Though things have slowed down slightly since the often-weekly changes to immigration law, policy, and procedure seen at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to see frequent updates that keep us on our toes. Here are some of the major updates that may impact you and your future immigration applications:
Resumption of Biometric Requirement for Temporary Resident Applications in Canada
Who: Foreign nationals in Canada applying for temporary residence In Force: February 23, 2023 On February 23, 2023, the COVID-19 policy exempting in Canada applicants for temporary residence (study permit extension, work permit extension, visitor record extensions) from having to provide biometrics was cancelled. If they require biometrics, foreign nationals in Canada applying to extend their status must pay the biometric fee at the time of their application and complete biometrics once they are requested by IRCC. You do not need to provide biometrics if your previous biometrics remain valid. Biometrics are valid for ten years. See if your biometrics are valid Find out if you need to give biometrics If you have valid biometrics and you are applying for permanent residence, you can continue to use your temporary biometrics for permanent residence. This is a COVID-19 temporary measure and could change at any time. Notice: Resumption of biometrics collection for temporary residence applicants in Canada |
Temporary Public Policy Exemption from Immigration Medical (October 12, 2022) Who: Foreign nationals in Canada who have or who will apply for permanent residence and their accompanying dependent family members In Force: October 5, 2022 Expires: October 5, 2024 This temporary public policy exempts certain foreign nationals who reside in Canada from having to complete a new immigration medical. To be eligible, the foreign national has to:
This temporary public policy also exempts certain accompanying family members of an applicant for permanent residence from the requirement to complete a new immigration medical. To be eligible,
In order to request consideration under the public policy, the principal applicant and any eligible accompanying family members must include proof of their previously completed immigration medical and their UMI number (listed on the eMedical Information Sheet) with their application for permanent residence. News Release: A stronger immigration system that better serves newcomers Notice: Streamlining immigration medical examination requirements for eligible applicants |
Open Work Permits for Family Members of Foreign Workers Who: Accompanying Family Members of Certain Foreign Workers In Force: January 30, 2023 Expires: January 30, 2025 (approximate in effect for “2 years”) Starting January 30, 2023, the family members of certain foreign workers are now eligible for an open work permit. Prior to this change, only the spouses of high-skilled workers were eligible for an open work permit. This policy is being rolled out in three phases. The first of which was implemented on January 30, 2023.
IRCC has not indicated a timeline for the roll out of Phase 2 and 3. In order to apply, you need to prove the eligibility of the foreign worker and their relationship to their dependent spouse, common-law partner, and/or dependent child. How to Apply: Changes to open work permit eligibility for family members of foreign workers |
Temporary Public Policy Allowing Certain Visitors in Canada to Apply for a Work Permit Who: Visitors in Canada applying for an Employer specific work permit In Force: August 20, 2020 Expires: February 28, 2025 Visitors are normally required to apply for work permits and study permits outside of Canada. Under this COVID-19 policy, foreign nationals in Canada with valid temporary status as Visitors (including maintained status) can apply for a work permit from inside Canada (using the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710]). In order to qualify, they must remain in Canada with status while the work permit application remains in process. Some foreign nationals benefiting from this public policy can also request interim authorization to work while their work permit application is in process. In order to qualify for interim authorization to work, the foreign national must have held a valid work permit in the 12 months preceding the date they applied for a work permit under this policy, intend to work for the employer and in the occupation specified in the offer, have requested interim authorization to work from IRCC using the IRCC Webform submitted in the prescribed form, and have received a letter from IRCC granting interim authorization to work. |
Transition to Online Applications for Permanent Residence Since September 2022, most applications for permanent residence must be submitted online. Applications that must now be submitted online include:
You can request an exemption to allow you to file by paper if required. Applicants must use the PR Portal Representatives must use the PR Representative Portal There are many known technical issues with the IRCC PR Portal and PR Representative Portal. These can be extremely difficult to navigate. Express Entry applications continue to be filed through the IRCC Secure Portal (self-represented applicants) or the Authorized Representative Portal. News Release: Transitioning to online applications for permanent residence |
Temporary special measures in response to the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria (April 18, 2023)
Who: Turkish and Syrian citizens in Canada In Force: March 29, 2023 Expires: September 25, 2023 Effective March 29, 2023, Turkish and Syrian citizens in Canada as visitors, foreign workers, and students are able to apply online for up to a 3 year public policy open work permit. They will also receive priority processing on their applications. IRCC is also waiving certain fees for Turkish and Syrian citizen, including
The application to amend or extend status must be submitted online and must follow IRCC’s specific instructions for inclusion in the program. News Release: Canada announces support for Turkish and Syrian temporary residents |
Temporary Public Policy for Iranians in Canada as Temporary Residents (February 23, 2023) Who:Iranian citizens in Canada In Force: March 1, 2023 (retroactive to February 9, 2022) Expires: February 28, 2024 Effective March 1, 2023, Iranian citizens in Canada as visitors, foreign workers, and students are able to apply for a new permit to extend or amend their status. They will also receive priority processing on their applications. Iranian citizens in Canada will also be eligible for a three-year open work permit. This include dual citizens of Iran in Canada as temporary residents. IRCC is also waiving certain fees for Iranians who wish to extend their status, including
The application to amend or extend status must be submitted online and must follow IRCC’s specific instructions for inclusion in the program. News Release: Canada announces support for Iranian temporary residents Temporary public policy for nationals of Iran in Canada as temporary residents Program Delivery Update: Temporary Special Measures to Support Iranian Nationals How Iranians can Apply - Situation in Iran: Temporary immigration, passport and citizenship measures |
Temporary Public Policy to allow for extension of Post-Graduation Work Permits for up to 18 months (March 17, 2023) Who: Current and former PGWP holders whose permits expired/will expire between September 20, 2021 and December 31, 2023 In Force: April 6, 2023 (retroactive to February 9, 2022) Expires: December 31, 2023 Current and former PGWP holders whose permits expired/will expire between September 20, 2021 and December 31, 2023 are eligible to apply online for an open work permit. The process depends on the place of application and whether the applicant received an invitation to “opt-in” from IRCC. The duration of the open work will depend on whether the PGWP is still valid at the time of application and the date of passport expiry. There is a maximum duration of 18 months. Applicants who applied under a previous public policy for PGWP are eligible for this open work permit if their original PGWP expired on or after September 20, 2021, and on or before December 31, 2023. Ensure you follow IRCC’s “Special Instructions for this public policy” including:
|
Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on twitter for the latest in immigration news.
Comments