Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is advising certain applicants to resubmit their visitor visa applications if they were originally submitted before September 7. This update stems from changes in border entry policies that took effect on that date.
According to guidance on IRCC’s official portal, travelers who submitted visitor visa applications prior to September 7 and still intend to come to Canada for essential reasons are asked to submit a new application. These applicants should apply through the IRCC portal and, if possible, include their previous application number and updated information.
IRCC has listed specific categories of travelers who are encouraged to reapply. These include individuals:
– Reuniting with family members in Canada (both permanent and temporary residents),
– Visiting for business,
– Traveling for compassionate reasons such as funerals or critical illness of loved ones,
– Joining a marine crew,
– Holding diplomatic roles or accompanying immediate family members of diplomats,
– Managing the affairs related to victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752.
It’s important to note that submitting a new application will result in the withdrawal of the previous one. IRCC has stated there is no guarantee of a refund for the prior application, nor will applicants receive withdrawal confirmation letters.
Those who no longer plan to travel to Canada can formally request to withdraw their application through a web form. However, a refund is not assured in those cases either.
This move aligns with IRCC’s broader efforts to adapt procedures in response to the easing of border measures, which officially began on September 7, 2021. The updated approach aims to streamline the processing of visitor visas under current immigration and health policies.
To enter Canada temporarily, most foreign nationals require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), unless they are from visa-exempt countries. This covers tourists, international students, and temporary foreign workers, among others. TRVs are issued by Canadian immigration offices and typically allow a stay of up to six months.
However, having a TRV does not guarantee automatic entry at the Canadian border. Border officials retain discretion to deny entry if the traveler cannot demonstrate the visit is temporary and they intend to leave Canada before the visa expires. Additional requirements such as biometrics, medical exams, and proof of financial support may also apply to some applicants, depending on their country of origin and the nature of their visit.
Maple News encourages all visitors impacted by this update to take immediate action, resubmit their applications if necessary, and stay informed on evolving travel regulations.