The Public Services Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Federal Government of Canada reached an agreement after a strike that lasted from April 19 to May 1. The strike affected more than 155,000 public servants, including those of Canada Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC).
Find out if you are eligible for Canadian immigration
IRCC says There may be some service impacts in the coming time until services return to full capacity and delays are resolved.
What services were partially or totally interrupted?
Most IRCC services were affected and delays should be expected in the following areas:
- Biometrics
- citizenship events
- Contact IRCC
- Extend your stay in Canada
- Immigration Related Quotes
- passport services
- Application Processing
Biometrics collection in Canada they are being given an extension. If you were unable to provide your biometrics within 30 days due to the strike, you now have 60 days to complete this step. You will not be required to contact IRCC from an extension or need a new biometrics instruction letter to make another appointment. As long as you bring your original biometric instruction letter to your new appointment and have proof of payment, you will be eligible for the extension.
Citizenship events that were canceled due to the strike are currently in the process of being rescheduled, and new invitation letters will be sent out as soon as possible.
Customer care Center response times are experiencing service delays after the strike, so you should expect longer response times when using the IRCC web form.
Talking about extend your stay in Canada, you can apply online. However, you must meet the following conditions to keep your status and remain in Canada until a decision is made on your application:
- Your extension request must be submitted online
- The application must be complete and include biometricsfees and any other applicable requirements
- You must apply before your temporary residence status expires
If you are in Canada, anyone in person immigration related quotes that were canceled due to the strike are in the process of being rescheduled, and you will be notified of your new appointment as soon as possible. If you are outside of Canada, interviews abroad will take place as scheduled, unless otherwise indicated.
IRCC has resumed domestic prosecution passport applications. If you have already submitted a passport application, it will be processed and you do not need to reapply. You can also get real-time updates on the processing of your requests through the online passport status checker.
If you applied for a passport before the strike and the application is currently being processed, you can contact the Passport Call Center or visit a passport office to request that your application be prioritized if you have an imminent need.
IRCC has been experiencing increased application volume, which may cause longer lines at passport offices and Service Canada Centers and longer processing times.
Finally, application processing times have been increased as there was limited processing capacity during the strike. Delays are also expected in applications that are currently being prioritized.
reference: www.cicnews.com