Temporary residents in Canada seeking to extend their stay must apply electronically unless they are one of the exceptions.
Electronic applications became mandatory for most temporary residence applications on June 4, 2019. Applications need to be sent electronically if foreign nationals want to:
• extend or restore their immigration status;
• work or study in Canada; or
• Come to Canada as part of a youth mobility arrangement.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the federal immigration department, allows some exceptions to this rule.
Exceptional circumstances
In IRCC’s words, “exceptional circumstances beyond the control of foreign nationals, individuals or entities” can be grounds for sidestepping the online application requirement.
Applicants may fall under this exemption if they cannot submit applications electronically because of inadequate or incompatible electronic infrastructure in their country.
Disability
People who are unable to apply electronically due to a disability are also exempt. Instead, they may apply by a paper application.
Here are the forms that are exempt from the electronic application requirement for people applying from inside Canada:
