Latest guidelines for permanent residence applicants

Alexandra Miekus
Published: June 9, 2020

Immigrating to Canada during a pandemic can be a challenge for new permanent residents and many may be wondering how the government is addressing the situation.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has issued guidelines for permanent residence applicants who were planning to arrive and settle in Canada in the coming months and who may have seen the pandemic affect their plans.

The latest COVID-19 program delivery instructions for applications for permanent residence applicants in Canada and abroad were published on May 29, 2020, by IRCC.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

New permanent residence intake continues

Currently, the receipt of new applications for permanent residence continues.

Files that are incomplete due to missing documentation will be retained and reviewed within 90 days.

Completed new applications for permanent residence continue to be processed according to normal procedures.

However, if a new application lacks supporting documentation, an explanation should be added to the application referencing service interruptions due to coronavirus-related travel restrictions. Providing that explanation is important and may result in the application being promoted and reviewed within 90 days. New applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.

Failure to provide an explanation for an incomplete application or applications that are incomplete for reasons unrelated to the coronavirus pandemic may result in the file being rejected.

Principal applicants for permanent residents who are in Canada and have dependents abroad will continue to have their applications processed, but delays in processing may occur. However, the principal applicant should not be granted permanent residence if their dependents who are abroad are unable to travel.

When travel is again possible, applicants will be informed of the next steps.

Approved CoPRs and PRVs

Applicants for permanent residence who are in possession of a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) or Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) must inform IRCC, using a Web form, if they cannot travel before the expiry date of the document.

Files will then be processed according to an applicant’s specific circumstances.

Those with valid COPR and PRV and who are unable or unwilling to travel must inform IRCC so a note stating their situation can be added to their file. A reminder must also be added to the file related to the expiry date of the document. If the event the applicant becomes able to travel before the expiry date of the COPR and PRV, they will be encouraged to use their existing document to land in Canada.

Individuals whose COPRs and PRVs have expired and who have informed IRCC of their inability or unwillingness to travel prior to the expiry date of the document will have their files re-opened and reviewed within 90 days.

Reopening of applications

Once the applicant has informed IRCC via the Web form that they can travel, the application can be reopened for re-approval provided the applicant and their family members, whether accompanying or not, have passed immigration medical examinations, criminal and security checks and have valid passports.

If the 60-day waiting period has passed and the applicant has still not informed IRCC that they are able to travel, a note must be added to the application for consideration after an additional 60 days.

Since the pandemic began IRCC has reiterated that it will not close or refuse applications that are currently in progress due to missing documents. IRCC has introduced a variety of special policy measures and increased flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic to accommodate as many foreign nationals as possible.​

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

© 2020 CIC News All Rights Reserved

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
How Provincial Nominee Program closures can benefit skilled workers in Canada
A man holds a Canadian flag across his back
Newfoundland and Labrador issues more invitations for provincial immigration pathways
The Battery' a neighbourhood in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
Alberta invites more PNP candidates in latest series of draws
The Calgary skyline below a cloudy blue sky, with portions of a park visible in the foreground.
Prince Edward Island designates new employers for the Atlantic Immigration Program
Waves splashing against the shore at Thunder Cove Beach in PEI at sunrise.
Top Stories
Carney reinforces immigration priorities in new mandate letter to ministers
How Provincial Nominee Program closures can benefit skilled workers in Canada
Live Webinar: Stand Out in Canada: How a Credential Evaluation Can Boost Your Job Prospects
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Live Webinar
Live Webinar: Stand Out in Canada: How a Credential Evaluation Can Boost Your Job Prospects
Looking at the screen and writing something
Watch the Webinar: A Clear Path to Academic Achievement in Canada
girl looking at laptop
Watch the Webinar: Job Searching in Canada: Practical Tips for Newcomers
Woman working at laptop
Watch the Webinar: Canadian Banking Essentials: Helpful Tips for Newcomers
Link copied to clipboard