immigration
Will I be impacted by the labour disruptions at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)?
Update on May 1st, 2023:
The Government of Canada and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) have announced that tentative agreements have been reached, ending the strike that was declared on April 19th, 2023. It is expected that some services will still be impacted over the upcoming days and weeks as services return to full capacity.
For the most up-to-date information on how IRCC’s services are impacted by the labour disruptions, visit the IRCC webpage on the Impact of labour disruptions at IRCC.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), a union representing 159,000 federal government employees, declared a strike on April 19th, 2023. This strike impacts many federal departments and agencies, including Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Visit the Government of Canada website for more information on how specific government departments or agencies are impacted by the ongoing labour disruptions.
While essential services will continue to be delivered during this time, it is expected that certain public services including immigration services might be delayed. The Government of Canada is currently negotiating with bargaining units.
As an international student, it is important for you to know how you may be impacted by the current disruptions at IRCC.
Services Maintained at IRCC
During the labour disruption, you can continue to:
- apply online to extend or change your temporary resident status in Canada
- mail your applications to IRCC
- use your online IRCC secure account to check your application status
- access some emergency services
Services Partially or Fully Disrupted at IRCC
Delays in application processing are expected since there is limited capacity at IRCC during the labour disruption. Contacting IRCC via email, phone, or webform may also be difficult, and you can expect longer response times.
If your immigration documents (e.g., study permit, co-op work permit, etc.) are expiring soon, it is important that you plan accordingly and apply early to maintain your valid temporary resident status in Canada.
Visit our Resources Page to review online Instructions Guides and Video Resources on various immigration topics.
For more information on the types of services that are partially or fully disrupted, visit the IRCC webpage on the Impact of labour disruptions at IRCC and its frequently asked questions. It is strongly recommended that you closely monitor the IRCC website for the most up-to-date information on how IRCC’s services are impacted by the labour disruptions.
Our team is monitoring this situation as things change and we will do our best to provide further information on major developments and impact on students as they arise. We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.