EXEO Attorneys | Immigration U.S. & Canada – Special Bulletin

Our monthly newsletter provides an overview of recent significant changes in Canadian and U.S. immigration, including all updates regarding travel restrictions as of May 31, 2022:

Opening of the International Mobility Program Plus (IMP+)

As of May 24, 2022, the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship has opened work permit applications for selected permanent residence applicants in Quebec.

Due to the current severe labor shortage, foreign skilled workers will no longer have to wait for approval of their application for permanent residence before they can settle and start working in Quebec.

Please note that foreign skilled workers eligible for this reserved work permit in Quebec must meet the following conditions:

• Currently living outside of Quebec at the time of application;
• Hold a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) that demonstrates their selection for permanent residence under the Regular Skilled Worker Program or the permanent immigration pilot program for workers in the artificial intelligence, information technologies and visual effects sectors;
• Have received a letter of invitation under the International Mobility Program Plus (IMP+) of the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI);
• Submit a complete application for a work permit.

Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive an open work permit valid in Quebec for a period of 3 years. Accompanying family members will also qualify for their open work or study permits.

Increase in the number of occupations on the list of occupations eligible for Quebec’s simplified LMIA process

As of May 24, 2022, the list of occupations eligible for streamlined processing has increased from 32 to 65 eligible occupations, easing the burden on many companies facing major labor shortages.

These additions include several occupations that had been announced earlier by the Quebec government, including orderlies, truck drivers, machine operators and industrial butchers.
To discover all the new occupations added, visit the following link :https://www.mtess.gouv.qc.ca/publications/pdf/Liste_C_ajouter_LTS_2022-03-23.pdf

REMINDER:

ARRIVECAN and the PCR test

The installation of the ArriveCan application is still mandatory for travelers entering Canada by land or air. The information must be entered within 72 hours prior to travel.

Please note that even for a land border post tour, this is required or a mandatory 14-day quarantine may be imposed, even for fully vaccinated travelers

End of COVID-19 testing upon arrival in Canada

Since April 1, 2022, properly vaccinated travelers entering Canada by air or land are exempt from having to present a negative test to Canada Customs.

Properly vaccinated travelers may still be randomly selected for PCR testing upon arrival at the airport. However, they are no longer required to isolate themselves until they receive their results.

Children under 12 years of age who are not fully vaccinated and who are traveling with an adequately vaccinated adult are still exempt from a fourteen (14) day quarantine upon arrival in Canada.

Entry into Canada for unvaccinated travelers who meet the entry requirements remains unchanged. The fourteen (14) day quarantine is still applicable as well as a PCR test upon arrival, followed by another test on the eighth day of the quarantine.

Compliments of EXEO Attorneys – a member of the EACCNY.