Program delivery update – August 1, 2015
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
Changes to subsection 190(3) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations: Visa requirements by purpose of entry.
Summary
Effective August 1, 2015, at 12:00 p.m. EDT, changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) will
- require persons coming from the United States (U.S.) for immigration interviews at a U.S. consulate in Canada to obtain a visa to enter Canada, unless they are otherwise exempt;
- exempt from the visa requirement persons on flights rerouted to Canada due to an emergency; and
- clarify the requirements for persons on flights en route to the U.S. that stop for refueling to remain visa-exempt.
Updated instructions:
The following changes to the (IRPR) will come into effect:
- R190(3)(e) will be repealed from IRPR. Consequently, all persons requiring a temporary resident visa to enter to Canada will no longer be exempt from this requirement if they are coming to Canada from the United States and the purpose of their visit is to attend an interview with a United States consular officer concerning a United States immigrant visa.
- Subparagraph 190(3)(b)(i) of the Regulation is replaced by the following:
(i) they are in possession of the documents required in order to enter the United States and their flight is bound for that country
- Subsection 190(3) of the Regulation is amended by adding the following after paragraph (b):
(b.1) to transit through Canada as a passenger on a flight that, owing to an emergency or other unforeseen circumstances makes an unscheduled stop in Canada;