New Brunswick restricts entry of temporary foreign workers
*Last updated: May 12, 2020 (Originally published April 29, 2020)
On March 19, 2020, the Province of New Brunswick declared a state of emergency in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 25, 2020, New Brunswick implemented restrictions for all travellers arriving from outside the province, including a requirement to self-isolate on entry.
As of April 28, 2020, the Province of New Brunswick announced a further update to its mandatory order under the state of emergency regarding the entry of temporary foreign workers. The Renewed and revised Mandatory Order COVID-19 states that “no temporary foreign worker will be permitted to enter New Brunswick”.
It has been confirmed that this restriction does not impact the status of any temporary foreign workers who are already lawfully in New Brunswick as of the date of this update.
UPDATE: On May 8, 2020, an updated Renewed and revised Mandatory Order COVID-19 was issued. The order now confirms that the temporary foreign worker entry ban does not impact those holding a work permit issued in relation to a nomination of permanent residence through the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program or the Atlantic Immigration Pilot.
There is presently no time limit on these restrictions, and questions have been raised about the ability of New Brunswick to introduce these restrictions given the impact on immigration and movement between provinces.
This update is intended for general information only. If you have questions about the above, or any questions pertaining to temporary foreign workers and the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact a member of our Immigration Group.
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