IRCC updates processing timelines during COVID-19

The latest processing timelines by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [IRCC] reflect processing delays on account of COVID-19.

Applications from individuals exempt from travel restrictions are being prioritized by IRCC.

Who can enter Canada?

Which travelers [coming from outside the US] are exempt from travel restrictions?

·         Citizen of Canada ·         Permanent resident of Canada ·         Dual Canadian citizen [with either a valid passport of Canada or special authorization] ·         Persons registered under the Indian Act of Canada that deals with Aboriginal peoples ·         Protected person Foreign nationals – including US citizens – can only travel to Canada if they are ‘eligible’ for the same.

Those exempt from travel restrictions, include, among others – ·         Temporary foreign workers ·         Certain international students* ·         Those approved to become Canadian permanent residents, but are not yet Canada PR holders ·         Transiting passengers ·         An individual whose presence in Canada is in the “national interest” ·         Any person coming to Canada to make medical deliveries ·         Any individual coming on the invitation of the Minister of Health for providing COVID-19 assistance

*With a valid Canada study permit or a letter of introduction showing the international student’s approval for a study permit for Canada. They must also be attending a Designated Learning Institution [DLI] that has a COVID-19 readiness plan.

IRCC Application Status [as on March 24, 2021]
Category	Currently, finalizing most applications received between
Canadian Experience Class [CEC]	May 24 and 30, 2020
Family Sponsorship – Spouse/partner or dependent child – From outside Canada	May 26 and June 1, 2019
Citizenship – Grant of citizenship – AOR1 received	March 31 and April 6, 2019
Work Permit – from outside Canada – Applied online – Eligible for the GSS2	September 20 and 26, 2020
Study permit [includes study permit, study permit extension, work permit for students]	December 13 and 19, 2020

1AOR – Acknowledgement of receipt, sent via letter or email, after IRCC receives application and checks that the application is complete. 2GSS – Global Skills Strategy.

Those applying for their Canada Permanent Resident card will be required to check the IRCC online status tool for checking the status of their application.

As of now, new Canada PR cards are being processed in around 125 days. Renewals are taking somewhere around 80 days.

Individuals applying for an Electronic Travel Authorization, or eTA, can check their status online.

Those applying for a Canada visitor visa online can sign into their account for checking their application status.

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

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