Backgrounder – Release of online services to temporary residents applying for work permits, visitor records and post-graduation work permits

As of December 19, 2009, temporary residents can apply online for work permits, visitor records and post-graduation work permits. This release is an expansion of the e-Suite of Services currently available to international students.

The e-Suite of Services is a series of online tools that improves and modernizes Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) application process. The e-Suite of Services is comprised of five components, as follows:

e-Application: This system allows applicants to complete, sign, pay, attach scanned documents to and submit their application online securely.

Electronic Notification System (ENS): This system allows CIC and educational institutions to exchange information regarding an international student’s eligibility for an off-campus work permit. In order to be eligible for this permit, these students must be studying full-time and have satisfactory academic standing. ENS replaces the paper forms used to confirm international student eligibility.

MyCIC: This is an online user account on CIC’s website. It contains the applicant’s personal profile. Applicants can also receive information from CIC related to their online applications through their MyCIC account.

Partner Portal: The Partner Portal is a dedicated password-protected website that links designated institutional representatives at participating schools with specific CIC services and information.

e-Payment: This tool allows applicants in Canada to pay their application fees online.

Applicants will benefit in a number of ways from using the e-Suite of Services:

• They can submit their application at any time and from anywhere through the CIC website;
• They can use the help text that is available for every question, which makes the e-Application easy to use;
• They can only submit a complete application. Forms submitted by mail often need to be returned because they are incomplete;
• They can pay online; and
• They will enjoy faster processing times.