The Canada federal workers' strike which began April 19 could have a “severe” impact on immigration, erasing progress made since the backlogs caused by the global pandemic. Many Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) employees are on strike, and Canadian immigration and visa application processing has been severely impacted.
“Unfortunately, the labour disruption will have an impact on the gains that we have made and the work that we’ve been doing to address some of these backlogs in our inventories since the pandemic,” said Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, and the impact could be “severe depending on the length of the work stoppage”.
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser has warned that the current labour disruption could have a severe impact on visa application processing, given its potential length. This is especially concerning as the number of backlogged applications had only just dropped below 900,000 for the first time since the start of the pandemic at the end of March, with another 201,700 applications still under processing. As of April 19, over 159,000 public sector workers in Canada are on strike, putting the already-stressed visa application system at risk for further delays. It remains to be seen how long this strike will last and what long-term effect it may have on immigration processing times.
"There will be limited capacity during a strike, so delays in processing are expected. This includes delays to applications currently being prioritized."
- IRCC
Don't Let The Strike Delay Your Immigration Plans
Given the potential problems that could arise from the labour disruption, it is important for individuals to consider their options and plan ahead. The professional help from a qualified, experienced immigration lawyer can help you navigate the challenging visa application processes during the strike.
Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah explains,
Our immigration legal team has extensive experience in troubleshooting processing delays and we can advise on you on which steps to take during the strike. We know how the visa application system works, what documents are necessary, and can provide timely guidance that could help prevent additional delays or rejection of applications, so you're prepared when the strike ends. We can proactively troubleshoot problems that may arise until IRCC returns to work, and provide cross border business support.
1. Plan Ahead
It is important to plan ahead whenever possible. If you need immigration documents in the future, now is a good time to contact an immigration lawyer so you are prepared to submit your application when the strike ends.
2. Stay Informed
By staying informed about developments in Canada's strike and immigration policy, businesses and individuals can be prepared for any new changes that might impact their applications.
3. Consult An Immigration Lawyer
An immigration lawyer can advise you on the best way to meet your immigration needs during and after the strike. Once the strike ends, the backlog will have grown and you want every opportunity to ensure your application isn't further delayed by mistakes or missing documents.
Do You Need Immigration Assistance During the Strike?
During the strike, Ackah Business Immigration Law is available to provide help and support in all areas of Canadian immigration law. Our team of professionals can provide the legal advice needed to troubleshoot immigration problems and monitor your application each step of the way. Contact us today for more information about our services. With our experience and your commitment, it's possible to make your immigration dreams a reality - despite the strike.
Ackah Business Immigration Law is a full-service immigration law firm for business and individual immigration, with offices in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. Contact Ackah Law today at (403) 452-9515 or email us directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.
