Canadian Services are slowly returning to Cuba
In early 2019 immigration processing in Havana was suspended after unexplained health problems that started in 2017 escalated, among staff at both the American and Canadian Embassy, and the Canadian Embassy temporarily closed its doors.
In Summer of 2019 the Canadian Embassy in Havana reinstated some of those services such as visa and biometrics and while not all services are offered it was a welcome start for families that had become separated, making the process to obtain visas to travel between the countries quicker, easier and less costly.
Cuban Embassy Services In Havana From 2019
Services that were reinstated include
Biometrics collection (fingerprints and a photo)
Passport drop -off and visa pick up
Note* that if you are required to have your biometric taken you will receive a biometric instruction letter with details of how to book your appointment.
You cannot schedule your appointment until you receive the letter.
Permanent resident applicants however, still had to travel outside Cuba for all required medical exams or interviews. This is because you cannot use your own doctor, you had to find an approved panel physician from the IRCC list.
This has been challenging for Cubans as it has meant they have often had to obtain a second visa to travel to the second country in order to complete the immigration process.
*October 2022 News Flash* Approved Canadian Panel Physicians Are Now Available in Havana!
Will I Need a Medical Exam?
After you are married in Cuba to your Canadian sweetheart it is possible, likely even as a Cuba,n that you will want to immigrate to Canada.
To do this the Canadian will file a sponsorship application which on success will enable you, the Cuban to become a Canadian permanent resident and live with your partner in Canada.
Canadian Permanent Residency visa allows holders to
Live and work in Canada
Enter and leave Canada as you choose without the need for further visas
Access medical care
Access the Canadian Education System
Own property in Canada as well as Cuba
Obtain citizenship once the residential criteria is met
We can help advise and process your sponsorship application but note that if you are intending to live permanently in Canada then you will need a medical exam.
Any direct family members (sons, daughters) must also have a medical, even if they are not coming with you. This is because they must be admissible to be able to be sponsored in the future should you wish.
In the past you would have had to travel outside Cuba to take your medical examination during the application process; as these services were not available in Cuba.
The good news is that as from October 2022 there is now a Panel Physician in Havana!
The clinic is not able to complete upfront medicals.
The IRCC are currently contacting clients who have received a medical request letter to book their appointment.
This is great news for all Cubans who are applying to immigrate to Canada as it will save money and time traveling to other countries to undergo the medical examination, but you do need to wait for the letter from the IRCC before you will be able to book an appointment.
Unfortunately for the time being there is still the requirement to travel to Mexico City, Mexico, or Port-of-Spain. Trinidad and Tobago if you are asked to attend an interview.
If this changes we will update you!
Find out more information about What to expect from a Sponsorship Interview on our blog here
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