Temporary residence: COVID-19 program delivery

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

These program delivery instructions are aligned with the Ministerial Instructions (MIs) that are in effect from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023. Under the current MIs, 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 the application must be submitted using electronic means (meaning applicants must apply online). However, applicants who, because of a disability, are unable to submit an application using electronic means will continue to be exempt from the requirement to submit their application online. In addition, the following 2 groups of temporary residence applicants who apply from outside Canada are exempt from the requirement to submit an application online:

These instructions are interim procedures to enable staff to process new and existing applications from visitors, workers and international students who are exempt from the travel restrictions because of the purpose of their travel. They will end when the travel restrictions are discontinued and IRCC offices resume regular operations.

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