Operational Bulletin 498 - January 28, 2013

This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.

Closure and Transfer of Visa and Immigration Services of the Canadian Embassy in Seoul

Summary

The purpose of this Operational Bulletin is to provide information regarding the closure of the Seoul visa office, and the transfer of visa and immigration services.

Background

Effective immediately, the Visa and Immigration Section of the Canadian Embassy in Seoul are closed.

Instructions

TEMPORARY RESIDENT PROCESSING

New Applications

New Temporary Resident applications can be submitted online, unless directed otherwise by CIC.

Applications in-Process

Temporary Resident applications currently in process in Seoul will continue to be processed and finalized at that office. Applications submitted under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program have been transferred for processing to the visa office in Manila.

PERMANENT RESIDENT PROCESSING AND PERMANENT RESIDENT TRAVEL DOCUMENT PROCESSING

New Applications

New Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) applications should be submitted to the visa office in Manila.

New Economic Class applications should continue to first be submitted to the Centralized Intake Office in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada (CIO-S).

New Family Class applications should continue to first be submitted to the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (CPC-M).

As of January 30, 2013, CIO-Sydney, CPC-M, the Case Processing Centre Ottawa (CPC-O) and CPC-V should forward files previously referred to Seoul for processing to the visa office in Manila.

Applications in-Process

Applications currently in process in Seoul have been transferred to Manila for processing. All original supporting documents accompanying applications have also been transferred. Applicants who have already sent documents to the Canadian Embassy in Seoul do not need to re-send them.

External Client Enquiries

During the transition period, all efforts will be made to minimize processing delays. We ask that applicants and their representatives avoid contacting the visa office during this time. Applicants will be contacted by the visa office as soon as processing of their application is complete.

Enquiries may be directed to the appropriate visa office, or, if you are in Canada, by e-mail to question@cic.gc.ca.

Web Sites

Expiry of Directives

These directives will remain in force until further notice. Further instructions will be communicated as required.

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