Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada started moving to digital PR applications to address the backlogs in the system.
In its announcement, the IRCC confirmed that candidates living in Canada will be exempt from the criterion of a medical examination. The exemption will cover candidates applying for permanent or temporary residence.
The exemption from the medical examination will help around 180,000 individuals who are in Canada. It will expedite the processing of their applications besides saving expenses for medical exams and time.
Hon. Sean Fraser, Minister for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, remarked that Canada commits itself to reinforce the immigration system by embracing digital technology. The shift to the online application system for Permanent Residence applications will help speed up the processing, besides simplifying the application procedures. The new permanent residents and citizens deserve faster and better immigration services.
IRCC is geared to announce ambitious estimates for faster processing of immigration applications. The processing times for applications will become more predictable from the fall. The new modernization and digitalization measures aim at prompt processing and a better experience for applicants.
Candidates applying for the following immigration pathways must submit online applications.
- PNPs (non-Express Entry)
- Sponsoring family members such as a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
- Adoption through immigration
- Sponsoring Parents or grandparent
Applicants with disabilities requiring accommodation may contact IRCC for an optional format. IRCC will return paper applications sent after the transition date to applicants.
