Modernizing the Canadian immigration system

Transition to online applications for most PR pathways

Over the coming weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will gradually move most permanent immigration programs to a completely digital application process in an effort to improve client service and modernize the Canadian immigration system. The new Permanent Residence Portal has been online since March 2021, allowing some clients to apply online for certain immigration programs and confirming their permanent resident (PR) status through virtual landings once their application has been approved. IRCC has been expanding the portal over the past months and it is currently open to most PR applicants. Following the schedule below, IRCC will begin the transition to 100% online applications on September 23, 2022. While there will be an alternative submission process for applicants who are unable to apply online and require accommodations, such as for a disability, all other applications received after the stated transition dates will be returned. 

Date Category   
September 23, 2022     
  • 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
October 7, 2022    
  • Quebec-selected investors
  • Quebec-selected entrepreneurs
  • Self-employed people (Quebec)
October 14, 2022
  • Agri-food pilot 
  • Start-up visa 
  • Temporary resident permit holders applying for permanent residence
October 21, 2022
  • 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)
October 28, 2022      

What this could mean for you

Especially for people who are looking to apply for a work permit as part of their PR application, this transition could result in critical changes. Traditionally, an application for an open work permit (OWP) could be included with the submission of a permanent residence application under the Spouse in Canada Class. With the new online portal, applicants will have to submit their PR application first, and wait for the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letter before they can apply for the OWP. With the current process, it can take months before an applicant receives their AOR letter. For applicants with expiring work permits, this could mean that they can no longer maintain their status as workers if their current work permit expires before they receive AOR and are able to apply for the new work permit.

Similar step for citizenship applications

In a recent media release, IRCC also announced the expansion of the online application tool for citizenship that was originally launched in August 2021. By now, most citizenship applications for adults can be submitted online, including for groups of adults applying together. The intention is to expand this tool further to allow applications for minors by the end of the year. 

“Immigration is about people. It’s about starting a new job, reuniting a family and creating a new life in this beautiful country we call home,” Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, stated in the release. “As we look to strengthen our immigration system by updating our technology, people—our clients—must be at the centre of all that we do. By adding resources where they are needed, and leveraging technology to make processing faster and applying easier for our clients, we can give newcomers and new citizens the welcoming experience they deserve.”

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