Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 and Immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador

Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism Operations

Is the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM) open during this pandemic?

  • The OIM team continues to be fully operational
  • We continue to respond regularly to emails and telephone inquiries.
  • We continue to receive correspondence by mail, but there may be delays in receiving your mail, due to COVID-19 related periodic postal service interruptions.

Is the OIM accepting PNP applications during this period?

  • OIM continues to accept Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) applications through the online application portal.
  • OIM no longer accepts NLPNP paper applications. Please visit the NLPNP transition to electronic applications for more information.
  • Workers and employers are required to inform OIM of any changes in their status, including reduction in working hours, temporary layoffs, or other changes in employment. The OIM team will work with employers, nominees, and endorsees, to address challenges as they arise.

Is the OIM accepting business immigration applications during this period?

  • The Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the International Entrepreneur category is proceeding without interruption, and is open on an ongoing basis.
  • The EOI for the International Graduate Entrepreneur category is open year-round and available to Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic international graduates who own and operate a business in the province.

Will Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA) applications be processed during this period?

  • The processing of Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA) applications is the responsibility of Labour Market Development Officers (LMDOs) with the Employment and Training Programs Division of the Department of Immigration, Population Growth & Skills.
  • Employers are invited to continue contacting the nearest Immigration, Population Growth and Skills office to seek LMDO assistance with JVA applications.

Will new Job Vacancy Assessment (JVA) applications be considered?

  • The Department of Immigration, Population Growth & Skills(IPGS) reserves the right to determine whether individual JVA applications will be considered.
  • Employers are invited to contact the OIM prior to considering JVA to address their needs, in order to determine the best approach for their workforce needs during this period.

Is the OIM accepting new AIP designation applications?

  • Yes, OIM continues to accept new AIP designation applications. Employers must scan and email AIP applications to immigration@gov.nl.ca, as paper applications are no longer accepted.
  • Designated employers can contact their assigned Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Officer with the Federal Dedicated Service Channel.
  • For provincial enquiries regarding AIP designation, please email immigration@gov.nl.ca.
  • Workers and employers must inform OIM of any changes in their status, including reduction in working hours, temporary layoffs, or other changes in employment. The OIM team will work with employers, nominees, and endorsees, to address challenges as they arise.

Is the OIM accepting new AIP endorsement applications?

  • Yes, OIM continues to accept new AIP endorsement applications, but employers must scan and email AIP applications to immigration@gov.nl.ca, as OIM no longer accepts paper applications.
  • Workers and employers must inform OIM of any changes in their status, including reduction in working hours, temporary layoffs, or other changes in employment. The OIM team will work with employers, nominees, and endorsees, to address challenges as they arise.

If I am not able to obtain some required documents (transcripts, language test, personal net worth verification report, etc.) before the deadlines, would OIM consider extending the deadlines?

  • OIM is aware that some applicants may have difficulty in obtaining the required documents to apply to either the PNP or the AIP.
  • If you are experiencing a delay in applying, please email OIM describing your specific circumstances. We will take this into consideration when assessing your application.

Will my MCP coverage be impacted because of the  COVID-19 pandemic?

  • No, your MCP will not be impacted. Please review MCP website Medical Care Plan for updates.

Provincially Funded Settlement and Integration Programs and Projects

Are provincially-funded settlement and integration programs and services still available?

Federal Operations Affecting Employers, Workers, and International Students/Graduates

To manage the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Government of Canada announced travel restrictions that limit travel to Canada. Health authorities also issued guidance and restrictions that limit our ability to process applications in a regular capacity. Find out how these restrictions affect immigration, refugees, citizenship and passport applications.

Is IRCC processing study or work permits for workers and students in other countries?

  • IRCC overseas processing capacity is significantly reduced, with some IRCC offices closing temporarily and others with reduced capacity.
  • IRCC’s temporary offices in Canada remain closed, and its remaining offices in Canada are operating with reduced staff. Applications will not necessarily be refused for non-compliance, and all applications currently in the process at IRCC offices will be processed.
  • However, due to office closures and some offices working with essential staff only, there will be processing delays. Some Visa Application Centers are closed until further notice. See which IRCC offices are temporarily closed: Find a visa application center.

Are visitors or temporary foreign workers and international students allowed to travel to Canada now?

  • Temporary foreign workers and some international students are exempt from travel restrictions, and can enter Canada by air or land. If travelling by air, workers need to pass a health check conducted by the airlines before being allowed to board the flight. Anyone who shows symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter Canada by air.
  • When arriving in Canada, workers and students will be assessed prior to leaving the port of entry. It is important that workers confirm that their employer continues to be operational, and that they have a plan to self-isolate upon arrival, before travelling to Canada.
  • If you are a worker, and your employer is no longer offering you a job, please do not travel to Canada.
  • Workers whose employment offer still stands and who enter Canada must isolate for 14 days, even if they have no symptoms. This is mandatory.
  • Employers are responsible for ensuring that workers that come to the province self-isolate for 14 days. The Federal Government has circulated information to employers hiring migrant workers.
  • We encourage you to follow the latest federal COVID-19-related immigration updates  and how it is affecting the flow of temporary residents into Canada by visiting the federal website.

