigrant visa ban has been revoked, Presidential Proclamation 10052 suspending the entry of non-immigrant workers for the same reasons remain in place.

Consult the guidance related to National Interest Exemptions for individuals subject to the Proclamation 10052, although the eligibility requirements do not appear to have changed.

First Canada-U.S. Bilateral Meeting: COVID-19, Climate Change and Rebuilding the Economy

At the first bilateral meeting between Justin Trudeau and Joe Biden, the two leaders agreed to prioritize the fight against COVID-19, the economic recovery from the pandemic and the fight against climate change. Systemic racism, discrimination, the digital economy, defense and security, including the modernization of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), NATO missions, cyber security threats, firearms and China, were the main topics discussed at the meeting.

Strengthening Canada-Ukraine Collaboration

In order to identify and enhance mobility opportunities for Ukrainians who wish to immigrate to Canada, once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, a Canada-Ukraine Mobility Working Group will be established while continuing to ensure the integrity of the respective migration and visa frameworks of both countries.

China Temporarily Bans Entry of Foreigners from Canada

The entry of foreign nationals from Canada is temporarily prohibited in China, even if they have a valid Chinese residence permit for work, personal business and reunion.

Hong Kong Residents: Faster Permanent Residence in Canada 

Due to the situation surrounding the new National Security Act and the deterioration of human rights in Hong Kong, Canada has announced that Hong Kong residents will be able to apply for the new work permits, which will be open to Hong Kong residents as of February 8, 2021.

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