The Canadian government regularly issues travel advisory for people traveling to and from Canada, especially during the times of pandemic. Yesterday the government made a special announcement for Visit Visa applicants who have submitted their applications before September 7, 2021, and have been waiting for a decision.
The advisory provides recommendations and next steps for these applicants.
If you are waiting a decision because you need to travel soon to Canada
In this case, the government has recommended that applicants file a new visit visa application. This can be through your representative or by yourself. Your application may be considered as urgent or requiring a quicker decision if you are applying:
- to unite with an immediate family member who is a Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act or permanent resident of Canada
- to unite with an immediate family member who is in Canada temporarily
- to unite with an extended family member who is a Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act or permanent resident of Canada.
- to visit on business (meeting, special event, training)
- to attend an end-of-life ceremony or funeral
- to be present during the final moments of life of a loved one
- to provide care to a critically ill person
- to join a vessel as a marine crew member
- to assume a posting as a diplomat or to travel as an accompanying immediate family member of a diplomat arriving on posting who will also be accredited in Canada
- to handle the affairs of a victim of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752
Immediate and extended family members
The IRCC defines immediate and extended family members as follows:
Immediate family member includes a
- spouse or common-law partner
- dependent child (yours, your spouse’s or your common-law partner’s)
- dependent child of a dependent child
- parent or step-parent (yours, your spouse’s or your common-law partner’s)
- guardian or tutor
You will not require an authorization to travel and exemption that you need to travel.
Extended family member includes a
- non-dependent child (adult child)
- grandchild (dependent child of a non-dependent adult child)
- sibling, half-sibling or step-sibling
- grandparent
If you have a relationship with a Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act or permanent resident of Canada, you may be considered as an extended family member provided you can prove that you are in an exclusive relationship for more than a year and have spent time together at some point in the relationship, and that you are both above the age of 18 years.
Resubmitting the application
When resubmitting your application, it is important to submit up to date information and documents, as it is a fresh application. Please note once this application is received, your previous application will be withdrawn, though if the application is already in process, there is no guarantee of a refund for the previous application, and you will not receive a notice of withdrawal for your previous application.
If you do not intend to travel immediately
In this case, you may not take any action. Your application will remain in queue for processing with the IRCC.
If you no longer intend to visit Canada
In this situation it is advised that you withdraw your application by placing a withdrawal request through the IRCC web form. However, please note that if processing has started, there is no guarantee of refund.
Are you looking to apply for a Visitor Visa to Canada? Speak with us today.
Reference:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/visitors/visa.html
