On June 29, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made an important announcement regarding a new temporary public policy. IRCC is speeding up the processing of visitor visa and super visa applications.
This policy aims to address the backlog of visitor visa and super visa applications while enhancing Canada’s appeal to visitors, families, and business people. In this article, we will explore the key details of this policy and how it can benefit applicants.
Jump to:
Background and Purpose:
Canada is renowned for welcoming millions of tourists, business persons, and families each year, contributing significantly to its economy and fostering international connections. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions, the processing of visitor visas and super visas faced significant delays, leading to a considerable backlog of applications.
To revitalize the economy and ensure families can reunite, the Canadian government has taken a proactive step by introducing a temporary public policy. The primary objective of this policy is to streamline the processing of visitor visa and super visa applications, reducing the backlog and returning to pre-pandemic processing timelines.
Eligibility Requirements for Visitor Visa and Super Visa Applicants:
To benefit from the new temporary public policy, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. Here are the key requirements:
Visitor Visa Applicants:
- Submitted the temporary resident visa application on or before January 16, 2023.
- Age of 18 years or older on January 16, 2023.
- No previous refusals of temporary resident visas, study permits, work permits, or permanent resident visas in the four years preceding the application (unless subsequently approved).
- Used appropriate application forms and not specific electronic forms for emergency travel authorization or super visa requests.
- Seeking a visa for the first time following the facilitation under this policy.
Know more about Temporary Residency in Canada
Super Visa Applicants:
- Must be parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Canada.
- Submitted the super visa application on or before January 16, 2023.
- Must meet the same eligibility requirements as visitor visa applicants.
Exemptions Granted:
- Under this policy, certain provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations may be exempted.
- Exemptions include requirements related to financial inadmissibility and establishing departure by the end of the authorized stay.
Automation and Streamlined Processing:
To expedite the processing of applications, the Canadian immigration department has implemented advanced analytics and automated tools.
These tools assist in sorting and processing applications, reducing repetitive tasks and optimizing efficiency.
It is important to note that the automated tools do not make decisions to refuse applications; the final decision lies with the immigration officers.
Canada Expands Visa-Free Travel Program for 13 Countries: Exciting Announcement by IRCC Minister
Tips for Smooth Application Processing:
To ensure your application goes through smoothly under the new temporary public policy, consider the following tips:
- Complete Application Forms: Make sure to fill out all the required application forms accurately and provide all necessary information.
- Submit Supporting Documentation: Gather and submit all the required supporting documents along with your application to avoid delays.
- Explanation Letter for Unusual Aspects: If your application includes any unexpected or unusual circumstances, provide a clear explanation letter to help the immigration officers understand your situation better.
Conclusion:
The introduction of the new temporary public policy by IRCC is a significant step towards reducing the backlog of visitor visa and super visa applications in Canada.
By streamlining eligibility requirements and utilizing automated processing tools, the government aims to expedite the processing times and enhance Canada’s competitiveness on the global stage.
If you are planning to apply for a visitor visa or super visa, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and follow the guidelines provided to maximize your chances of a smooth application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long will the new temporary public policy be in effect?
The new temporary public policy, aimed at speeding up the processing of visitor visa and super visa applications, will be in effect until December 31, 2023.
Q2. Can I benefit from the policy if I applied for a visa after January 16, 2023?
No, the policy applies only to visitor visa or super visa applications submitted on or before January 16, 2023.
Q3. Will I be exempt from the financial inadmissibility requirement for visitor visas under this new policy?
Yes, the new policy provides an exemption to waive off the “requirement for a foreign national not to be inadmissible for financial reasons,” which was one of the common refusal reasons for visitor visas.
Q4. How does the automated processing system work?
The automated processing system utilizes advanced analytics and machine learning to sort and process temporary resident visa applications. It helps eliminate repetitive tasks and speeds up the distribution of decisions, but the final decision is always made by the immigration officers.
Q5. What documents do I need to submit with my application?
To ensure smooth processing of your application, it is important to submit all required supporting documents. These may include your passport, proof of financial resources, travel itineraries, and any other documents specified in the application guidelines.
Related Articles: