Online applications for temporary resident documents

Summary#

The government issued Ministerial Instructions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act that require most new applications from people outside Canada for a temporary resident visa, work permit, or study permit to be filed online. The rule took effect on April 1, 2023 and non‑electronic applications received after that date will generally be returned with fees refunded, with a few specific exceptions.

What it does#

• Requires new applications filed by foreign nationals who are outside Canada for:
  • temporary resident visas (including transit visas),
  • work permits, and
  • study permits to be submitted using electronic means (i.e., apply online).
• Allows exceptions so some people outside Canada may still apply by other means, including:
  • people who cannot apply online and need an accommodation because of a disability,
  • holders of certain travel or identity documents issued to non‑national residents, refugees or stateless persons (as described in the immigration regulations), and
  • seasonal agricultural workers coming under an international agreement or arrangement.
• Says 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 those covered by an exception above.
• Repeals Ministerial Instructions 51 (MI51) effective March 31, 2023.
• Issued by The Honourable Sean Fraser on March 30, 2023 and directed to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada staff who handle these applications.

Who's affected#

• People outside Canada applying for:
  • a temporary resident visa,
  • a work permit, or
  • a study permit.
• Migrant seasonal agricultural workers whose files are covered by an international arrangement (they are specifically exempted from the online-only requirement).
• People who lack online access or need accommodations because of a disability — they may use other application methods if covered by the exceptions.
• Immigration processing staff and offices that receive and redirect online applications.

Why it matters#

• For applicants: you generally must use the online system or your paper application will be returned and you’ll get your fees back. If you can’t apply online for an eligible reason, there are limited ways to submit a non‑electronic application.
• For processing: the change is meant to let Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada receive and redistribute applications where processing capacity exists, which could speed up or standardize handling.
• If you’re unsure whether you qualify for an exception (for example, about a special travel document or disability accommodation), you should check IRCC guidance before submitting — the notice sets the new default but allows some specific accommodations.