Immigration applications are still being processed by IRCC. Check the updated processing times for Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs), eTAs, Study Permits, Work Permits, Permanent Residence (PR), and Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs).
Temporary Resident Visas and eTAs
Canada is suspending processing of non-essential visitor visa applications and some Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs) until April 29th, 2020 (with the potential for an extension beyond this date).
Due to the travel restrictions, only applicants who meet one of the exemption criteria and who are travelling for a non-discretionary purpose will be processed; this includes both new applications and those whose applications are currently pending.
Any applicants who submitted their TRV application prior to the travel restriction must contact IRCC through the web form to indicate how they meet the exemption criteria. They must also provide supporting documentation and comply with requests for typical documentation (e.g. police certificate). If these steps are not following, the TRV application will remain on hold.
Study Permits
IRCC will continue to process study permit applications to the extent possible in anticipation of the fall study term.
Due to COVID-19, applicants are now being given 90 days instead of the standard 30 days to give biometrics. It should be noted that only students with a study permit issued before March 18, 2020, can currently travel to Canada.
Applicants can also continue to submit study permit extension applications from within Canada.
Work Permits
Temporary workers who enter Canada as a result of an exemption will undergo the necessary health checks and must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Canada unless otherwise exempted.
Applicants outside Canada can continue to submit work permit applications. Any person who is outside Canada at the time of application must apply online. This also applies to applicants who are normally allowed to apply at the port of entry.
Workers, students and visitors (who qualify for an exemption to travel restrictions) must apply online.
Permanent Residence
Permanent residence applications continue to be processed. Only permanent residents who received approval before March 18, 2020, can currently travel to Canada.
Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs)
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is still processing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) applications. There will be delays in the processing time, especially with the 10-day speed of service for top 10 percent of wage earners.
In addition, ESDC will issue LMIAs with a 9-month validity as opposed to 6 months to provide more flexibility.
For more information:
Our Services
Calver and Associates is a leading provider of Canadian Immigration services in Durham Region. We serve clients in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, and beyond. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in the Oshawa area.
We can provide assistance with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
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