Canada and the US clarify status of Work Permit holders

Amid the Coronavirus outbreak, Canada and the US have imposed travel restrictions on their borders. Both countries have closed their borders from 21st March. The US and Canada, however, have released more details on who can be included or excluded from the restrictions.

People travelling for “non-essential” reasons will be restricted from travelling between the countries. As per Canada, travelling for tourism or recreational purposes have been deemed “non-essential.” Such travellers will not be allowed to cross borders for 30 days starting 21st March. Canada and the US will review the travel restrictions at the end of the 30 days.

Canada’s latest statement suggests that US and Canadian Work Permit holders will be considered as “essential” travellers. However, not all Work Permit holders will be allowed to travel unless they receive a confirmation from the US or Canada Govt.

The Dept. of Homeland Security of the US has also released a notice regarding the travel restriction provisions. The notice says that travel through land and ferry ports along the US-Canada border will only be restricted to essential travel. 

Essential travel will include and may not be limited to the following:

• US Green Card holders and US citizens returning to the US
• People travelling for medical treatment to the US
• Student Visa holders travelling to attend educational institutions
• People who are travelling to work in the US. For instance, workers in the Agriculture and farming industry who travel between Canada and the US for furthering the work.
• Emergency responders and those travelling for public health purposes, especially in response to the Coronavirus outbreak or other emergencies
• Those who are engaged in legal cross border trade. For example, truck drivers moving cargo between Canada and the US
• Those who are engaged in government or diplomatic travel between the countries
• US Armed Force members and their families returning to the US
• Those who are engaged in military-related operations or travel

The above notice indicates that Canadians may be able to travel to the US for work.

Y-Axis offers a wide range of Visa and Immigration products as well as services for aspiring overseas students including Study Visa for Canada, Work Visa for Canada, Canada Evaluation, Visit Visa for   Canada and Business Visa for Canada. We work with Regulated Immigration Consultants in Canada.

If you are looking to Study, Work in Canada, Visit, Invest or Migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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