COVID-19 & PR Applicants

Disclaimer: Immigration’s rules and procedures are changing daily. Information included in this article is current as of April 24, 2020.

Immigration Canada continues processing applications for permanent residence, but at a slower pace. Landing within Canada is done virtually. It is not possible to give biometrics in Canada. Many panel physicians have stopped performing medical exams due to the pandemic.

1. If you received your Confirmation of Permanent Residence:

 If you are in Canada and if you have already received your Confirmation of Permanent Residence, you probably know that it is no longer possible to go to the nearest Immigration Canada’s office and land as a permanent resident. Last week Immigration Canada started landing people “virtually” – by e-mail. With this e-mail/confirmation that you are a permanent resident, it is possible to apply online for a Social Insurance Number, apply for Ontario health coverage, start working and access other government programs designed for Canadian permanent residents and citizens.

It will, however, take much longer to receive your first permanent resident card. Pre-pandemic it took 2-4 weeks on average to receive a PR card. Those days are gone. This means that many permanent residents will not be able to travel internationally for many months.

2. If your PR application got approved, but you did not receive the Confirmation of Permanent Residence:

It is uncertain when and how Confirmations of Permanent Residence will be issued to the people whose applications have already been approved. Before the pandemic it generally took 3-6 weeks to get this document once the passport and photos were sent to Immigration Canada. As we are facing a new practical reality, it is safe to presume that this process will take much longer.

If you are in Canada, it is important to maintain your legal status. You are not a permanent resident until you land as a PR.

3. If you are about to file your application for permanent residence:

Immigration Canada still accepts paper and online applications for permanent residence. They recognize that in this pandemic era it may not be possible to collect all relevant documents (such as: police clearance or marriage certificates). Your PR application will not be automatically returned if you are unable to obtain a document or two because of the health crisis. Notwithstanding this, it is always better to submit a perfect PR application the first time around, to avoid unnecessary processing delays.