Coronavirus: What You Should Know About Updated Canadian Immigration Guidelines

Mar 27, 2020

The IRCC together with the Canada Border Services Agency has rolled out a new set of procedures to process migrant applications. All asylum, temporary residence, permanent residence, and citizenship applications are subject to change during this time.

Are Applications Still Being Processed?

Yes, the IRCC is still processing applications during the outbreak. However, you can expect delays that will affect how quickly your application is processed.

Some IRCC officers are only operating with essential staff, which could further delay processing. Biometric service collection has also come to a standstill at Service Canada locations.

The office is aware that applicants may encounter obstacles when applying for citizenship. Rest assured: applicants will not be automatically refused for non-compliance if they fail to provide documents within timed deadlines.

Those applying for citizenship, temporary or permanent residence, should adhere to different document deadlines.

For all Applications: What if Additional Documentation is Required?

In response to Covid 19, many standard document deadlines have been amended. Processing officers are now instructed to allow 90 days for applicant to respond to any revision or additional documentation request.

If biometrics are required, the BIL (biometric instruction letter) may state that applicants have 30 days to provide their information. Officers will still allow a full 90 days for the applicant to supply their biometrics. Be sure to check the website of your local visa application center to determine if they are still open.

Processing Guidelines

Different types of applicants may have to adhere to different processing guidelines.

Citizenship

The immigration office understands that citizenship applicants may fail to turn documents in on time or miss in-person appointments.

Those who must miss knowledge tests, interviews, hearing, retests, or oath ceremonies should reschedule appointments upon their return to Canada. The second notice of appearance will be treated as the applicant’s first.

Moreover, those returning from China, Iran, or South Korea have an additional 30 days to send in required documents. Applicants will have to notify their local office of their return date.

All applicants abroad will have an additional 45 days to provide Medical Opinion forms upon their return to Canada.

Temporary Residence

Immigration is currently accepting urgent temporary residence applications from China, Hong Kong, Ankara, and Manila offices.

Applicants can submit their online application as normal and then flag it for urgent review to their respective office.

Many temporary migrants may experience delays in accessing necessary biometrics, medical exam, and interviews. All applicants in Iran are only required to submit online applications.

All applicants in South Korea have 90 days to respond to immigration medical examinations (IMEs). If the request was not received, the applicant has an additional 90 days to respond.

Unfortunately, temporary residents unable to leave Canada due to new border restrictions still must apply for residence extensions. There is a no fee waiver for any residence extension.

Permanent Residence

The office is still accepting new permanent residence applications during the Covid 19 outbreak. All files that are incomplete due to missing documents will be re-reviewed within 90 days.

If a new applicant is missing needed documentation, the applicant should include an explanation. The explanation must be a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

All applicants in China must have a valid IME before processing officers can finalize the application.

What Are the Current Travel Restrictions for those Entering Canada?

New air and border restrictions have been placed to protect the health of Canadian residents. Currently, all non-essential international travel is restricted.

At this time, all foreign nationals are barred from boarding any flight headed to Canada unless the flight originates from the United States. This new rule includes anyone who isn’t a naturalized citizen of Canada.

Only Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and specific protected people are still allowed to enter the country. Only immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, international students holding a valid study permit, and temporary workers are exempt from this rule.

Travelers should carry either a Canadian passport, permanent resident card, common-law certificate, birth certificate, or other documents demonstrating an immediate family connection.

For further information visit the official government of Canada website at www.cic.gc.ca