Possible Canadian Government Strike in April - How to Minimize the Impact on Your Visa Application?
In the event of a strike by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) employees, individuals who intend to apply or have already submitted their applications and waiting on the result may be impacted by the strike.
As reported by CBC News, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) has declared that more than 200,000 federal public servants will conduct strike votes within the next few weeks. When a labour disruption occurs, similar to many Government of Canada services, most IRCC services would be affected to some extent.
In what way will the strike impact your application?
In the event of a strike by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) employees, individuals who intend to apply or have already submitted their applications and waiting on the result may be impacted by the strike. Delays should be anticipated in the following areas:
Processing applications
In-person appointments or events, such as citizenship ceremonies
Contacting IRCC through email, phone, or social media
Consular citizenship and passport services
Passport services in Canada
However, some IRCC services will remain accessible, such as applying online, mailing applications to IRCC, using your online accounts, and accessing some emergency services.
Non-governmental organizations provide the following services and will remain accessible, even in the event of a labour disruption:
Settlement services from the partner organizations
Healthcare coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program
Visa application centers located outside of Canada
Things you can do to minimize the effects of the strike on your application
There are several measures that applicants can take to mitigate the impact of the strike on their immigration process.
Firstly, it is advisable to seek professional assistance and submit your application as soon as possible if you still need to do so. Professional immigration consultants can provide valuable guidance on completing the necessary forms, organizing required documents, and navigating the complex immigration process. Find the visa application that you want to apply for and get professional help today.
Secondly, it may be worthwhile to submit a web form to follow up with IRCC on the status of your application. This could provide you with important updates on your application and allow you to track its progress.
Lastly, consider submitting an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request to the IRCC. This will enable you to obtain the officer's notes and updates on the status of your application. Seeking help from a professional immigration consultant can also assist with submitting an ATIP request and interpreting the information obtained.
While a potential strike by IRCC employees could impact immigration processes and cause delays, taking proactive steps to manage your application during a strike can help mitigate potential delays and ensure that your immigration goals are met promptly and efficiently.
