Hi guys
We submitted our application on Feb 13th and received biometrics request on Feb 22nd. We are currently residing in Canada and Our biometrics appointment is scheduled for March 16th at college Street vac. Unfortunately, we just realized the service Canada center is temporarily closed due to coronovirus outbreak. We have to complete our biometrics within March 22nd. How do we proceed?
No need to panic. Please refer to IRCC
Bulletin 669, it clearly states you have 90 days to get it done. Read the relevant part of the bulletin below:
General processing measures – Centralized, Domestic and International Networks
Applications will not be refused for non-compliance, and all applications currently in progress at IRCC offices abroad, at case processing centres and within the Domestic Network will continue to be processed but may experience delays.
At this time, no significant expedited processing requirement is foreseen; therefore, these instructions do not include specific measures for expedited processing. That said, the decision to expedite an application due to special circumstances remains at the discretion of the Migration Program manager of the responsible IRCC office and the manager of the responsible processing office in Canada. Urgent applications for temporary residence are to be actioned by IRCC offices in China, Hong Kong, Ankara and Manila (processing office for South Korea).
Requests for additional documents on open applications
Until further notice, offices may continue to request any additional documents necessary for processing to continue in relation to all citizenship and immigration applications, including police certificates, biometrics, passports, medical examinations and any documents that must be issued by Chinese, Iranian or South Korean authorities, as follows:
- When additional documentation is required to make a decision on the application, processing officers should send a request letter and allow 90 days for the applicant to respond.
- If a request for additional documentation was previously sent but the applicant was unable to comply within the deadline, processing officers should bring forward the application and allow an additional 90 days for the applicant to respond.
- Please note that the biometric instruction letter (BIL) cannot be amended and will continue to advise applicants that they have 30 days from the date of the letter to give their biometrics. Officers should still allow 90 days for the applicant to provide their biometrics, despite the 30-day timeline identified in the BIL.