Immigration stops deportations for three weeks due to Coronavirus pandemic - Spanish

WEB - Toronto Hispano - Toronto, 26/03/2020 - COLUMN, Spanish

Translated Summary: Vilma Filici - Inadmissibility hearings, appeals and mediations have been postponed until after April 5. The pandemic is affecting practically all areas of life, including immigration processes. The border is closed and Ontario is in a state of emergency. What this means for individuals trying to immigrate to Canada is delays in their process. Canadians are allowed to return to Canada as long as they are not sick; however, if they manage to make it to the border, all Canadians have a constitutional right to enter even if they are sick. Those who are stuck are the ones not allowed to board planes while abroad. Individuals in immigration processes who have to send in criminal records, medical exams etc. automatically have 90 days more to meet those requirements. The government has announced that no application will be rejected for lack of documentation. Permanent residents who have their landing papers but cannot travel need to get in touch with IRCC. Applicants for permanent residency from within Canada will have a phone interview. Individuals in Canada on a temporary visa can extend their visas. All deportations have been stopped for three weeks. Hearings for inadmissibility, appeals, mediation and refugee applications are postponed. Detention review hearings will be held by video conferencing or phone.