It’s been an exciting time in the immigration world with many welcome changes and public policy announcements in the last few days. Here are a few to note:
- Biometrics
With Service Canada centres being closed since March 27th, we’re happy to inform you that applicants physically in Canada applying for temporary residence are now temporarily exempt from the requirement to provide biometrics. This exemption applies to both new and in-progress applications. Unfortunately, it does not apply to permanent residence applications
Individuals with pending temporary residence applications who have been awaiting the re-opening of Service Canada centres do not need to take any further action. IRCC will apply the exemption to all applications and has stated that they will provide a refund for the biometric fee.
- Restoration Period and Interim Work Authorization
As of July 14th, temporary residents in Canada whose status expired after January 30, 2020 will now be exempted from the requirement to submit restoration applications within 90-days and will have until December 31, 2020 to apply for restoration.
Additionally, foreign nationals who (1) held a work permit in the 12-months prior to the submission of their restoration application; (2) currently have a job offer; and (3) submitted an employer-specific work permit application supported with either an LMIA or an Offer of Employment, may be able to resume working while awaiting a decision on their restoration and work permit applications. This policy applies to both new applications and those made prior to the implementation of this public policy.
- Approval-In-Principle for International Students Applying Abroad
IRCC will now be assessing and approving study permit applications abroad in 2-stages: an “approval in principle” without the biometrics and medicals completed, and the final approval once the biometrics and medicals are completed. This process will only be available to students starting a program in the Fall semester who submit a study permit application before September 15, 2020.
International Students starting a new program of study in the Fall semester will be able to begin their program online with an “approval in principle” (without having their biometrics or medicals completed) and have this time counted towards their eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). However, there is still a requirement that at least 50% of the program be completed in Canada to qualify for the PGWP.
- Definition of “Parent” for Citizenship
After a Quebec superior court ruling, IRCC has now agreed to expand the interpretation of “parent” for the purposes of Citizenship applications to include non-biological legal parents at birth. This important change means that Canadian parents whose children were born through surrogacy can pass on citizenship rights to their children.
To speak with one of our lawyers to discuss your situation, please contact us at (416) 548-9101, or by email at inquiries@lmlawgroup.com.
Yours truly,
The Team at Long Mangalji LLP
