Immigrating to Canada can be a life-changing decision, and one that requires significant planning and preparation. However, the ongoing strike at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has created a significant backlog of immigration applications and prolonged processing times. As negotiations between the union representing IRCC employees and the federal government continue, it’s important to understand how this strike may impact your immigration application.
Understanding the ongoing strike at IRCC Since April 10th, 2023, IRCC employees have been on strike, demanding better pay, working conditions, and job security. This has caused a significant backlog of immigration applications and prolonged processing times, affecting thousands of applicants across Canada. Negotiations between the union and the federal government are ongoing, and there is no clear timeline for when the strike will end.
What is the Strike?
The strike involves employees from various federal government departments, including Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and Service Canada. The employees are represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and have been in negotiations with the government for several months. The main issues include salary increases, job security, and better working conditions.
Impact on Immigration Services
The strike will have a significant impact on immigration services in Canada. Some of the consequences include:
Delays in processing applications: With the strike affecting IRCC and CBSA, it is likely that there will be delays in processing applications for permanent residency, work permits, and citizenship.
Limited access to information: During the strike, there will be a reduced number of staff available to answer inquiries, resulting in limited access to information about immigration programs.
Cancellation of appointments: With a reduced number of staff available to conduct interviews and appointments, there may be cancellations of appointments for biometric collection and interviews.
Disruption to refugee services: The strike will also affect services for refugees, including asylum claims and resettlement programs.
Reduced border services: With CBSA employees also involved in the strike, there may be longer wait times at border crossings, including airports, seaports, and land borders.
Steps to take if your application is affected by the strike
If your immigration application is affected by the IRCC strike, there are several steps you can take to help mitigate the impact:
Check the status of your application: You can check the status of your application on the IRCC website. If there is a delay, IRCC may provide an estimated processing time, and you should continue to monitor the status of your application regularly.
Stay informed: Stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments regarding the strike, including any new announcements or changes that may affect your application.
Contact your immigration representative: If you have an immigration representative, they can provide guidance on how to proceed and advocate on your behalf with IRCC. If you do not have a representative, you may want to consider hiring one.
Be patient: While the strike may cause delays, it’s important to remain patient and avoid making any rash decisions. Rushing to withdraw or resubmit your application may do more harm than good.
How We Can Help
At Titan Law Corporation, we understand that the ongoing strike at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may have caused confusion and concern for those seeking assistance with their immigration applications. We want to assure you that we are here to help and have put measures in place to support you during this challenging time.
Here are some ways in which we can assist you during the IRCC strike:
Keeping you informed: We are monitoring the situation closely and staying up-to-date with the latest developments. We will keep you informed of any updates that may affect your application and provide guidance on how to proceed.
Advocating on your behalf: We have a dedicated team of experienced immigration lawyers who will work diligently to ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible once the strike is over. We will advocate on your behalf with IRCC and take all necessary steps to expedite your application.
Reviewing your application: We can review your immigration application to ensure that it is complete and accurate before submission. This can help to avoid delays caused by incomplete or incorrect applications.
Exploring alternative options: If the strike is causing significant delays, we can explore alternative immigration options that may be available to you. Our team can provide guidance on other immigration programs that may be a suitable alternative.
At Titan Law Corporation, our priority is to provide you with the highest level of service and support. We are committed to helping you achieve your immigration goals and will work tirelessly to ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible during this challenging time.
If you have any questions or concerns about your immigration application, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and look forward to assisting you.
Conclusion
The IRCC strike can be overwhelming, but we want to provide you with the best possible support throughout the process. If you have any questions about how the strike may affect your immigration application, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to assist you in any way possible.
The IRCC’s strike began on April 10th, 2023, and negotiations between the union and the federal government are ongoing.
Yes, IRCC has assured that they are prioritizing urgent cases such as refugee claims and family sponsorships.
Yes, the closure of several IRCC offices across Canada may affect the processing of applications that require in-person interviews or document verification.
An immigration lawyer can keep clients informed of any updates that may affect their application, review applications to ensure they are complete and accurate, and explore alternative immigration options if needed.
If your application is delayed by the strike, you can contact an immigration lawyer for guidance and assistance in expediting your application once the strike is over.