Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will continue to process all Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) applications online into the new year. In line with Canada’s efforts to modernize and streamline visa services during the COVID-19 era, the extension also introduces new exemptions for individuals facing unique travel document or application challenges.
Under current rules, foreign nationals outside of Canada submitting applications for temporary visas, work permits, or study permits must do so electronically. However, starting October 1, 2020, two additional categories have been added to the list of those exempt from the online submission requirement:
– Foreign nationals holding specific identity or travel documents issued to non-national residents, refugees, or stateless persons who cannot acquire passports from their country of citizenship.
– Participants in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program.
These groups join existing exemptions already provided for individuals who cannot apply online due to disabilities.
As TRV processing continues, IRCC reaffirms its focus on prioritizing applications that meet current travel exemptions. Even if applicants fall under these exemptions, they must still satisfy all eligibility conditions outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). IRCC encourages individuals who applied before the introduction of travel restrictions and meet the criteria for exemption to contact the department directly with supporting information about their purpose of travel.
At the same time, non-priority TRV applications may still be reviewed and finalized based on normal procedures, meaning they could be approved or denied as usual. However, even approved applicants will receive notifications reminding them that Canadian travel restrictions remain in place and entry is not recommended unless strictly necessary.
Meanwhile, Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) applications, which facilitate visa-exempt foreign nationals entering Canada by air, must also continue to be submitted online. Applications requiring additional scrutiny will still be reviewed by IRCC agents, subject to processing capacity.
Maple News notes that these updates reflect Canada’s ongoing balance between maintaining secure borders and allowing essential travel to support its economy, particularly in agricultural and humanitarian sectors.