IRCC: Temporary visa applications must be submitted online

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Canada will only accept temporary resident visas submitted online.

This policy will be in effect for those applying for work permits, study permits, and temporary resident visas (TRV) while outside of Canada between July 1 and September 30.

Need assistance with a temporary visa application process? Contact wp@canadavisa.com

However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) will provide special accommodations for individuals who are unable to complete their application process online due to a disability.

Unless an applicant has a disability, IRCC will not accept paper-based applications during the effective period of this policy and will go ahead and return the application and processing fees to the applicant.

This policy is part of IRCC's special coronavirus measures to manage immigration applications while it operates at reduced capacity.

Currently, work permit holders are able to travel to Canada so long as they are coming for a non-optional reason. Other exemptions apply, including if an individual is coming to Canada to be with an immediate family member.

Study permit holders are not able to come to Canada if they did not hold a valid permit as of March 18. This new announcement by IRCC, however, suggests that Canada plans to introduce an exemption for study permit holders who wish to begin their studies in Canada this fall.

Need assistance with a temporary visa application process? Contact wp@canadavisa.com