Hi, I am being sponsored and my file is in Paris VO. I have sent multiple emails and they always send back that they are still only on minimum staff and essential services due to covid-19. Last contact was in mid-March. I have checked the ATIP file, and as it turns out, processing from the VO end seems to be halted for the time period. Latest email received from them was received on the 22nd of July.
Its as follows.
We thank you for your email.
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in France, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) office in Paris operates with a reduced staff complement and provides
only essential services. Please note that disruptions and significant delays are expected.
Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Paris, Lyon, Madrid which were closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, have reopened
by appointment only. We advise you to check the website of the closest VAC to know more on
the reopening dates and offered services.
Until further notice, all temporary resident applicants applying for a visitor visa, study permit or work permit
mustsubmit their application online via the
IRCC website.
Official Messages
Canada’s response to COVID-19 and IRCC’s special measures
See Canada’s response to COVID-19
here.
IRCC has implemented
special measures to assist temporary and permanent residents and applicants affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19). Please check this site
regularly for official updates.
Individuals who have applied for
a visitor visa, a work permit, a study permit or for permanent residence, but who cannot complete the
next steps in the process on time due to the COVID-19 situation
, will not have their application refused solely on the basis of not completing these requests.
More time (extensions) will automatically be provided to applicants in these situations.
We will automatically give you an additional 90 days to complete this process.As this extension is automatic, please do not write to IRCC Paris to request an extension or confirmation.
Examples of next steps include:
· submitting their passport or supporting documents, such as a police certificate
· completing an immigration medical examination
· giving their biometrics
Passport and police certificate:
If the 90-day extension has elapsed and that you are still unable to submit your passport through a VAC or your police certificate, please use the
web form to request an extension.
Medical exams
If you have a medical exam scheduled, please contact the panel physician’s office to ensure that it is still taking place. If you would like to schedule an Immigration Medical Examination (IME), please contact the panel physician’s office to verify that they are open and still performing exams.
If your application is in progress it will not be closed or refused because of your inability to complete your IME in time due to COVID-19. We will automatically give you 90 days to complete this step.
More information.
If you have already been granted a 90-day extension and are still unable to complete your medical exam due to COVID-19, please use the
web form to request an extension.
Biometrics
Some VAC will reopen soon, we advise you to check the website of the closest VAC to know more on the reopening dates and offered services. Once the sites reopen and you have received a biometrics instruction letter, you can make
an appointment with the VAC as soon as possible.
If the site closest to you is closed, we will automatically extend your deadline to give your biometrics.
You do not have to give your biometrics
until the sites reopen. This applies to you, even if your biometrics instruction letter (BIL) says you have 30 or 90 days.
You do not have to contact us for this extension, and you do not need a new BIL to make another appointment when sites reopen. Bring your original BIL to your new appointment to show proof of payment.
Your application will not be refused or closed if you cannot give your biometrics due to COVID-19 closures.
More information on the impact of COVID-19 on biometrics.
Thank you for your understanding.