The recent labour disruption between the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Federal Government of Canada has now been resolved. The strike, which took place from April 19th to May 1st, impacted more than 155,000 public servants, including employees of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
As a result of the strike, there may still be some service impacts and delays until everything returns to normal.
According to IRCC, there may be ongoing service disruptions and delays until services are fully restored and back to normal operations.
Which services experienced partial or complete Labour disruptions?
The following IRCC services were affected to varying degrees, and delays can be anticipated in these areas:
Affected Services
1. Biometrics:
The collection of biometrics in Canada has been extended. If you couldn’t provide your biometrics within the usual 30-day timeframe due to the strike, you now have 60 days to complete this step. You don’t need to contact IRCC for an extension or get a new biometric instruction letter. Just bring your original letter and proof of payment to your rescheduled appointment.
Click here to check out all the details of the IRCC Strike
2. Citizenship Events:
Citizenship events that were cancelled because of the strike are being rescheduled. You will receive new invitation letters as soon as possible.
3. Contacting IRCC:
Due to the strike, the response times at the Client Support Centre have been affected. You should expect longer wait times when using the IRCC web form.
4. Extending Your Stay in Canada:
You can apply online if you need to extend your stay in Canada. To maintain your status and stay in the country until a decision is made on your application, make sure to meet the following conditions:
- Online Submission: Your extension application must be submitted through the online platform.
- Complete Application: Ensure that your application is fully filled out and includes all necessary elements such as biometrics, fees, and any other relevant requirements.
- Timely Submission: Submit your application before your temporary residence status expires to avoid any complications.
Remember, adhering to these guidelines will increase your chances of a successful extension application.
5. Immigration Related Appointments:
If you had an in-person immigration-related appointment cancelled due to the strike, it will be rescheduled, and you will be notified of the new appointment as soon as possible. For those outside of Canada, overseas interviews are proceeding as scheduled unless informed otherwise.
6. Passport Services:
IRCC has resumed processing domestic passport applications. If you have already submitted an application, there is no need to reapply. You can track the status of your application in real-time using the online passport status checker.
7. Processing Application Times:
Due to the strike, processing times for applications have increased. The limited processing capacity during the strike and the prioritization of certain applications may cause delays. Please be patient while your application is being processed.
Know more about Why Canadian Immigration Visa Processing Times Vary
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent labour disruption had an impact on various services provided by IRCC. While progress has been made, some delays and impacts may still occur. It’s important to be aware of the affected areas, such as biometrics, citizenship events, contacting IRCC, extending your stay, immigration appointments, passport services, and application processing. Following IRCC’s guidelines and staying informed will help you navigate these challenges smoothly. For any questions or assistance, reach out to IRCC directly.
We hope this information clarifies the impact of the recent labour disruption on IRCC services. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to IRCC for assistance.
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