Special measures to help temporary and permanent residents and applicants affected by the novel coronavirus

Ottawa, February 7, 2020—Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has put special measures in place to help temporary and permanent residents and applicants in China who have been affected by disruptions related to the novel coronavirus.

These measures are being implemented following the temporary closure of the 11 visa application centres (VACs) in mainland China.

Canadian visa offices in mainland China are currently operating with essential staff only, until further notice. They are processing only urgent applications on a case-by-case basis.

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).