Ottawa has renewed its Ebola-related immigration controls until 27 November 2026, continuing a suspension on finalising visas and permits for foreign nationals whose residence is listed as the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan or Uganda. The amending order, published in the 10 October Canada Gazette and updated 16 October, cites public-health risk and allows ministerial exemptions on humanitarian grounds. IRCC’s explanatory note reveals the scale: as of 15 September, 24,945 immigration documents—including 20,035 visitor visas, 2,975 study permits and 405 work permits—are frozen, along with 1,530 permanent-resident files. A further 33,795 applications are in processing limbo and cannot be finalised until the order lapses or is repealed. The order does not bar applicants from filing but halts decision-making. Employers looking to transfer staff from the affected countries should explore third-country processing options or delay moves. Students and visitors already issued visas before the order took effect cannot travel until those documents are re-validated. Given the 60-day renewal mechanism, mobility planners should monitor Gazette notices closely; an early repeal is possible if the World Health Organization downgrades the outbreak.
Source: IRCC.com
