Update: special immigration measures expanded to applicants in Iran and South Korea affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID‑19)

Ottawa, February 29, 2020—As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread globally, more foreign nationals are experiencing difficulties when applying to come to Canada temporarily and permanently, due to travel restrictions and disruptions in service.

To help impacted clients, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded its special measures to applicants in Iran and South Korea.

The special measures, which were first put in place on February 7, 2020, for applicants in China, provide flexibility to clients who, due to circumstances beyond their control, are unable to comply with our requirements. For example, those who have applied for a visitor visa, a study permit, a work permit or permanent residence, but cannot complete the next steps in the process, such as giving their fingerprints and photo (biometrics), within the specified deadline, will be given more time to complete these tasks.

IRCC, along with all its government partners, will continue to closely monitor the situation and any impacts on clients and our operations.

For up-to-date information, including status of visa application centres and Canadian visa offices abroad, applicants are encouraged to visit the following Government of Canada website: Special measures to help temporary and permanent residents and applicants affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).