The US-Canada border has been temporarily closed for discretionary, i.e., non-essential travel, since 21st March 2021. These restrictions may continue for as long as required in the interest of public health safety amidst the pandemic. Fortunately, Canada Immigration applicants who have received a PR visa, and specific international students, are exempt from restrictions.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which investigates violations and prosecutes cases, is committed to only allowing essential travel and trade at the border. All persons planning to enter Canada through a port of entry are expected to follow the current travel restrictions. Those who fail to do so are held liable and accordingly penalized.
On 23rd June 2020, a foreign national sought to enter through the Lansdowne port of entry, claiming to seek admission to perform essential work in Canada. He also presented a letter in support of this claim. However, CBSA officers promptly noted inaccuracies in his documentation and found that he was entering Canada to visit his girlfriend.
After an in-depth examination, the officers concluded that the person had forged his Canada job offer, i.e., the employment document. Officers arrested the man on the charge of attempting to violate the border restrictions and enter the country using forged documents. On 8th December 2020, the man pleads guilty to immigration misrepresentation.
On 11th December, the foreign national was sentenced to a conditional discharge, including a 12-month probation period and payment of $2000 as a donation to a mental health services organization. This case has been reported to discourage such violators from flouting the current border restrictions and endangering Canadians’ health in the process.
Meanwhile, the Canada Immigration authorities continue to invite applications for permanent residence through a variety of programs. Certain immigrants are still being allowed to enter Canada. To find out more about travel restriction exemptions and accessible immigration pathways, contact our seasoned consultants at 8595338595 or write to [email protected].
