COVID-19 NEWS

May 04, 2020 @ 11:20 pm by Patricia Wells

Like every other aspect of life around the world, Canadian immigration has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (the disease caused by the novel coronavirus).

Our services

Patricia Wells Immigration Lawyers is continuing to assist our clients in these extraordinary times. Our firm has been in the forefront of technology and office processes that allow us to work remotely with no interruptions, so we are able to keep both our staff and our clients safe.  We are continuing to meet deadlines, prepare and file applications, and provide legal advice. as usual.  The best way to contact us now – as at any other time – is by email. However, our phone lines are also open. The only change we need to mention: please do not come to our office at this time unless you call first to make arrangements.  If you need to send us your documents or other packages, we can arrange for that too, when you call.

Immigration programs

At the level of the Canadian government and individual provincial governments, immigration services continue to be offered. Some programs are temporarily closed and many others are open but with temporary modifications.

Travel to Canada, whether by Canadian citizens, permanent residents or others, has been restricted, and the rules and guidelines about who is allowed to come to Canada are changing constantly, in response to the changing pandemic conditions.

It is anticipated that when the pandemic is over, Canada will still be accepting immigrants, refugees and temporary foreign workers, students and visitors.

Meanwhile, you may find up-to-date information about how the pandemic is affecting immigration applications, refugees, citizenship applications, and passport services, at the government of Canada’s website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19.html 

Please note that there may also be service disruptions in each provincial government’s immigration programs (“Provincial Nominee Programs”). Consult each province’s website for specific information.

Finally, across Canada many courts and tribunals – including immigration and refugee tribunals – are changing the way they operate because of the pandemic.  Contact your lawyer or the tribunal in question for information about your case.

Financial help

The government of Canada and all provinces have made  financial assistance available, to help individuals and businesses through the pandemic.   Even some people living in Canada who are not yet Canadian citizens or permanent residents may be eligible for these financial benefits.   Please consult the official Canadian government website for detailed information about “Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan” and specific assistance programs: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html

In the province of Ontario, you may consult  www.settlement.org for more information, and find legal information about many different programs at www.stepstojustice.ca

 

As always, Patricia Wells Immigration Lawyers looks forward to helping you find answers to your immigration questions at this difficult time.

 

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