J.A. Turner Associates
Virtual Immigration Solutions L3M 0H9 Grimsby, ON, Canada

PIVOTING TO A VIRTUAL BUSINESS IN A COVID WORLD 2020 was like no other year we have ever experienced in our history as an immigration firm or hope to ever experience again! On March 1st, 2020 we moved to our bright and spacious new offices in a beautiful heritage building on a tree-lined street in downtown Grimsby. Before we even had a chance to unpack, our government announced the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown forcing us to close our doors to the public and send our staff hom...e. Little did we know at the time that our business world was never to be the same. Finally, in October of last year we made the decision to give up our traditional space and further adapt to the realities of doing business during a worldwide pandemic. Since that time, we have pivoted our company to become a fully online business, and although our physical office is currently closed to the public, we are virtually here for you more than ever. The biggest change for our clients is that, with a little help from our friends who pitched in to help with the transition, our staff is now wholly comprised of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants, or licenced RCICs. After the initial assessments, our clients are assigned to one of our professional Associates who work directly with them from start to finish of their application process. Our clients appreciate the opportunity to develop better relationships with their consultants, and we love getting to know our clients even better. The result is a WIN-WIN situation all around as we provide the services you need to stay safe in the comfort of your own home and still accomplish your immigration goals. As we continue to adjust and adapt to the circumstances that the world pandemic throws at us, we are doing even more virtual consultations and client file updates by email, Skype and Zoom. Don't know how? We will show you! Once you get started, you'll be amazed at how easy, personal and private it really is. Anybody can do it! Ask us how.

TORONTO Dec 21, 2020 - As COVID-19 cases continue to rise at an alarming rate, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is imposing a Provincewide Shutdown. Additional restrictions will be put into place and reinforce that Ontarians should stay at home as much as possible to minimize transmission of the virus and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. The Provincewide Shutdown will go into effect as of Saturday, December 26, 2020, at 12:01 a.m.

Dec 12, 2020 - PARENT-GRANDPARENT DRAW FOR 2021 TO INCREASE TO 30,000 The draw for Parent-Grandparent sponsorships was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic situation this year. However, it is anticipated that it will be back on track for 2021 with the number of applicants invited to apply increasing to 30,000. Clients are invited to pre-register with us to ensure you are included in the draw as potential sponsors. To find out how, contact us at [email protected] or call toll-free 289-302-2566.

Dec 11, 2020 - WEBINAR J.A.Turner Associates is an immigration firm and have no expertise to represent clients on tax matters. While we have no opinion on this webinar, we do strongly recommend that our US clients inform themselves regarding their US tax obligations. For further information contact your tax own accountant.

LOOKING AHEAD TO POST-PANDEMIC Canada's federal government recently announced their plan to increase immigration levels for 2021 through 2023. The plan hopes to approve over 400,000 Permanent Residents each year for the next three years. The goal is to facilitate immigration while strengthening the Canadian economy through responsible economic growth. The government believes it can meet the quoted targets while complying with the ever-evolving travel restrictions and quaranti...ne policies. There has however, been much discussion about if these levels will be attainable given that the current application processing time is at an all-time high. Many believe this is the government's attempt to make up for the halted processing of thousands of applications during 2020 which has resulted in a huge backlog of current applications already in the system. The government has yet to provide an actual plan to facilitate and process such a high volume of applications, especially considering the current processing times are at an all-time high.

APPLICATION PROCESSING DURING A WORLDWIDE PANDEMIC. You must expect delays in processing your application due to the COVID situation. No file is immune to the impact that COVID-19 has had on the system. We do understand your anxiety to have a decision, but we cannot make the process go faster and repeated requests for an update takes time away from other files that need our attention. We will update you as soon as any information is available. Most times, information is rep...orted to you before any inquiry is made so emails regarding an update will be answered only if there is something new to report. Our retainer agreements do provide for handling excessive phone calls/requests for updates with an additional charge by the hour. Please help us handle the increased calls and inquiries being received and we will get through this difficult time together. See more

ADDITIONAL POINTS IN EXPRESS ENTRY FOR FRENCH-SPEAKING APPLICANTS October 27, 2020OttawaThe Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today announced that French-speaking and bilingual candidates will receive additional points under the Express Entry system. Express Entry is an online system used to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. The change announced today will see the current number of points increase from 15 to 25 for French-speaking candidates and from 30 to 50 for bilingual candidates.

COVID-19 TESTS OFFERED TO INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS NOW

NEW TRAVEL RESTRICTION EXEMPTION PROGRAM Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) expanded the list of persons who are eligible to travel to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic and confirmed the ongoing efforts by the Government of Canada to protect Canadian public health. The written authorization is a one-time use authorization confirming that you’re exempt from the travel restrictions. It’s valid only for the period needed to travel. If you’re travelling from a ...country other than the US, you must have written authorization from IRCC to fly to Canada. We are now accepting clients for Travel Exemption applications to join their loved ones in Canada. Email us at [email protected] for more information on how to join your loved ones in Canada during the Covid pandemic.. You should not book a flight to Canada until you get your written authorization.

October 14, 2020 - Canada's PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS PROGRAM has opened for the submission of Interest to Sponsor forms from noon EST on October 13, 2020. The three-week window for the submission of the form closes on November 3. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada officials will then select at random candidates to be issued invitations to apply.