Special measures to help applicants in China, Iran and South Korea affected by the novel coronavirus

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread globally, more foreign nationals are experiencing difficulties when applying to come to Canada temporarily or permanently due to travel restrictions and service disruptions.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has put in place special measures for applicants in China, Iran, and South Korea to provide flexibility to clients who are unable to comply with their requirements.

Canadian Citizenship Applicants:
‍If you are unable to travel to Canada and you will miss a citizenship event or appointment, you must inform IRCC within 30 days of missing the event or appointment. These events and appointments include:

• The knowledge test
• A retest
• The interview
• A hearing
• Taking the Oath of Citizenship

Applicants Approved for Permanent Residence:
‍If you’ve been approved for permanent residence but cannot travel to Canada before your documents expire you must inform IRCC. Further details will be given to you regarding restarting the processing of your permanent residence application.

Applicants Applying for Temporary Residence:
‍IRCC will not refuse an application if you cannot complete the next step, which includes:

• Submitting your passport or supporting documents, such as a police certificate
• Completing immigration medical examination
• Giving your biometrics

IRCC will grant an extra 90 days to complete these steps. No application will be refused or closed due to lack of documentation.

If you need to travel to Canada urgently, please contact our office.

A cautionary note
The foregoing provides only an overview and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, specific legal advice should be obtained.