Immigration Update: Waiver of Biometrics for In-Canada Temporary Residence Applications; Updates on International Students and Out-of-Status Foreign Nationals in Canada (July 16, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. EDT)

Waiver of Biometrics for In-Canada Temporary Residence Applications

All biometrics collection services in Canada are still suspended. IRCC has announced that applicants in Canada who are applying for temporary residence are exempt from providing biometrics. This applies to all new applications as well as those in process. This is great news for many individuals who have been waiting months for the biometrics collection services to resume. We expect to see many pending applications for extensions finalized in the coming weeks in light of this announcement.

Applicants in Canada applying for permanent residence are still required to provide biometrics when the services resume. Applicants outside Canada cannot benefit from this exemption.

Updates on International Students

IRCC has also announced new measures for international students for the Fall 2020 semester (September to December) as many learning institutions will be delivering their programs online. It will prioritize study permit applications, allow certain students to count time spent studying online towards their eligibility for a post-graduation work permit, and defer document requirements for applicants who are unable to submit a complete application. If you have any questions about study permit processing and the travel restrictions applicable to international students, please reach out to our office.

Out-of-Status Foreign Nationals in Canada

Additionally, IRCC has announced a temporary public policy allowing certain out-of-status foreign nationals in Canada until December 31, 2020 (instead of the usual 90 days) to apply for restoration of status. It also allows certain former work permit holders with job offers to work while the restoration application is in process. Normally individuals cannot work while waiting their status to be restored. This policy will remain in effect until December 31, 2020.

Travel Restrictions