IRCC has extended the pause on new applications under the Groups of Five and Community Sponsor streams.

Key salient points:

Suspension extended until December 31, 2026.
Applies to new applications only.
Existing applications continue to be processed.
Decision driven by high intake volumes and processing backlogs.
Allows IRCC to focus on finalizing pending cases.
Does not affect government-assisted refugees.

IRCC Newsroom – Canada tests digital visas