Starting from June 14, 2023, the temporary exemption policy for certain foreign nationals applying for Canadian PR (permanent residency) from submitting biometrics has been discontinued by the IRCC. As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRCC implemented a policy within the Global Case Management System (GCMS) that eliminated the requirement for PR applicants to re-submit their biometrics if they had already provided them within the past 10 years while applying for a temporary resident status.
According to an official update from the IRCC program delivery, this interim public policy will no longer apply to PR applications submitted on or after June 14, 2023.
Biometrics refer to the unique physical traits of an individual, such as fingerprints and photographs, which are required for Canadian immigration purposes.
Under the interim provision implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign nationals applying for PR were exempt from providing biometric information if they had previously submitted it for an immigration or visa application within the past ten years.
Until June 14, 2023, PR applications meeting the above criteria were processed without the need for biometrics.
However, as of that date, all foreign nationals seeking PR, including those on work permits like yourself, must now submit their biometric data, regardless of whether they provided it four years ago.
If you fall within the age range of 14 to 79 and plan to apply for PR under the family class, economic class, or refugee category after June 14, 2023, you will need to provide your fingerprints, even if your previous biometrics are still valid.
What is UCI (Unique Client Identifier) in the context of Canadian Immigration?
When engaging with IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), a distinct number is assigned to individuals. This number, known as UCI, can consist of either ten digits (e.g., 01-2345-6789) or eight digits (e.g., 1234-5678). UCI stands for Unique Client Identifier, and it serves as a unique identification for applicants. It allows IRCC to link individuals to their multiple applications. For instance, in a family of four applying for immigration or a visa, each member receives a separate UCI.
Temporary UCIs may also be issued by IRCC. Here are two examples:
Express Entry applicants are assigned UCIs starting with CAN000123456789.
Other applicants may receive temporary UCIs in the format X01-2345-6789 or T01-2345-6789.
These temporary UCIs will eventually be replaced by an eight or ten-digit UCI.
The UCI remains unchanged for each applicant throughout their lifetime, meaning that your UCI remains constant for all applications submitted to IRCC. It also remains consistent for any interactions you have with CBSA. This implies that if you are already aware of your UCI, you can utilize it for future applications.
Where to find my UCI?
Sample UCI number on IRCC communications
Having a UCI (Unique Client Identifier) is contingent upon prior interactions with Canadian immigration authorities. These interactions encompass various scenarios, such as:
Applying for temporary statuses like an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), TRV (Temporary Resident Visa), work permit, or study permit.
Dealing with a removal order.
Immigrating to Canada.
Sponsoring your spouse or common-law partner (both inland and outside-Canada options).
Making refugee claims within Canada.
Sponsoring other family members, such as parents or grandparents, siblings, nieces or nephews, or aunts or uncles.
It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive. Whenever you engage with immigration authorities, they correspond with you, which may involve receiving various documents, such as:
Emails.
AOR (Acknowledgement of Receipt) letter.
COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence).
Visa counterfoil.
PR (Permanent Resident) Card.
Sample UCI on VISA page
All these documents contain your UCI, so be sure to locate the 8 or 11-digit UCI on them. Sometimes, the term UCI or Client ID may be mentioned alongside the number. However, it’s worth mentioning that identifying the UCI on visa counterfoils can be a bit challenging. The accompanying image demonstrates how to locate the UCI on this particular document.
What is Canada Visa Application Number or File Number?
The application number or file number is an exclusive identifier assigned to your submitted application. Typically, this number commences with one or more letters, followed by nine digits. Here are some examples:
Full list of Canada Visa Application Number types and samples:
E123456789 for economic immigration
V123456789 for TRV (Temporary Resident Visa), Visitor Record, or eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
S123456789 for study permit
W123456789 for work permit
H123456789 for Humanitarian and Compassionate considerations
L123456789 for refugee claimants
C123456789 for citizenship applications
D123456789 for TRP (Temporary Resident Permit)
I123456789 for IFHP (Interim Federal Health Program)
J123456789 for Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)
RHB1234567 for rehabilitation
ARC1234567 for ARC (Authorization to Return to Canada)
F123456789 for family reunification
EP12345678 for PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) applications
N123456789 for Removal orders
G123456789 for refugee resettlement or protected people PR (Permanent Residence) application
SV12345678 for verification of status
B123456789 for some older immigration applications
PR12345678 for Citizenship certificates
It’s important to note that instead of the placeholder “12345678,” you will receive a unique number specific to your application. In some cases, IRCC may issue temporary file numbers, indicated by an X at the beginning of the application number. However, if your application progresses, the X will be removed. There may also be rare instances where a temporary file number is replaced with a new one.
