The global pandemic caused by COVID-19 has some serious implications for both travelers who are currently in Canada on an IEC visa, and those who are planning on coming to Canada in the near future.
We will try to breakdown the current situation and provide some helpful links to those seeking information and what to do next.
IEC Visa Holders Currently In Canada:
For those on an IEC Visa in Canada, it is important to check your home country’s current advice. Many countries have urged their citizens to return home which in most cases would be the smart move.
Many employers and businesses in Canada have temporarily shut their doors for the time being, with an unknown date of re-opening. Many people are out of work right now, including thousands of visitors on IEC Visas in Canada.
If you choose not to return to your country of origin, and you have been laid off from your job, you have a few options:
- Try to find a new job – There are still select industries in Canada that are operating and looking for workers. In ski resorts, this includes grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants (take-out only), and come construction and labour businesses. If you are out of work and need a new job in a ski resort town, check out the current job board HERE.
- Apply for EI benefits – If you have worked enough hours over the last year, you may be eligible for EI benefits. Check out the Canadian government website to see if you are eligible and to apply HERE
IEC Visa Holders Currently Outside Canada:
- On March 16, 2020, the Prime Minister announced travel restriction measures that will restrict air travel to Canadians, permanent residents and families of Canadians to protect Canada from the outbreak of COVID-19. While these restrictions seek to stop non-essential travel, there are exceptions to ensure essential travel is permitted.
This means that if you have been granted your IEC visa and you are not currently in Canada, it may be difficult but not impossible to enter the country. Current guidelines say you should avoid any unnecessary travel and would be wise to put travel plans on hold until the situation is more under control.
However, temporary workers who hold a valid work permit or who are approved for a work permit but have not yet been issued the work permit (holding a Letter of Introduction) are eligible for an exemption from the Canadian border closures, at the moment. Please note we do not recommend travelling to Canada at this time.
As of March 26, anyone entering Canada will be forced to enter a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Canada’s Health Minister announced that this quarantine will be enforced and that those breaking quarantine may be subject to fines and jail time.
Source: How COVID-19 is affecting business at IRCC
Your best bet may to be to stay in your home country for the time being, and in a couple of months hopefully businesses are opening their doors up again and looking to hire people travelling in Canada on IEC Visas! At that time, be sure to stay up to date with all the newest job offers in ski resorts here!
Please remember, regardless of your choice and currently situation, it is very important to stay up to date with the latest news and recommendations from the Canadian government. This can be done by checking the government page on the COVID-19 pandemic HERE.
Stay safe out there!
Follow Ski Resort Jobs on Facebook for more up to date information and job offers!
Hi. My question is for those that made it into the country on a valid IEC Work Permit and have served the mandatory isolation period (I have 2 days left). I’ve noticed that the offices to get a SIN have closed to in person applicants. They’re accepting emergency applications via post, however my concern with this is that they ask for your originals (Passport and Work Permit) be submitted by post in order to receive it. The time I saw said it takes approximately 20+ days so obviously this is a bit of a worry, should things become worse here & we need to return home… our passports wouldn’t be available to us! Has anyone already done this and it worked out fine or is there a way to get work for the time being without a SIN?
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