September 1, 2022 – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is transitioning 19 permanent immigration programs to 100% online applications. As per IRCC, this transition is to modernize Canada’s immigration system and enhance client service.
Some applicants were able to apply online for permanent immigration programs using the Permanent Residence Portal since March 31, 2021. It gives applicants more flexibility to get immediate confirmation on their application.
This portal is currently open to most permanent residence programs and is further expanding. Following the schedule listed in the later part of the article, the IRCC will start moving 19 permanent residency programs’ application processes to 100% digital.
However, if an applicant cannot apply online or needs accommodations can request an alternative format. Offline applications received after the transition dates will be returned. IRCC will share more details on the alternative submission procedure later.
Transition to 100% online will be beginning on September 23, 2022, starting with 8 PR programs. The whole switch to 100% digitalization of 19 PR programs is projected to complete by October 28, 2022.
| Date | Category |
| September 23, 2022 | 1. Provincial nominee program (non-Express Entry) 2. Quebec-selected skilled workers 3. Sponsoring a spouse or partner 4. Sponsoring a dependent child 5. Sponsoring an eligible relative 6. Sponsoring an orphaned sibling, niece or nephew, or grandchild 7. Adopting a child through the immigration process 8. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot |
| October 7, 2022 | 9. Quebec-selected investors 10. Quebec-selected entrepreneurs 11. Self-employed people (Quebec) |
| October 14, 2022 | 12. Agri-food pilot 13. Start-up visa 14. Temporary resident permit holders applying for permanent residence October |
| October 21, 2022 | 15. Home Support Worker Pilot 16. Home Child Care Provider Pilot (reopens to new applications on January 1, 2023) 17. Humanitarian and compassionate grounds 18. Self-employed people (federal) |
| October 28, 2022 | 19. Atlantic Immigration Program |