The file number or application number remains constant for a specific application, ensuring that you will not encounter any changes to the file number during the course of that application. It’s worth noting that if you were initially assigned a temporary application number, there is a possibility of receiving a new permanent number. However, once a permanent file number is assigned, it remains consistent for that particular application. It is important to emphasize that when opening a new application, a new file number will be allocated to you.
Where to find Canada visa application number or file number?
To find an immigration file number, the most effective method is to consult the correspondences you have received from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). This can include emails or physical letters that they have sent to you. If you have enlisted the services of an immigration representative, you can also seek their assistance in locating the file number.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced changes to the English test requirements for students applying for a Study Permit in Canada through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program. These changes, effective from 10th August 2023, make it easier for students to apply for a Study Permit by revising the IELTS Academic band score requirements. This report provides a detailed overview of the new IELTS Academic band score requirements for SDS applications and discusses the implications of these changes.
Previous IELTS Academic Band Score Requirements for SDS applications:
Prior to 10th August 2023, applicants using the IELTS Academic test for SDS applications were required to achieve a minimum band score of 6.0 in each of the four individual skills: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. This meant that test takers had to demonstrate proficiency in each of these areas to meet the English language requirements for the SDS program.
New IELTS Academic Band Score Requirements for SDS Application:
Under the revised requirements, IELTS Academic test takers applying for SDS after 10th August 2023 will no longer need to achieve a minimum score of 6.0 in each individual skill. Instead, a minimum overall band score of 6.0 will be sufficient. This means that applicants can compensate for any weaknesses in certain skills by performing exceptionally well in others, as long as the overall band score meets the minimum requirement.
Rationale for the Changes:
The change in the IELTS Academic band score requirements reflects a more holistic consideration of a test taker’s English proficiency. By removing the specific minimum scores for each skill, the IRCC acknowledges that applicants may excel in certain areas while needing additional support in others. This approach provides a more inclusive pathway for international students to pursue their academic ambitions in Canada, recognizing their overall English language ability rather than focusing solely on individual skills.
Canada has invited 4,800 candidates to apply for permanent residence in the first Express Entry draw of June 2023. The draw was held on June 8, 2023, and was an all-program draw, meaning that candidates from all three Express Entry programs were eligible.
Minimum CRS 486
CRS Cut-off Score and Tie-breaking Rule
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) in this draw was 486. Following the most recent draw on May 24, where 4,800 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 488 were invited in an all-program draw, this marks the initial draw of June. Notably, the minimum CRS score requirement of 488 in this draw is higher than the previous all-program draw on April 26, which required a minimum CRS score of 483.
The tie-breaking rule for this draw was May 19, 2023 14:04:00 UTC. This means that candidates with a CRS score of 486 or higher who submitted their profile before this date and time received an ITA in this draw.
Sean Fraser, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, made an announcement in Winnipeg today regarding the introduction of visa-free travel. As a result of this announcement, citizens from 13 countries will now have the ability to travel to Canada by air without the need for a Temporary Residence Visa. However, it’s important to note that this privilege applies only to travelers from these countries who have either held a Canadian visa within the past 10 years or who currently possess a valid non-immigrant visa from the United States. The eligible countries whose passport holders can take advantage of this new policy include:
Philippines
Morocco
Panama
Antigua and Barbuda
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Argentina
Costa Rica
Uruguay
Seychelles
Thailand
Canada offers visa-free travel to over 50 countries, although most of them require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if they are arriving by air.
However, citizens of the United States do not need an eTA or a visa to enter Canada, unless their intention is to work or study in the country.
For nationals of countries that are not exempt from obtaining a visa, they must apply for a Temporary Residence Visa (TRV), also known as a visitor visa.
A TRV allows individuals to visit Canada for a period of up to six months, although the duration may vary for certain foreign nationals.
It’s important to note that arriving in Canada with a TRV does not grant permission to work or study in the country. Upon entry, individuals may be asked to provide evidence that their visit to Canada is temporary, such as for tourism or visiting family.