 Is any individual exempt from the requirement to isolate?

I am a temporary resident (student/migrant worker/visitor). How can I extend my stay in Canada?

  • Temporary residents who are currently in Canada are able to apply to extend their status online. A temporary resident who has applied to extend their status is allowed to remain in Canada until a decision is made on their new application, even if their initial status expires while they are waiting for that decision. This is called implied status.

Can a worker currently in Canada travel to the nearest port of entry to obtain immigration services?

  • Temporary foreign workers must not travel to a port of entry (POE) to apply directly to a Border Services Officer.
  • Travelling to a POE from inside Canada to obtain immigration services is not considered essential travel, and workers will not receive these services.
  • The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada COVID-19 page will be updated to provide alternative options for you to obtain immigration services, as they are developed.

Is the Federal Government prioritizing Temporary Foreign Worker applications?

  • For all employers availing of the Temporary Foreign Worker program, the Government of Canada will be extending the period of validity of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from six to nine months, to allow employers more time to identify candidates and bring them to Canada.
  • For employers of workers in the low-wage stream, a three-year pilot will be in place, allowing the maximum duration of Labour Market Impact Assessments to increase from one to two years.
  • The Government of Canada will accelerate the name change process, reducing the processing time from five to one business day to allow employer to switch candidates.
  • Employers are responsible for extraordinary costs incurred to meet the public health requirements for temporary foreign workers. If there are any additional measures to support employers, the Federal Government will provide information on such measures.
  • Currently, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is prioritizing LMIAs for the following 10 National Occupational Classification (NOC) Codes for temporary foreign workers:
  • 6331 – Butchers, meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale
  • 7511 – Transport Truck drivers
  • 8252 – Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
  • 8431 – General farm workers
  • 8432 – Nursery and greenhouse workers
  • 8611 – Harvesting labourers
  • 9462 – Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
  • 9463 – Fish and seafood plant workers
  • 9617 – Labourers in food, beverage and associated products processing
  • 9618 – Labourers in fish and seafood processing

If I lose my job during this period, will I be eligible for Employment Insurance or the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit?

  • The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) has now closed to all current and retroactive applicants. However, Employment Insurance is applicable for employees who are facing unemployment; who are sick, quarantined, or in directed self-isolation; or who are unable to work due to COVID-19.  Full details and updates are available on the CERB Transition to New Benefits Page.

How can I obtain biometrics during COVID-19?

  • As a temporary measure due to COVID-19, IRCC has made some changes to biometrics requirements. You are exempt from the requirement to give your biometrics if you
  1. are in Canada and are applying to work, study or stay temporarily in Canada
  2. are applying or have applied for permanent residence and have given biometrics within the last 10 years
  • Service Canada offices have resumed biometrics collection services for permanent residence applicants who need to give biometrics and have not given them within the last 10 years. As of November 30, 2020, you can make your appointment to give biometrics using the Service Canada Appointment System. Don’t go to a Service Canada office unless you have a scheduled appointment.
  • Find out more about changes to biometrics requirements due to COVID-19.

What will happen if my Permanent Residence application is/has been approved during COVID-19?

  • If you’re outside Canada:

You can’t come to Canada to validate your COPR and land as a permanent resident right now. You may be able to come only if:

You must also

  • be coming to Canada to settle permanently (you cannot come to Canada and leave to go live in another country, even if it’s temporary) and
  • show you’re able to quarantine for 14 days

If you’re travelling by air, you need to pass a health check conducted by the airline before boarding a flight. If you show symptoms of COVID-19, you won’t be allowed to board.

  • If you’re already living in Canada:

IRCC has cancelled all in-person permanent resident landing appointments at offices in Canada until further notice.

    • If you have not received your CoPR yet, IRCC may need to contact you before they can finalize your application. Use the IRCC Web form if you need to update your contact information. Note that finalizing applications may take longer than usual during this time.
    • If you received your CoPR, but have not landed, IRCC will be in contact with further instructions. You should not travel to a port of entry to validate your CoPR. This is not considered essential travel and you won’t be able to validate it this way.

What will happen to dependents of individuals approved for Permanent Residence if they are not in Canada?

Will the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) be extended by the federal government for employers?

  • The CEWS is in place to help workers transition back to their jobs and to support employers as they increase their revenues.
  • The CEWS has been extended to June 2021 by the federal government. For more information and application forms, see: Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) – Canada.ca

What is the COVID Alert App?

  • COVID Alert is Canada’s free exposure notification app that can notify people of possible exposures before any symptoms appear.
  • The app is available to residents of Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • You can download the app through the federal government’s website.

Is there any new guidance from Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)?

  • The PHAC recently published new guidance to advise people how to assess and reduce their risk in order to go out safely during the pandemic.