Canadian Immigration Update: The Impact of COVID-19

NEW DELHI - June 23, 2020 - PRLog -- IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) has implemented various rules to address a few processing implications as a result of the COVID-19 scare.

IRCC has also introduced changes to a few of its processes, like postponing citizenship ceremonies and landing interviews for PR applicants, but will be done by telephone, whenever possible.

But, amid all the changes, IRCC has updated COVID-19 related Program Delivery instructions on 15th March. The officials have stated that, "Applications will not be refused for non-compliance, and all applications currently in progress at IRCC offices abroad, at case processing centers and within the Domestic Network will continue to be processed but may experience delays."

This statement issued by the IRCC clearly showcases the Canadian Government's positive approach towards immigration. Despite the whole scenario, the federal as well as provincial governments continue to accept and process applications and are launching Express Entry and PNP draws as per the regular protocol.

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Updates for foreign nationals and Canadian immigration applications

The IRCC has announced that permanent resident applicants whose applications are already approved by IRCC on or before March 18, 2020 but they haven't travelled to Canada yet are exempted from the travel restriction measures.

The applications of PR applicants who are in possession of a COPR and PRV and inform IRCC that they are unable to travel within documentation validity through a web form will be processed as follows:

· With Valid COPR and PRV: An applicant must place an explanation note in the file with a reason behind not travelling to Canada. That file should be brought forward to the COPR and PRV expiration date. If an applicant informs IRCC before COPR and PRV expiration that he or she can travel, then he or she can use the existing COPR and PRV to land in Canada.

· With expired COPR and PRV: If an applicant informs IRCC that he or she is unable to travel after or prior COPR and PRV expiration via the web form, then officers can re-open the application and brought forward the same to be reviewed within next 90 days.

Organizations that are currently in the process of obtaining a work permit for an international candidate, or supporting the entry visa application of any business visitor may expect a delay in the overall processing.