Canadian visa processing at standstill as federal workers’ strike enters Day 7

With most IRCC employees still on strike, immigration and visa application processing has been halted.

More than 155,000 public sector workers in Canada began a strike on on April 19 after failing to reach a wage deal with the federal government.

This has come as a blow to a country already struggling with a stubborn visa backlog. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had made some progress over the past year in reducing the backlog created during pandemic. Then the strike hit.

As of March 31, number of backlogged applications dropped below 9,00,000 for the first time since pandemic, with another 20,17,700 applications under processing.

“There will be limited capacity during a strike, so delays in processing are expected. This includes delays to applications currently being prioritized,” the IRCC has said.

 

Citizenship events have already been canceled and will be rescheduled after the IRCC strike ends.

” You may experience delays with citizenship or passport services outside of Canada. You can still access your passport applications and submitted documents,” it added.

You can apply online to extend your stay in Canada during the Government of Canada labour disruption. You must meet the following conditions to maintain your status and remain in Canada until a decision is made on your application:

  • Your extension application must be submitted online (unless you are exempt)
  • The application must be complete by including
  • biometrics
  • fees
  • other applicable requirements

You must submit your application before your tem ..

Your in-person appointments may be rescheduled.

If you’re in Canada

Clients with immigration-related appointments in Canada will be contacted to re-schedule or cancel appointments, the IRCC said.If you’re outside Canada
Overseas interviews are proceeding as scheduled, unless advised otherwise by the IRCC office abroad.

1 Comment

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