IRCC: Only online applications to be accepted for temporary visas

From July 1 until September 30, 2020, Canada will be accepting only online temporary visa applications. Applicable to all those applying – while outside Canada – for study permits, work permits, and temporary resident visas [TRVs] during the specified period.

According to Ministerial Instructions 41 [MI41],“All applications for a Temporary Resident Visa [including a Transit Visa], a work permit, or a study permit submitted by foreign nationals who are outside Canada at the time of application must be submitted using electronic means [apply online]”.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [IRCC] will only be accepting temporary resident visa applications that are submitted online.

Special accommodations are to be provided by IRCC to individuals that are not able to complete the online application process due to a disability.

As per IRCC, “Applications received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on or after the coming into force of the Instructions that were not submitted by electronic means, will not be accepted and processing fees will be returned, except in the case of foreign nationals who, for reason of disability, submit an application by any other means that is made available or specified by the Minister for that purpose.”

Unless the individual applying for the visa has a disability hindering them from successfully applying online, IRCC will not accept paper-based temporary visa applications between July 1 and September 30, 2020.

The application, along with the processing fee, will be returned during the effective period of this policy if a paper-based application is submitted wherein there is no disability involved.

The policy of accepting only online temporary visa applications for Canada during the effective period is a part of the special COVID-19 measures by IRCC for managing Canada immigration applications while operating at a reduced capacity.

As of now, Canada work permit holders can travel to Canada, as long as they are coming to the country for a non-optional reason.

Study permit holders that did not hold a valid permit on March 18 cannot travel to Canada.

However, international students might begin their program online at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution in Fall 2020 and still retain their eligibility for a PGWP. 

If you are looking to Work, Study, Invest, Visit, or Migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No. 1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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