On September 1, 2022, the government of Canada announced that starting on September 23, 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will start transitioning to 100% digital applications for most permanent residence programs.
The Permanent Residence Portal provides an online application option for some clients since March 31, 2021. This generates more flexibility to apply from various devices and receive immediate confirmation that the application was successful. The portal is still expanding and is open to most permanent residence program applicants.
The transition to digital applications will be implemented across the categories according the following schedule:
On September 23, 2022, the following categories will transition to digital applications:
Provincial nominee program (non-Express Entry)
Quebec-selected skilled workers
Sponsoring a spouse or partner
Sponsoring a dependent child
Sponsoring an eligible relative
Sponsoring an orphaned sibling, niece or nephew, or grandchild
Adopting a child through the immigration process
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
On October 7, 2022, the following categories will transition:
Quebec-selected investors
Quebec-selected entrepreneurs
Self-employed people (Quebec)
October 14, 2022, will see the transition of the following categories:
Agri-food pilot
Start-up visa
Temporary resident permit holders applying for permanent residence
On October 21, 2022, we can expect the transition for the following categories:
Home Support Worker Pilot
Home Child Care Provider Pilot (reopens to new applications on January 1, 2023)
Humanitarian and compassionate grounds
Self-employed people (federal)
And finally, October 28, 2022, will see the transition of the Atlantic Immigration Program.