Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched an online portal on April 1, 2021. The paper-based economic class applications can now be submitted online. Through this portal people can submit their Canadian permanent residence application online. Unlike the previous method of deploying paper, the online method is far easier.
PNP Paper-based Application goes Digital Now!
However, the online method is available for some selected programs only, which are as follows:-
- Non-Express Entry (base) Provincial Nominee Program;
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot;
- Agri-Food Pilot;
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot;
- Quebec Selected Investor Program;
- Quebec Entrepreneur Program;
- Quebec Self-Employed Persons Program.
Instructions for the PNPs have been updated to replace the references to “paper-based” applications with “non-express entry” applications. The operating manuals for the above programs have been updated. More programs are expected to join the list in near future.
More about the digitisation of the immigration application process
The transition of a paper-based application system to an online process was in process before the pandemic.
The need for a contactless system just catalysed the process.
People can still proceed with the paper-based application. The option is still open for all.
Presently, only a few programs have been digitised to study the working of the online process a make necessary amendments before it is introduced massively or full-fledged.
The purpose of launching an online application system was to provide more options to the applicants to apply for permanent residence.
Advantages of the digital application process
Going digital extends countless advantages to the environment and mankind. Let’s find out what are they:-
- Digitisation of the application process undoubtedly reduces the usage of paper. Resultantly, our environment tends to stay protected.
- Digitisation drives out the chance of submitting an incomplete application. Digital forums do not proceed until and unless all the fields are filled.
- Digital platforms ask for documents submission in a pre-described order. So, applicants would not forget to submit a particular document. While in the paper-based application system people might forget to attach one or more essential documents.
- The processing time is quicker. In any case, a computer-based system is faster than the manual system.
- Postal expense is driven out. The digital method tends to be cheaper.
- People don’t have to wait in long queues to purchase the form and submit the form.
- The process is user-friendly.
- The system is contactless, hence, provides safety from COVID 19.
- Postal delays arising due to COVID 19 are also driven out with the help of this online process.
- The immigration system becomes efficient with the online option.
Instructions for the PNPs have been updated to replace the references to “paper-based” applications with “non-express entry” applications. The operating manuals for the above programs have been updated. More programs are expected to join the list in near future.
Will IRCC go for further digitisation?
The express entry program was the very first step towards digitisation. Now, due to COVID 19, contactless processes have been the need of the hour. Therefore, the economic class paper-based immigration process has been digitised. Corresponding to the present scenario where technological advancements are transforming every process to a digital platform, more processes might undergo digitisation. Moreover, to follow the COVID 19 protocols digitisation of admission processes and payment gateways is a necessity.
Will IRCC go for further digitisation?
1. Fill up the application carefully –Fill up the required information very carefully. Make sure you enter every detail correctly. If the information is found to be incorrect, then IRCC reserves the right to refuse entry or bar you from applying for immigration for the next five years. The application package includes all the guidelines and the forms you need to fill.
2. Pay the application fees online –Make the payments and keep a screenshot and printout with you for future reference. The payment gateway opens in a new tab. They ask you to submit the following fees
- Processing fees
- Biometrics fees –Don’t forget to go for biometrics. Post payment of biometric fees, you get an information mail. You need to book an appointment for biometrics at a center near you. A list of biometrics collection points is available on the website. This is an important benchmark to get citizenship.
- Pay the third party fees – According to the information provided by you in the application form, you might be asked to pay any of the third-party fees:-
- Medical exam
- Police certificate
- Language testing
- Educational credential assessment
The guidelines given in the application package will help you find out which third-party fees you need to pay.
3. Apply along with other essential documents- Submit all the documents asked for.
The portal will not accept the application if it is incomplete.
The Final Verdict
IRCC has headed towards digitisation in order to be in unison with technological advancements. This has not only provided a helping hand in preserving our environment but has also been easy during the corona pandemic.
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