IRCC suspending processing Study Permit till 30 June

[amsanae]

Ministerial Instructions 40 (MI40): Ministerial Instructions with respect to the processing of certain new and existing applications for temporary residence
Ministerial Instructions with respect to the processing of certain new and existing applications for temporary residence to further support Government wide measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
These Instructions are published in the Canada Gazette, in accordance with subsection 87.3(6) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

These Instructions are given, pursuant to section 87.3 and subsections 92(1.1) and (2) by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration as, in the opinion of the Minister, these Instructions will best support the attainment of the immigration goals established by the Government of Canada.

These Instructions are consistent with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act objectives, as laid out in section 3, and are compliant with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Authority for these Ministerial Instructions is pursuant to section 87.3 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Instructions are directed to officers who are charged with handling and/or reviewing certain applications for temporary residence.

considerations:
Recognizing the declaration by the World Health Organization regarding the pandemic of COVID-19 (Coronavirus);

Recognizing also that the increased spread of the disease would pose an imminent and severe risk to public health in Canada;

Recognizing also that the entry of persons into Canada who have been in a foreign country may contribute to the spread of the disease in Canada;

Recognizing how the related response measures have reduced Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada’s capacity for processing applications, both in Canada and overseas;

Noting that Canada’s immigration objectives, as laid out in section 3 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, include the protection of the health and safety of Canadians; and

Recognizing that in order to meet the objective of protecting the health and safety of Canadians, these Instructions are to operate consistently with two Emergency Orders under the Quarantine Act: Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States), and Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States), as well as the Interim Order to Prevent Certain Persons from Boarding Flights to Canada due to COVID-19, made pursuant to the Aeronautics Act. These Orders restrict travel to and entry to Canada.

To view the language of the Emergency Orders issued under the Quarantine Act, including details regarding foreign nationals whose entry to Canada is not prohibited by these Orders, please consult the Orders in Council online database. For the text of the Interim Order issued under the Aeronautics Act, please consult the webpage on the COVID-19 measures, updates, and guidance issued by Transport Canada.

This information is also published on the Canada Gazette.

scope
These Instructions apply to certain applications for Temporary Resident Visas, work permits, study permits, and Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs) received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada before the coming into force of these Instructions, and in respect of which a final decision has not been made, and to certain new applications received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on or after the coming into force of these Instructions.

Any categories for which Instructions are not specifically issued shall continue to be processed.

Applications Submitted from Outside Canada to be Submitted by Electronic Means - Temporary Residence
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 application must be submitted using electronic means (apply online).

A foreign national who, because of a disability is unable to meet a requirement to make an application, submit any document or provide a signature or information using electronic means, may do so by any other means that is made available or specified by the Minister for that purpose.

Temporary Suspension on Processing of Certain Applications for Temporary Resident Visas and Electronic Travel Authorizations for Visitors
Applications for Temporary Resident Visas for visitors that were received before the coming into force of these Instructions and in respect of which a final decision has not been made, and those that are received on or after the coming into force of the Instructions, will not be processed while these Instructions are in effect, unless they pertain to foreign nationals who are not prohibited from entering Canada or from boarding an aircraft for a flight to Canada, per the Emergency Orders under the Quarantine Act, and the Interim Order under the Aeronautics Act, referenced above.

Any eTA applications that require processing by any means other than the electronic automated system will not be processed while these Instructions are in effect, unless they pertain to foreign nationals who are not prohibited from entering Canada or from boarding an aircraft for a flight to Canada, per the Emergency Orders under the Quarantine Act, and the Interim Order under the Aeronautics Act referenced above.

Retention/Disposition
Applications received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on or after the coming into force of the Instructions that were not submitted by electronic means, will not be accepted and processing fees will be returned, except in the case of foreign nationals who, for reason of disability, submit an application by any other means that is made available or specified by the Minister for that purpose.

Applications received electronically but otherwise subject to these Instructions that were received prior to the coming into force of the Instructions, and in respect of which a final decision has not been made, and those that are received on or after the coming into force, will be retained and processing fees shall not be returned, as these Instructions are temporary in nature.

effective period
These Instructions take effect on June 10, 2020 and expire on June 30, 2020.

Marco E.L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Dated at Ottawa, June 09, 2020

Thanks!

 

[optimisticky]

It didn't say "don't apply". They are still accepting applications for study permit, but processing is suspended until June 30. It has been for a while, they just keep extending it. But you can still submit to be processed when processing resumes. Only visitor visas are not allowed for now.

No, it does say "Don't apply" very clearly. Pls refer to this page: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/apply-visit-work-student.html

 

[Alwayssuccessful!]

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/ircc-resumes-processing-1-july-2020.html


COVID-19 update: IRCC resuming processing of online applications for visitor visas and eTAs, but travel restrictions remain
Ottawa, June 30, 2020 – As of July 1, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will once again process online applications for visitor visas (including transit visas) and electronic travel authorizations (eTAs), to the extent possible.

Resuming processing and making final decisions where possible on visitor applications will help IRCC ensure future processing times aren’t significantly impacted and help expedite people’s travel when the travel restrictions are lifted.

However, due to current travel restrictions, applicants should keep in mind that, even if they apply and get a visitor visa or eTA, most people will not be able to travel to Canada at this time.

IRCC also continues to process study permit and work permit applications submitted online and permanent residence applications, to the extent possible. Paper applications for visitor visas, study permits and work permits will not be processed until further notice.

Measures have been put in place to make sure applicants have the time they need to complete all the steps in the application process, including giving their biometrics. Some visa application centres (VACs) are starting to reopen. Applicants can check the website for info on the VAC closest to them, so they can book an appointment to give their biometrics as soon as they’re able.

Those who are eligible to travel to Canada at this time must have a plan to quarantine for 14 dayswhen they arrive in Canada. This is mandatory, even if they have no symptoms. Those who don’t have a plan should not travel to Canada.

We’ll continue to provide updates on further processing changes, including when the travel restrictions will be lifted.