Ministerial Instructions 41 (MI41): Ministerial Instructions with respect to the submission of online applications for temporary resident visas and other documents due to reduced processing capacity during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

Ministerial Instructions with respect to the submission of online applications for temporary resident visas and other documents due to reduced processing capacity during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

These Instructions are published in the Canada Gazette, in accordance with subsection 87.3(6) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

These Instructions are given, pursuant to section 87.3 and subsections 92(1.1) and (2) by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration as, in the opinion of the Minister, these Instructions will best support the attainment of the immigration goals established by the Government of Canada.

These Instructions are consistent with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act objectives, as laid out in section 3, and are compliant with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Authority for these Ministerial Instructions is pursuant to section 87.3 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Instructions are directed to officers who are charged with handling and/or reviewing certain applications for temporary residence by establishing conditions that must be met before the processing of an application or request.

considerations:

Recognizing the declaration by the World Health Organization regarding the pandemic of COVID-19 (Coronavirus);

Recognizing how the related response measures have reduced Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada’s capacity for processing applications, both in Canada and overseas;

Noting that Canada’s immigration objectives, as laid out in section 3 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, include the establishment of fair and efficient procedures, to maintain the integrity of the Canadian immigration system.

scope

These Instructions apply to new applications for Temporary Resident Visas, work permits and study permits, submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on or after the coming into force of these Instructions.

Applications Submitted from Outside Canada to be Submitted by Electronic Means - Temporary Residence

All applications for a Temporary Resident Visa (including a Transit Visa), a work permit, or a study permit submitted by foreign nationals who are outside Canada at the time of application must be submitted using electronic means (apply online).

A foreign national who, because of a disability is unable to meet a requirement to make an application, submit any document or provide a signature or information using electronic means, may do so by any other means that is made available or specified by the Minister for that purpose.

Retention/Disposition

Applications received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on or after the coming into force of the Instructions that were not submitted by electronic means, will not be accepted and processing fees will be returned, except in the case of foreign nationals who, for reason of disability, submit an application by any other means that is made available or specified by the Minister for that purpose.

effective date

These Instructions take effect on July 1, 2020 and expire September 30, 2020.