IRCC has worked hard to adapt to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, while maintaining client service and prioritizing the health and safety of its clients and employees.
Where possible, IRCC has moved to deliver services virtually, and continues to look for innovative solutions to serve clients. For services that have no virtual alternative, IRCC is addressing the workload while following guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada, as well as provincial and local public health guidelines.
Beginning on September 21, 2020, some IRCC offices in Vancouver, Etobicoke, Montréal, Calgary, Edmonton, Hamilton and Niagara Falls started reopening for limited, selected services to clients by appointment only—and with a number of safety measures in place, including plexiglass barriers and upgraded sanitizing procedures. As well, clients are asked to fill out a Health Canada self-assessment both ahead of their appointment and when they arrive at the IRCC office. Social distancing and mask-wearing are also being enforced.
IRCC continues to monitor the offices where in-person services are offered to help plan for reopening services more widely in the future.
Government of Canada
