Foreign nationals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Uganda are temporarily barred from traveling to Canada, according to a recent announcement. The restriction applies to individuals whose last country of residence was one of these three African nations.
Temporary Travel Restriction and Its Scope
The Canadian authorities have confirmed the measure, stating: “We aren’t finalizing applications from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan at this time.” This means that immigration applications linked to these countries are currently not being processed to completion.
The temporary restriction affects foreign nationals living in the DRC, South Sudan, and Uganda who wish to travel to Canada. The ban specifically targets those whose last country of residence is listed as one of these three nations on their application.
Impact on Immigration Processing Times
Because applications from these countries are not being finalized, applicants may face longer processing times than those shown on official timelines. The delay applies specifically to applications where the last country of residence listed is the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan.
Applicants are advised to check the type of application they submitted to get an idea of how long processing might take. However, it is important to note that the times displayed are not maximums, they are not guarantees, and applications from the affected countries will likely take longer than the standard timelines.
What Applicants Should Know
If your application lists one of the restricted countries as your last residence, expect delays. The restriction is temporary, but no official end date has been announced. Processing continues for other countries, but times may still vary depending on individual circumstances.
In related news, Canada has extended 1,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence through its Express Entry system on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in a draw conducted exclusively under the Canadian Experience Class.
