Canada Extends Online Processing And Adds Exemptions For Visas And eTAs

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently made an announcement assuring candidates that they will continue to process online temporary resident visa (TRV) applications as well as electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) until next year.

IRCC is planning to process applications submitted by applicants for eTAs and temporary resident visas as long as all the required documents have been submitted virtually prior to January 31, 2021. Moreover, certain new categories of applicants are now a part of the list of those who have been exempted from submitting TRV applications online.

New measures

The current rules state that foreign nationals should submit their applications for work permits, temporary resident visas, or study permits electronically if they are outside Canada at the time of the submission. The candidates who were not able to complete their online application submission because of a disability were already considered exempt from this requirement and will continue to be so.

Two new applicant groups for temporary residence will be excluded from the compulsory online submission requirement from October 1, 2020. These include:

• foreign nationals who have an identity or travel document of the type issued by their country since they are unable to get a passport or other travel documents
• applicants who are a part of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program

Other considerations

The Canadian government has further clarified that they will continue to give priority to people who can travel despite the current travel restrictions. Both old and new applications will be taken into consideration.

Applicants will have to satisfy all the eligibility requirements listed under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) if they want to be approved. Candidates who submitted their application before the travel restrictions and want to be assessed on a priority basis should get in touch with IRCC.