Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to process visa and electronic travel authorization (eTA) applications for those exempted from travel restrictions, particularly for temporary foreign workers who are essential to medical services and food supply chain services. 

Last April 10, 2020, the IRCC also announced that they will continue to process study permit applications “to the extent possible” ahead of the fall academic term. 

Instead of the allotted 30 days, study permit applications have now been given an extension of 90 days to provide biometric data, as due to special measures in place to abate the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, many visa application centers that provide this service have been temporarily closed

Only students with study permits issued prior to travel restrictions taking effect on March 18, 2020 are allowed to enter Canada. 

Permanent residency applications continue to be processed as well. However, permanent residents who were approved prior to March 16, 2020, are allowed to enter Canada. 

With the current travel restrictions in place, the processing of non-essential visitor visas are suspended/ 

With the global spread of COVID-19, new immigration measures have been introduced for foreign nationals, in particular for foreign workers, their families, and international students. IRCC has announced a number of exemptions despite these recent developments, and has continued to process applications submitted under their immgiration programs. 

Workers, students, and visitors who qualify for exemptions are encouraged to apply online.