Foreign nationals currently residing in Canada on temporary resident visas may be able to apply to extend their stay. 

Temporary residents unable to leave Canada due to COVID-19 restrictions may now apply for a visa extension, provided they can offer Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) a valid explanation for remaining in Canada. 

Those who wish to apply may do so online, prior to the expiration of their current temporary resident status. Biometric fees are included in the application. 

Temporary residents with a pending extension application will be allowed to stay in Canada until a decision is made regarding their application. This means that applicants will benefit from maintained status, and will not need to expedite their application process. 

As part of the approval process, immigration officers are required to check whether or not international air travel is possible, as well as whether or not commercial flights to the applicant’s country of origin or destination are open. 

Immigration officers have also been informed to refund biometric fees if biometrics are unnecessary for an applicant’s temporary resident extension.

As for foreign nationals who have lost their temporary resident status, they have up to 90 days after their status has expired to apply for a restoration. 

In order to remain eligible for restoration, the foreign national must meet the following requirements: 

• You must have a valid temporary status between January 30, 2020 and May 31, 2021. 
• You must have lost your status during the stated period. 
• You must have stayed in Canada since your initial entry. 

Foreign nationals must also pay a processing fee of $200.

If an applicant is eligible for restoration of their temporary resident status and meets all the requirements necessary, they will be mailed a visitor record or permit regarding the conditions of their restoration status.

However, if an applicant is ineligible for restoration, a Minister’s delegate will either issue a departure order, call an admissibility hearing for the case, or allow the foreign national to remain in Canada.

If you’re interested in learning more about the pathways to permanent residency in Canada, register to one of our private online discussions for more information. Register to an orientation for free here.

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