Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended online visa processing through January 31, 2021. According to new Ministerial Instructions that went into effect on October 1, all applications for a temporary resident visa (TRV), including a transit visa, a work permit or a study permit submitted by foreign nationals who are outside Canada at the time of the application must be submitted online.
Online Visa Application Exemptions
Applicants with a disability who are unable to submit a visa application online will continue to be exempt from the requirement. Two new are now exempt from the requirement to submit an application online:
- Foreign nationals holding an identity or travel document of the type issued by a country to non-national residents, refugees or stateless persons who are unable to obtain a passport or other travel documents from their country of citizenship
- Applicants under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program: Some countries do not have the capacity to submit applications online and must continue to apply by paper
Priority TRV Visa Application Processing
IRCC continues to process visa applications including Temporary Resident Visa during the pandemic; priority is given to applications from individuals who meet travel restriction exemptions and those who travel on a non-discretionary basis, “non-priority TRV applications may continue to be processed, and approved or denied, in accordance with normal TRV processing.”
Travel Exemptions
Canada has closed the border to non-essential travelers through October 31, 2020.
The list of people who are exempt from Canada's travel restrictions includes:
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- dual citizens with a valid Canadian passport or special authorization
- people who have been approved for Canadian permanent residence
- essential temporary foreign workers
- some international students
- protected persons
- an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- anyone else who falls under the exemptions listed on the government’s website
Call Ackah Law Before You Fly
Don't attempt to cross the border into Canada without making sure your paperwork is in order. COVID's impact on Canada immigration has affected individuals, families, big corporations and small business owners, and there can be confusion at the border or when trying to board a flight to Canada. An experienced immigration professional can help qualified travelers cross the border into Canada, and help prepare your immigration application.
For more information and solutions for crossing borders seamlessly to live and work in Canada or the United States, contact Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452-9515 Ext. 100 or 1-800-932-1190 or email us directly.
