Exeo Attorneys | Immigration U.S. & Canada – August

This month’s newsletter provides an overview of recent changes in Canadian and American immigration. Here is the most recent news since the beginning of the pandemic and travel restrictions as of August 25th.

Temporary residents’ orientation : super visa

New ministerial instructions concerning the parents and grandparents multiple-entry temporary resident visa (TRV), also known as the super visa took effect on July 4, 2022. Intended for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents, the super visa is valid for 10 years. From now on, it offers eligible parents and grandparents the possibility to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry to Canada. Once in Canada, it is also possible for super visa holders to extend their stay for up to 2 years. Finally, the third modification relates to the medical insurance which is part of the eligibility requirementsfor a super visa. Since July 4th, IRCC can designate medical insurance companies to cover super visa applicants.

What is happening with visa applications to Canada?

Applications left without an answer for almost a year: this is a situation that affects thousands of applicants who planned to come to Canada. There are huge delays in the processing of visa applications by the federal government. This situation particularly affects applicants who submitted their visa applications before July 26, 2021, when the Canadian borders opened again to non-essential travelers who are adequately vaccinated. On their website, IRCC advises travelers who submitted their applications for a visitor visa before September 7, 2021, to submit a new one if their situation has changed since. Nonetheless, no information has been given concerning the status of the other applications waiting for almost a year to be processed.

New policy for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

A new temporary public policy is in effect since June 13, 2022. It aims at facilitating the issuance of open work permits to holders of PGWP that expired or will be expiring between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022. Under this temporary public policy, PGWP holders who meet all the criteria can apply for a new open work permit that would be valid for up to 18 months or until the applicant’s passport expires. All applications must be submitted before December 31, 2022, to be taken into account. An open work permit under this temporary public policy will only be issued once to eligible applicants and cannot be extended. You can verify the eligibility criteria here.

Compliments of Exeo Attorneys – a member of the EACCNY.