Operational Bulletins 100 – February 17, 2009

Departmental Roll-out of the E-application for the Issuance of Study Permits and Extensions in Canada

Background

The purpose of this operational bulletin (OB) is to provide guidance and information on changes to the application process for study permits from within Canada.

Client Service Changes

As of February 17, 2009, applicants who are in Canada and wish to extend their study permit or are eligible to apply for an initial study permit will be able to do so electronically. Clients still have the option of mailing their application to the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville, Alberta (CPC-V).

When applying electronically, study permit applicants can also request any of the following services:

• restore their own temporary resident status as a student;
• restore temporary resident status for any family members in Canada;
• apply for an off-campus work permit;
• obtain an initial work permit or extend the work permit of family members in Canada;
• obtain an initial study permit or extend the study permit of family members in Canada; and
• extend the temporary stay of family members in Canada.

Note: If the principal applicant applies online, they will have to apply for any family members online as well.

As of February 17, 2009, clients who apply online are required to scan and attach supporting documents electronically. If an officer determines that a document is missing, an electronic message will be sent to the client via MyCIC requesting them to scan the required document. Clients applying online will not have the option of mailing in supporting documents.

The e-application link for study permits can be found on CIC’s Client service Web page at: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application.html.

In order to assist clients in the completion of the online application, they can choose to have their e-application pre-populated with data from FOSS. Clients who encounter problems or have questions about the e-application process will be able to contact CIC for help at question@cic.gc.ca, where specialized agents will provide a reply within 5 business days.

Note: At this time, representatives cannot access client’s account online.

Policy

There is no policy change as a result of this new electronic process. CPC-V will continue to be the only processing centre for study permits issued in Canada, and for any accompanying requests for the extension of status for accompanying family members. Applications may, however, be forwarded to local offices for a final determination.

Operational Changes

Clients now have two options for submitting their study permit application: electronically via MyCIC to CPC-V, with fees and attached supporting documents; or by mail to CPC-V, along with any supporting documentation and required fees.

Currently, a number of study permit applications are referred to local CIC offices for processing completion. These referrals will now include both paper and electronic applications. Accordingly, the e-application functionality, which is currently available at CPC-V, will also be available at local CIC offices as of February 17, 2009.