Temporary resident applications must be online

Summary#

These are new Ministerial Instructions made under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act that require most new applications for short‑term immigration documents to be filed online. The rule takes effect September 1, 2021 and is set to expire March 31, 2022.

What it does#

• Requires that new applications for a temporary resident visa, a work permit or a study permit from people who are outside Canada must be submitted using electronic means (apply online).
• Allows a few specific exceptions to submit by other means, including people who:
  • cannot use online filing because of a disability;
  • hold certain travel documents used for non‑citizen residents, refugees or stateless persons who cannot obtain a passport; and
  • are applying for a work permit to come under an international arrangement for seasonal agricultural workers.
• Says applications received after the instructions start that were not filed online will not be accepted. Processing fees for those will be returned, except for the listed exceptions.
• Repeals earlier similar instructions (referred to as MI44) effective September 1, 2021.

Who's affected#

• Foreign nationals outside Canada who want a temporary resident visa, a work permit or a study permit and who will submit a new application on or after September 1, 2021.
• Employers and recruiters who arrange travel for seasonal agricultural workers (because of the exception for that program).
• People with disabilities or those using the specific non‑standard travel documents named in the instructions — they may still be allowed to apply by other means.
• It is unclear from this notice whether any other specific groups or programs will be given alternative submission routes beyond the exceptions listed.

Why it matters#

• If you are applying from abroad for a visitor visa, work or study permit, you will generally need to use the online application system. Paper or other non‑electronic applications will usually be rejected and fees returned.
• The change is meant to help Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada manage reduced processing capacity during the COVID‑19 pandemic by focusing on online files.
• If you cannot file online for one of the stated reasons, you may still be able to submit by another method — but you would need to meet the specific exception in the instructions.