IRCC launches efforts to streamline and modernize access to information and privacy system
Openness, transparency and accountability are guiding principles of the Government of Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is incorporating these principles as we improve and modernize our systems, processes and digital infrastructure to better serve our clients. IRCC takes its responsibilities and obligations under the Access to Information Act and Privacy Act very seriously. […]
Minister Mendicino announces opening of 2 new pathways to permanent residence for Hong Kong residents
The ties that bind Canada and Hong Kong run deep. The first Hong Kongers arrived here over 150 years ago, and in the years since, Hong Kongers have made incredible contributions to this country. At this difficult moment, Canada continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Hong Kong. We are deeply concerned […]
Individuals approved for permanent residence may travel to Canada as of June 21
Immigration remains crucial to addressing Canada’s longstanding demographic challenges and labour market shortages, and it will be a vital part of Canada’s post-pandemic economic recovery. Starting June 21, 2021, any foreign national who holds a valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) may travel to Canada. Under the previous rules, foreign nationals who held a valid […]
Temporary public policy exempting some foreign nationals in Canada from requiring an immigration medical exam
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has put in place a temporary public policy that exempts some low-risk, in-Canada foreign nationals from having to complete an additional immigration medical exam as part of their application for permanent residence or for a permanent resident visa. The temporary public policy is in effect until December 28, 2021, […]
New open work permit available for recent permanent residency applicants
Beginning July 26, 2021, individuals who have applied for the recently opened pathway to permanent residence (TR to PR pathway) will be eligible for an open work permit while awaiting the results of their application. The pathway to permanent residence was opened to international students who graduated from a Canadian institution, health care workers and […]
Minister Mendicino launches a dedicated refugee stream for human rights defenders
The work of human rights defenders is essential to promote and protect the human rights of people around the world. Too often, they put their own lives at risk to denounce injustices and hold the powerful to account. Our country has a long and proud tradition of providing protection to those at risk. As a […]
Easing of border measures to Canada for fully vaccinated travellers
On September 7, 2021, provided that the domestic epidemiologic situation remains favourable, the Government intends to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated travellers who have completed the full course of vaccination with a Government of Canada-accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements. As a first […]
IRCC to accept a record number of applications for the 2021 Parents and Grandparents Program
Today, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that Immigration Canada will accept up to 30,000 additional applications, giving more Canadians and permanent residents than ever before the opportunity to bring their loved ones to Canada. Starting September 20, 2021, Immigration Canada will send invitations to apply to potential […]
Canada welcomes first Afghan refugees resettled through the special immigration program
The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement: “Today, the Government of Canada is welcoming the first of a number of flights carrying Afghan refugees who provided crucial support […]
Citizenship applications can now be submitted online
Today, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched a new website tool that allows citizenship applications to be submitted online. IRCC had already been developing and testing this new tool, as part of a citizenship modernization initiative, with the goal of making the application process more efficient. The new online application is user-friendly. For example, […]
