Urgent applications for temporary residence are to be actioned by IRCC offices in China, Hong Kong, Ankara and Manila (processing office for South Korea).
Due to travel bans from neighbouring countries, Iranian citizens may be unable to access VACs or IRCC offices to submit biometrics, attend interviews, do medical examinations, etc. However, applicants in Iran may still submit online applications only.
Due to the VAC closures in China, applicants will be unable to provide their biometrics or to submit their original travel document for visa issuance through the VAC; however, applicants in China may still submit online applications only. Applicants with temporary residence applications in progress may contact the VAC Contact Centre for additional details, by phone at +86 4000 88 66 37.
CHINA:
Temporary residence applicants in China who have an urgent travel request are asked to submit an online application and then flag the application to IRCC Beijing for urgent processing at beijing-immigration@international.gc.ca. These applications will be addressed on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the migration officer.
IRAN:
Temporary residence applicants in Iran who have an urgent travel request are asked to submit an online application and then flag the application to IRCC using the web form for urgent processing. Clients should select “No” in response to the question, “Is your application being processed by an office OUTSIDE Canada?” and then complete the enquiry form.
CHINA:
Permanent residents who may require a permanent resident travel document to return to Canada should contact the VAC Contact Centre for additional instructions. Applicants requesting urgent travel outside of China should be directed to contact IRCC Beijing in exceptional cases only (email). Permanent residents are being asked to submit their PRTD applications directly to the embassy by commercial courier.
IRAN:
Permanent residents who may require a PRTD to return to Canada should contact IRCC via the web form. Clients outside Canada should select “Yes” in response to the question, “Is your application being processed by an office OUTSIDE Canada?” and then select “Turkey – Ankara” as the visa office processing their application. Applicants requesting urgent travel outside of Iran should be directed to contact IRCC Ankara in exceptional cases only (email). Permanent residents are being asked to submit applications directly to the embassy by courier.
Approved permanent residence applications (COPR and PRV):
Permanent residence applicants who are in possession of a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) and permanent resident visa (PRV) and inform us, by submitting a web form to IRCC, that they are unable to travel within the validity of their documentation should be processed as follows:
In an effort to reduce the number of cancelled COPRs and PRVs, a note should be placed in the file explaining that the applicant is unable to travel, and the file should be brought forward to the expiration date of the COPR and PRV. If the applicant informs IRCC that they can travel prior to the COPR and PRV expiration, they are encouraged to use their existing COPR and PRV to land.
If the applicant informs IRCC via the web form that they were unable to travel after the expiration of their COPR and PRV, or if they were unable to travel prior to expiration, officers are to re-open the application, and it should be brought forward for review in 90 days.
Once the applicant informs IRCC via the web form that they are able to travel, a re-opened application may be re-approved provided that the applicant and their family members, whether accompanying or not, have valid immigration medical examinations, criminal and security checks and passports.
If the 60-day waiting period elapses and the applicant has not informed us that they are able to travel, a note should be placed in the application, and it should be brought forward for review for an additional 60 days
There is no fee waiver for any temporary residence applications or extensions. Foreign nationals who are in Canada and whose temporary resident status may soon expire may apply for an extension so that they may maintain their temporary resident status in Canada. As per current guidelines, applicants must apply online and must meet all requirements, including associated fees.
Foreign nationals who have an extension application currently in progress will benefit from implied status and may remain in Canada until a decision is rendered on their application; therefore, expedited processing is not required.
Restoration: Foreign nationals whose temporary resident status has expired may apply for restoration. They must pay the associated fee.
The officer proceeds with the assessment of the application (medical results, bona fides, etc.).
If all other requirements are met, the officer issues a visitor record (or appropriate permit) outlining the conditions for the restoration of status. The document is mailed to the client.
The Minister’s delegate decides on a disposition for the case. The following options are available:
