Canada immigration applicants will now face delays in processing
- One of the largest strikes in Canadian history is started on April 19. No agreement has been reached between the government and the union representing 155,000 public service workers, including those at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) has released a list of more than 250 picket line locations across Canada, where workers will be expected to picket. Although workers are fighting for the right to work from home among other demands, they cannot strike from home.
- The strike will interrupt services at IRCC, which handles passport and immigration applications. Processing times could be delayed at a time when IRCC is working through the pandemic backlog of nearly two million people in the queue.
- Services at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will also be affected, which include the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) services are expected to be maintained, as their services are considered essential.
- PSAC began negotiations for better wages and working conditions in December 2020. Public service workers are asking for better wages, addressing systemic racism in the workplace, the ability to work from home, and better job security.
- If the strike goes on too long, the Canadian government, currently led by the Liberal Party, could theoretically table back-to-work legislation, which would end the strike. However, in order to do so the Liberal government would need support from other major political parties like the Conservative party and teh Bloc Québécois. The leader of the New Democratic Party, Jagmeet Singh, has already said his party would not support such legislation.
IRCC services disrupted
Some IRCC services will be fully or partially disrupted. According to the Government of Canada’s, you may expect delays with:
- Processing applications
- In-person appointments or events including citizenship ceremonies
- Contacting IRCC via email, phone or social media
- Consular citizenship and passport services
- Passport services in Canada
However, some IRCC services will remain available. You would still be able to:
- Apply online
- Mail applications to IRCC
- Use your online accounts
- Access some emergency services
The following services are offered by non-governmental organizations and would still be available:
- Settlement services from our partner organizations
- Health care through the Interim Federal Health Program
- Visa application centres outside of Canada
