Immigration is still critical to addressing Canada's long-standing demographic challenges and labour market shortages and it will be a critical component of the country's post-pandemic economic recovery. Any foreign national with a valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) may travel to Canada beginning June 21, 2021.

Foreign nationals who held a valid COPR issued on or before March 18, 2020, were exempt from Canada's travel restrictions under previous rules. Those with a valid COPR issued after March 18, 2020, could only enter Canada if they met another exemption or were coming from the United States to settle permanently.

The validity of a COPR, which can last up to a year, is linked to the applicant's passport and their immigration medical examination. However, due to travel restrictions or other COVID-19-related considerations, many applicants were unable to travel to Canada before their COPRs expired.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been working with applicants who were previously exempt from the travel restrictions to reissue a COPR. More information on when and how to obtain a new COPR for applicants with expired COPRs issued after March 18, 2020, will be available soon.

Individuals with expired COPRs should not book flights or attempt to travel to Canada until they receive a new COPR from IRCC.

The health and safety of Canadians is the government's top priority. All visitors to Canada, including those granted permanent residency, must adhere to the COVID-19 health measures and requirements upon arrival. All visitors must adhere to the requirements for flying to Canada or driving to Canada checklists.

The changes to travel restrictions supplement the temporary pathway to permanent residence for those already hard at work in Canada, ensuring that Canada maintains the labour force required for its economic recovery. While permanent residence applicants in Canada will help to fill the more immediate labour market needs, successful applicants from other countries will need time to make plans and uproot their lives before coming to settle in Canada, especially in the current environment, where many people may not feel safe traveling. Canada will better prepare for Canada's economic future by allowing more time for a reasonable number of new immigrants to settle in Canada and begin their integration.

Permanent residents are also more likely to have supports in place when they arrive, such as family members, supportive employers, and refugee resettlement agencies, as well as the means to ensure they follow public health measures.