Online-only applications for temporary resident visas

Summary#

These are the Ministerial Instructions with respect to the submission of online applications for temporary resident visas and other documents under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. They require most people who are outside Canada and who apply for a temporary resident visa, work permit, or study permit to apply online starting April 1, 2023.

What it does#

• Requires all new applications for a temporary resident visa (including transit visas), a work permit, or a study permit from people who are outside Canada to be submitted by electronic means (apply online) as of April 1, 2023.
• Allows specific exceptions to the online-only rule:
  • people outside Canada who cannot apply online because of a disability and need an accommodation;
  • people holding certain identity or travel documents described in the rules (documents issued to non‑national residents, refugees or stateless persons who cannot get a passport from their country of citizenship);
  • people applying for a work permit to do seasonal agricultural work under an international agreement or arrangement.
• States that applications received on or after the coming-into-force date that were not submitted online will not be accepted and processing fees will be returned, except for the allowed exceptions.
• Repeals the earlier related instruction (Ministerial Instructions 51) effective March 31, 2023.

Who's affected#

• Foreign nationals outside Canada who want a temporary resident visa, a work permit, or a study permit.
• Employers and recruiters who bring people in on work permits, especially for seasonal agricultural arrangements.
• Immigration representatives and service providers who help people apply from abroad.
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada staff who handle and review these applications (they must follow the new conditions).

Why it matters#

• Most people applying from outside Canada will now need to use the online system. That changes how applications are prepared and submitted.
• People who lack internet access, have disabilities, or hold certain travel documents should check whether they qualify for an exception.
• Fees for paper or other non-electronic applications submitted after April 1, 2023 will be returned, so applicants should avoid submitting by non-approved means unless they meet an exception.