The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) which represents 159,000 public servants declared a general strike which began on Wednesday, April 19th 2023. The PSAC is striking for fair wages, a better work-life balance, more workplace inclusivity, and reduced layoffs. Due to the fact that these employees provide a range of services for the public, certain services including those provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may be delayed or not delivered at all due to this strike action.
Services maintained
According to IRCC some services will remain available during the strike action. You will still be able to:
- apply online
- mail applications to IRCC
- use your online accounts
- access some emergency services
These services offered by non-governmental organizations will still be available:
- settlement services from our partner organizations
- health care through the Interim Federal Health Program
- visa application centres outside of Canada
Services partially or fully disrupted
IRCC mentions that you should expect delays with the following services:
- Processing applications
- Contacting IRCC
- Immigration-related appointments
- Consular citizenship and passport services
- Passport services
- Citizenship events
- Extending your stay in Canada
- Access to Information Act requests
- Grants and contributions services
In addition, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) mentions that the following services will be partially or fully disrupted:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program
- Biometrics collection