Online portal for citizenship application opened

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently launched a new portal that allows individuals the ability to submit citizenship applications online.

Key Points:

• As of Aug 11, IRCC has opened its online application system to all applicants 18 and older who:
  • Are applying as an individual (not as a family).
  • Do not have a representative.
  • Are not declaring residence outside Canada as a crown servant or with a crown servant family member.
• Later this year the online application will be made available to families and minors under the age of 18.
• In 2022, the online application will open to representatives to apply on behalf of their clients, and to individuals who are declaring residence outside Canada as a crown servant or with a crown servant family member.

Additional Information: If applicants have already applied on paper, they should not reapply online.

In September, a new Permanent Residence Online Application Portal will open, enabling authorized immigration representatives to submit permanent residence applications (non-Express Entry) online on behalf of their clients. More information regarding this new portal can be found here.

BAL Analysis: The online application system intends to make the application process more efficient as part of the Canadian government’s citizenship modernization initiative. BAL will continue to monitor additions to the application system and will provide more information as it becomes available.

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

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