Canada has been constantly putting efforts to upgrade its immigration systems and processes. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been gradually transitioning from paper-based applications to online applications for Permanent Residency programs. The aim to shift the offline applications to 100% digitization began since the launch of the fully-online Express Entry system, back in 2015. Online applications for permanent immigration programs using the Permanent Residence Portal, gives more flexibility to applicants to apply, track their applications and to get confirmation of submission of their applications to IRCC. Currently, this portal is open to most permanent residence programs and continues to expand.
From September 23, 2022, IRCC will start moving nineteen Permanent Residency application processes to complete digital application. This means that applicants applying under these nineteen categories must apply online. Initially only 8 categories will be transitioned to 100% online. The remaining programs are expected to be transitioned completely by the end of October 2022.
The categories that are scheduled for transition from 23rd Sep.’22 are as under:
· Provincial nominee program (non-Express Entry)
· Quebec-selected skilled workers (including the Quebec Experience Program)
· Sponsoring a spouse or partner
· Sponsoring a dependent child
· Sponsoring an eligible relative
· Sponsoring an orphaned sibling, niece or nephew, or grandchild
· Adopting a child through the immigration process
· Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
Next 3 programs that are scheduled to be transitioned on 7th Oct.’22 are as under:
· Quebec-selected investors
· Quebec-selected entrepreneurs
· Self-employed people (Quebec)
Further, from 14th Oct.,’22, following programs will be transitioned:
· Agri-food pilot
· Start-up visa
· Temporary resident permit holders applying for permanent residence
The programs that are scheduled for transition on 21st Oct.,’22 are as under:
· Home Support Worker Pilot
· Home Child Care Provider Pilot (reopens to new applications on January 1, 2023)
· Humanitarian and compassionate grounds
· Self-employed people (federal)
Lastly, from 28th Oct.,’22, the Atlantic Immigration Program’s transition will be completed. In cases where applicants are not able to apply online and require accommodations, including for a disability, they can request the IRCC for an alternative format. To know more about applying online under either of the above mentioned categories, please contact our Immigration expert by writing to us on info(at)exultimmigrations(dot)com.
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