The PSAC Strike causing disruption to IRCC Immigration Services Ends
After few days of disruption in some IRCC immigration and other public services, the PSAC (Public Service Alliance of Canada) strike in Canada has finally come to an end. The government of Canada and PSAC have reached a tentative agreement that brings much-needed respite to the thousands of people who were facing delays and uncertainty about the whole process timeline.
However, it is crucial to note that some lasting effects of the strike may still be felt in the coming days/weeks as services are steadily being restored to their full capacity. Nevertheless, this news brings great hope and assurance for those who are dependent on IRCC's immigration services.
Services being sustained by IRCC
These Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) services remain available, which means, you can still:
- apply online
- mail applications to IRCC
- use your online accounts
- access some emergency services
Moreover, following services offered by non-governmental organizations are still available:
- settlement services from IRCC partner organizations
- health care through the Interim Federal Health Program
- visa application centres outside of Canada
Services partially or totally interrupted
Most IRCC services, i.e. most Government of Canada services, were affected. The applicants should expect delays with the below as IRCC gradually return to service standards:
- Access to Information Act requests
- Biometrics:
- Citizenship events:
- Consular citizenship and passport services:
- Contacting IRCC:
- Extending your stay in Canada:
- Grants and contributions services:
- Immigration-related appointments:
- Passport services:
- Processing applications:
The Canadian immigration impact a huge number of people, as every year, tens of thousands of people apply for immigration to Canada through various immigration programs, i.e. federal Express Entry System, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), etc. In 2023, the IRCC has confirmed its target to admit 465,000 new permanent residents.
