All immigration candidates had been waiting for this, Canada’s borders have reopened, although still only under strict conditions. Only fully vaccinated foreign nationals can now come to Canada for non-essential reasons like tourism and flights from India and Morocco are still banned and anyone who has not yet received the vaccine needs to provide justification for wanting to enter the territory.
Conditions for entering Canada
Because of the Delta variant, entry into Canada is strictly controlled. Passengers need to have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days before their arrival to the country. The Canadian government recognizes the vaccines as the European Medicines Agency (EMA): Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. No other vaccine is currently accepted. The traveler must register on the ArriveCan application, on which he will download his vaccination certificate. The negative PCR test remains mandatory 72 hours before the flight, but a quarantine is no longer required. Random tests may be performed on arrival in the territory.
For anyone who has not been vaccinated yet, it is another story. They need to provide a compelling reason why they wish to enter, a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours, another test on arrival in Canada and a fourteen day quarantine. Accommodation and screening costs are the responsibility of the traveler (up to € 1,300 for accommodation, up to € 300 for a PCR test carried out at the airport).
The impact for expats
Depending on their situation (professionals, students, WHV), expatriates will still need to provide a visa application or electronic travel authorization (eTA). The procedure differs depending on whether these requests have already been made or not, are currently valid, or have expired. Non-eligible expatriates can still apply for a visa or eTA. In this case, and even if the Canadian authorities agree, applicants will wait for all restrictions to be lifted before they can travel.
Fully vaccinated foreign workers can travel to Canada for non-essential reasons (tourism, etc.). In short: they are free to travel with their open work permit, even without a valid job offer. Conversely, the unvaccinated cannot go to Canada for non-essential reasons. Even if they hold an open work permit, they will also need to have a valid job offer. The conditions are stricter for travelers on a working holiday / working holiday permit: vaccination and proof of valid job offer required.
What about foreign students? Here again, controls are essential. No travel possible without a valid student visa, or a document confirming that the permit application has been approved. Permit valid only if applicants attend a Government Designated Educational Institution (EEE). IAS have a Covid-19 plan validated by their region of assignment. Vaccinated students may be exempted from quarantine if they present all the required supporting documents. The others will possibly be authorized to go to the territory, subject to conditions. As the authorities examine each file on a case-by-case basis, it is strongly recommended that all the simulations offered on the dedicated Canadian government site be carried out.
