Important changes to immigration applications

The Department of Immigration is waiving certain COVID-related exemptions.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is making changes to the immigration application process. Previously, the Department introduced relaxations for applicants who were unable to submit documents on time due to quarantine restrictions related to COVID-19. The deadlines were extended automatically for anyone who did not submit the correct documents.

IRCC offices and Canada Visa Centres (VACs) are now reopening around the world, so the automatic extension of filing deadlines is being eliminated. However, the Department remains loyal to those who have encountered difficulties due to quarantine restrictions.

In the coming weeks and months, Department staff will be individually contacting applicants who have applied for citizenship, permanent or temporary residence in Canada to request the necessary documents or the reason they cannot send them.

The changes are intended to speed up decisions on immigration applications.

What to do now?

If your application is pending now, the IRCC advises you not to wait for a new request but to start collecting documents as early as possible. You can see a list of what you need to send in the last letter you received from the Department of Immigration. When the IRCC contacts you again, you will have 30 days to send your documents. Immigration officers will then make a decision on your application.

If you need to take biometrics, make an appointment at the ASC Application Support Center (in the US) or VAC Visa Center (in the US and other countries) for the next available date. Some offices have reduced hours, check here.

If you applied for citizenship, the Department may automatically reject it if it does not receive the documents within 30 days of the request.

What should you do if you cannot send documents because of COVID?

In this case, the IRCC will accommodate you. Within 30 days of your request, give the Department a justifiable reason: for example, visa centers in your region are closed or a lockdown is imposed, which prevents you from passing medical examination, obtaining a certificate from the police, etc. If your reason is justified, the IRCC will extend the acceptance period for another 30 days, but otherwise the immigration application will be decided on the basis of those documents already in the possession of the Department, and this may lead to refusal.