Automatic Deadline Extensions will no longer be provided by IRCC

On April 12, 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made an announcement stating that they no longer will be automatically extending deadlines for submitting required supporting documentation.

Due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, IRCC was automatically extending deadlines for applicants who faced delays in providing documents for a complete application submission. IRCC will now continue to provide extension deadlines to applicants who are still unable to obtain documents due to COVID-19, however a specific extension request will need to be made to obtain an extension. The goal is that this initiative will work to better serve applicants, assisting in faster processing times for applications to reunite families.

What this means for you?
You need to ensure that you gather your documents required by IRCC (double check all emails). When you get a request from the IRCC, you will normally have 30 days from the date of the request to submit your documents OR the deadline date mentioned in the request letter. If you need to provide fingerprints and biometrics or medicals, you will need to book an appointment immediately.

If you are unable to provide the requested documents within the timeline provided, IRCC officers will be as flexible as possible, however only if you provide a reasonable explanation of how you are specifically affected by a COVID‑19 disruption, PRIOR to your deadline.

For more information on submitting documents in a timely manner, or for requesting for an extension of time, contact Pinaz Marolia at pinaz@prmlaw.ca or call 416-320-1751.