Canada: Strike Affecting Immigration Processing
April 19, 2023
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At a Glance
- Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), Canada’s largest public sector union representing over 150,000 public employees, started a strike on April 19, 2023.
- As a result, most services provided by the government of Canada are now fully or partially disrupted, including most immigration services provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), and Passport Canada.
- The strike could also result in longer wait times at Canadian ports of entry, including airports and land crossings.
- Employers and foreign nationals should submit necessary immigration applications early to prepare for potential delays.
The situation
Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), Canada’s largest public sector union representing over 150,000 public employees including employees at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Service Canada (ESDC) started a strike on April 19, 2023. The strike is one of the largest strikes in Canadian history.
Background
Members of the PSAC have been bargaining with the federal government for the last two years for wage increases and more flexibility on remote work, among other issues. Since February 2023, PSAC members from several bargaining units have voted in favor of a strike mandate. On April 16, they issued a 72-hour strike notice to the federal government and the subsequent negotiations were unsuccessful.
Impact
- Service disruptions. Most government services are now fully or partially disrupted, including most immigration services provided by IRCC, ESDC, and Passport Canada. According to IRCC, employers and foreign nationals should expect delays in: application processing; in-person appointments or events including citizenship ceremonies; contacting IRCC via email, phone or social media; consular citizenship and passport services; and passport services in Canada, among others. The strike could also result in longer wait times at Canadian ports of entry, including airports and land crossings.
- IRCC services maintained. According to IRCC some IRCC services will remain available, such as submitting applications to IRCC online or by mail; using online accounts; and accessing some emergency services.
- Other services maintained. Other immigration-related services offered by non-governmental organizations will also remain available, such as settlement services offered by partner organizations; health care through the Interim Federal Health Program; and visa application centers outside of Canada.
- Impact for employers and foreign nationals. Employers and foreign nationals should submit necessary applications early to prepare for potential delays and work with their immigration professionals for case-specific advice.
Looking ahead
Fragomen is monitoring the situation and will report on developments.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
