Biometrics exemption for temporary residence applicants in Canada
You are exempt from giving biometrics if you’re applying from within Canada as a temporary measure. For example if you applied for the following: to extend your stay as a student, for a work or study permit, for a visitor record extension, for a temporary resident permit, to restore your stay as a student, worker or visitor and to restore your status as a student, worker or visitor.
Restoration of Status
If it’s been less than 90 days since your status expired, you can apply to restore your status.
If it’s been more than 90 days since your status expired, you have until December 31, 2020 to apply to restore your status if your status expired after January 30, 2020 and you are still in Canada.
Travel exemptions and restrictions for international students
International students are exempt from the travel restrictions and are able to enter Canada if they are travelling for a non-discretionary or non-optional purpose AND has a valid study permit, or were approved for a study permit on or before March 18, 2020 or coming from the United States.
International Students already in Canada
Compliance with study permit conditions
If your in-class courses are being temporarily moved to an online-only format or suspended completely because of COVID-19, you are still compliant with your study permit conditions if you: stay enrolled in your designated learning institution (DLI), and continue to take part in your studies online, if your DLI is offering them. If your DLI closes
permanently due to COVID-19, you have 150 days to: enroll in a program of study at a new DLI, change your status to a worker or visitor, or leave Canada.
Express Entry applicants
Applicants now have 90 days to submit their Express Entry application after receiving the invitation to apply (ITA).
Permanent residence applications that are currently in process
If you are missing documents due to COVID-19 for example police certificates, biometrics, passports, medical exam. IRCC will not close or refuse your application in progress, IRCC will automatically give you an extra 90 days to submit the documents from the deadline in the request letter, IRCC will extend the deadline for another 90 until you can obtain the documents there is no need to contact IRCC to get an extension and once you receive the required document send it to IRCC as soon as possible to avoid further delays.
If you have questions regarding the above article you may contact Marjorie at [email protected]
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not a legal advice. To ensure your interests are protected, retain or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of ICCRC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCIC’s.
