Business travelers, other visitor visa applicants asked to reapply

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently asked some travelers who submitted their visitor visa applications before Sept. 7 to reapply.

Key Points:

• Individuals who submitted their visitor visa applications before Sept. 7 should submit a new application via the IRCC Portal if they are traveling for reasons including but not limited to:
  • Uniting with an immediate or extended family member who is a Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act or permanent resident of Canada.
  • Joining an immediate family member who is in Canada temporarily.
  • Visiting for business purposes (meeting, special event or training).
• Applicants should include the most up-to-date information and a previous application number if possible.
• More information and a full list of reasons travelers should reapply for a visitor visa can be found here.

Additional Information: Previous visa applications will be automatically withdrawn once a new application is submitted. IRCC does not guarantee a refund for the first application and will not send a letter confirming the withdrawal of the initial application. Individuals who no longer wish to travel to Canada can request an application withdrawal through this online form.

BAL Analysis: IRCC is hoping to gain more insight into which cases can be expedited if possible. BAL will continue to monitor developments regarding visitor visas and will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global practice. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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