COVID-19 Major Updates for Permanent Residence and Citizenship Applications

Mar 27, 2020 / 3 min readspscanada

Important COVID-19 Updates for Immigration Applications

Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Over the past two weeks, Canada has introduced several immigration-related changes to adapt to the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, many applicants have raised concerns about permanent residence, citizenship, and application requirements.

Below is a clear and updated summary of the most important IRCC announcements.

General Immigration Questions During COVID-19

1. What if I cannot meet one or more requirements due to COVID-19?

At present, the Government of Canada has not released special measures for every individual situation. However, IRCC has acknowledged the challenges applicants face due to COVID-19. Therefore, applicants can expect flexibility and consideration, especially when service disruptions prevent them from meeting certain eligibility criteria.

2. I have a one-year work permit and lost my job. What should I do?

Many temporary workers now face uncertainty due to layoffs. At this time, IRCC has not issued formal instructions on how it will assess work experience interruptions caused by COVID-19. Nevertheless, applicants should keep records of employment and monitor IRCC updates closely.

Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) Updates

1. Can I travel to Canada if I already received PR approval?

Yes. Canada allows applicants who received PR approval before March 16, 2020, to enter the country even if they had not travelled earlier. However, applicants must regularly check federal travel updates before booking flights.

Please note that IRCC cancelled all in-person PR landing appointments until April 13, 2020.

2. Will IRCC extend my visa expiry if I cannot travel?

Yes. If you cannot travel due to COVID-19, inform IRCC using the web form. Once travel resumes, contact IRCC again, and they will guide you on restarting the processing of your application.

3. Will my COPR or PR visa become invalid if I cannot travel?

No. If you inform IRCC that you cannot travel, your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) will remain valid.

Permanent Residence Application Updates

1. Can I still submit an Express Entry profile?

Yes. IRCC continues to accept Express Entry profiles, and both federal and provincial authorities still issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs).

2. What if I receive an ITA but miss documents?

You must submit your application within 90 days of receiving an ITA. If COVID-19 prevents you from submitting certain documents, include a letter of explanation. IRCC will place your application on hold until you can provide the missing documents.

3. Did IRCC extend the PR application deadline?

Yes. IRCC now allows 90 days to submit a PR application after receiving an ITA. This extension replaces the standard 60-day deadline.

4. Will IRCC refuse my application if I am outside Canada and miss documents?

No. If service disruptions prevent document submission, IRCC will not refuse your application, provided you inform them through the web form.

5. Are PR landing appointments cancelled?

Yes. IRCC cancelled all in-person PR landing appointments until April 13, 2020. IRCC will contact applicants by mail to reschedule.

Citizenship Application Updates

1. Will IRCC cancel citizenship appointments?

Yes. IRCC cancelled all citizenship ceremonies, tests, retests, and itinerant services until further notice. Applicants returning from affected countries must notify IRCC using the web form.

IRCC will grant:

  • 30 additional days to submit documents
  • 45 additional days for medical opinion forms

2. Will IRCC give extra time for documents like PCC, biometrics, or medicals?

Yes. IRCC may continue requesting documents, including police certificates, biometrics, passports, and medical exams. Applicants now have 90 days to respond.

If IRCC sent a request earlier and applicants could not comply, IRCC will grant another 90 days. Although biometric letters still mention 30 days, officers allow up to 90 days to complete biometrics.

Document-Specific Updates During COVID-19

English Language Tests (IELTS / CELPIP)

Maybe. IRCC accepts IELTS and CELPIP for immigration purposes. However, testing availability depends on local conditions. In Canada, IELTS tests are suspended until further notice. Applicants should check official testing websites regularly.

Education Credential Assessment (WES)

No. World Education Services (WES) suspended in-office operations. While WES continues processing existing files, it does not accept new applications at this time.

Medical Examinations

Yes, medical exams are suspended. From March 23, 2020, IRCC halted all immigration medical exams. Applicants now have 90 days to submit medical results once services resume.

Biometrics Appointments

Yes. Service Canada cancelled all in-person biometric appointments. Although IRCC still issues biometric instruction letters, applicants have 90 days to complete biometrics instead of 30.

Police Clearance Certificates (PCC)

In most cases, no. Many embassies and consulates operate at limited capacity. Some accept PCC requests by mail or phone. Therefore, applicants should contact their embassy directly to confirm availability.

Need Help During These Uncertain Times?

Immigration rules continue to evolve rapidly. If you feel unsure about your next steps, we are here to help.

Consult with a Senior Practitioner who can assess your profile and guide you correctly.

Contact SPS Canada Immigration

Start your assessment today, and let us help you overcome COVID-related immigration challenges with confidence.

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