Holders Of Expired Permanent Residence Visas May Be Allowed Into Canada

The Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has sent out new guidelines for holders of expired permanent residence visas.

People who are in possession of expired permanent residence visas and Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) may be allowed to come to Canada.

Ottawa has implemented various policies for expired visa holders depending on whether they are coming from the United States or from other countries. People from outside of the United States need to have obtained their visas on or before March 18 in order to be eligible for the new measure. U.S. visa holders are eligible regardless of when they received their visa or in possession expired permanent residence visas.

Only individuals who intend to stay and settle will be allowed entry to Canada at the moment and become permanent residents. Those who want to travel to Canada temporarily and leave cannot do so now except they are exempt from the restrictions.

Travel to Canada must be non-discretionary. The federal government of Canada offers examples of the definition of non-discretionary travel on its website.

Group 1: Valid PRV and COPR and Travelling from any country other than the U.S.

Those travelling from other countries other than the United States who were given a PRV and COPR on or before March 18 which is still valid are:

• exempt from travel restriction;
• allowed to come to Canada for non-discretionary reasons with the expired document; and
• required to have an acceptable fourteen (14) day quarantine plan.

Group 2: Valid PRV and COPR and Travelling from the U.S.

Applicants may come to Canada from the United States for non-discretionary purposes to settle and live in Canada if:

• they got approval for their application;
• both their PRV and COPR have been received and are still valid; and
• they have a viable plan to quarantine for fourteen (14) days.

Group 3: Expired PRV and COPR and coming from any other country other than the U.S.

Applicants for Canada PR who are in possession of an expired COPR and PRV and who are ready to come to Canada are asked to contact IRCC using a Web form. Travellers are asked to provide the expiry date of the COPR and the non-discretionary reason(s) for their coming to the country.

After the web forms are completed and received, applicants will be directed to the appropriate processing network and will be assessed according to the following eligibility requirements:

• documents to support proof of a viable plan to settle in Canada;
• proof of a viable plan to quarantine; and their
• proposed travel details.

Group 4: Expired PRV and COPR and Travelling from the U.S.

Individuals coming from the United States with expired COPRs can travel to Canada for non-discretionary reasons only. They will be allowed to settle in Canada as permanent residents providing :

• their application was approved;
• they got their COPR and PRV; and
• they have a fourteen (14) day quarantine plan.

Are You Ready To Travel To Canada As Holder Of expired COPR and PRV?

Applicants who are in possession of an expired COPR and PRV and who are ready to come to Canada are requested to contact IRCC using a Web form. Applicants are asked to provide the expiry date of the Confirmation of Permanent residence and the non-discretionary reason(s) for their travel.

IRCC will then refer the Web Form application to the appropriate processing unit which will evaluate the application based on the following eligibility requirements.

You must gather proof that:

• you have a viable plan to stay such as documents to support your living situation in Canada (lease agreement, homeownership document, address) or employment plans in Canada (work location, a letter from employer);
• you have a viable plan to quarantine for fourteen (14) days in Canada which includes proof of funds and how you will source for groceries, medical items among other essential services; and
• you have a proposed travel plan, including, for instance, travel tickets if they already have been purchased.

You must also ensure that you and your accompanying family members meet the following requirements:

• you hold a valid COPR and PRV before March 18, 2020, but these documents have expired; no specific date for US-based applicants;
• have a strong reason to travel to Canada now: such as family reunification, need to access immediate medical care, expiring status in the United States, need to tend to non-discretionary family matters, for economic reasons, critical infrastructure support; and
• the country where you live is not subject to exit controls that limit your capability to travel to Canada.

Canada’s immigration department will give priority to clients with a proposed or confirmed travel itinerary that is detailed, or clients who show a willingness to book and confirm travel itinerary as soon as they are approved.

How To Process New Permanent Residence Applications

Currently, Canada accepting new applications for permanent residence.

New files that are incomplete due to restrictions or missing documentation will be retained and reviewed within Ninety (90) days.

However, if a new Permanent residence application lacks supporting documentation, an explanation should be provided to the application referencing service interruptions due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions.

Providing that explanation is important and may result in the application being reviewed within ninety (90) days.

Completed new applications will be processed according to normal procedures.