The Canadian government and the PSAC (Public Service Alliance of Canada) have reached a tentative agreement, which has ended the strike affecting some of the immigration services of Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). However, there may still be some service impacts in the next few days or weeks until the services gradually return to full capacitor you can say Canada’s Immigration System Return of Normalcy. The strike was impacting services such as visa processing, permanent residency applications, and citizenship applications.
The strike affected thousands of applicants, causing significant delays in the processing of their applications. Many applicants were left in limbo, uncertain when they would receive a decision on their immigration status. The strike also had a significant impact on the Canadian economy, as it slowed down the influx of skilled workers and international students who are critical to the country’s growth and development.
The new agreement between the union and the government includes a 4% salary increase for the employees and a commitment to address issues related to workload and work-life balance. The agreement also includes provisions for addressing workplace harassment and discrimination.
With the strike now over, the IRCC will resume its regular operations, and applicants can expect to see their applications processed in a timely manner. However, there may still be some delays as the IRCC works to clear the backlog of applications accumulated during the strike.
It’s important to note that the strike was not related to any issues with Canada’s immigration policies or procedures. Instead, it was a dispute between the union and the government over workplace conditions and compensation. Canada remains committed to welcoming immigrants and providing a streamlined and efficient immigration system.
Services being maintained by IRCC
These IRCC services remain available, which means, you can still:
- apply online
- mail applications to IRCC
- use your online accounts
- access some emergency services
Moreover, below services offered by non-governmental organizations are still available:
- settlement services from IRCC partner organizations
- health care through the Interim Federal Health Program
- visa application centres outside of Canada
Services partially or fully interrupted
Most Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) services, i.e. most Government of Canada services, were impacted. You should expect delays with the following as IRCC return to service standards:
- Access to Information Act requests: Applicants can expect longer processing times for Access to Information Act requests.
- Biometrics: If you were not able to give your biometrics within 30 days due to the PSAC strike, you are now being given 60 days to complete this step. You do not have to contact IRCC for an extension, and you don’t require new biometric instruction letter to make another appointment. Bring your original biometric instruction letter to your new appointment to show evidence of payment.
Outside of Canada biometrics collection
Visa application centres outside of Canada are open. You can still give your biometrics at given places.
- Citizenship events: Citizenship events will be rearranged. Some urgent applications may still be processed.
- Consular citizenship and passport services: You may get delays with citizenship or passport services outside of Canada. You can still access your passport applications and submitted documents.
- Contacting IRCC:
Client Support Centre response times
The IRCC Client Support Centre is facing service delays. You can anticipat onger response times.
Social media
IRCC is unable to answer your social media enquiries during the labour disruption.
IRCC web form response times
You should anticipate longer response times when using the IRCC web form.
- Extending your stay in Canada: You can apply online to extend your stay in Canada during the mentioned labour disruption.
- Grants and contributions services: IRCC will respond to urgent requests from funded recipients, but please anticipate delays with IRCC response times. Funded recipients will still get their first advance payment of 2023–2024.
- Immigration-related appointments: In-person appointments may be rearranged.
If you are in Canada: Clients with immigration-related appointments in Canada will be contacted to rearrange or cancel appointments.
If you are outside Canada: Foreign interviews are proceeding as planned, unless advised otherwise by the IRCC office abroad.
- Passport services:
Resumption of full passport services
IRCC has recommenced the processing of domestic passport applications. If you didn’t apply during the PSAC strike, you can now.
- Processing applications: There was limited capability during the PSAC strike, so delays in processing are likely. This includes delays for applications presently being prioritized.
Also read-
Parks Canada Joins hands with TIAC to promote tourism in Canada & Enhance Visitor experiences
Australian government is improving its immigration system to speed up accepting skilled workers
New Alberta PNP draws invites 284 Candidates- CRS score range 301-316
Manitoba Conducted Separate draw for Skilled Worker Overseas Stream- Invited record 558 Candidates
To know more and apply for immigration to Canada through best visa program in 2023, you may contact Visas Avenue trusted Visa Advisor and expert on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.
In conclusion, the end of the IRCC strike is welcome news for those affected by the delays in Canada’s immigration system. The new agreement between the union and the government should address the issues that led to the strike, and allow the IRCC to resume its regular operations. As always, Canada remains committed to welcoming immigrants and providing a fair and efficient immigration system.