Impact of labour disruptions at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Biometrics collection extension in Canada

If you were unable to give your biometrics within 30 days due to the public service labour disruption, you are now being given 60 days to complete this step. You don’t have to contact IRCC for an extension, and you don’t need a new biometric instruction letter to make another appointment. Bring your original biometric instruction letter to your new appointment to show proof of payment.

Outside of Canada biometrics collection

Visa application centres outside of Canada remain open. You can still give your biometrics at these locations.

Citizenship events that were cancelled due to the Government of Canada labour disruption are in the process of being rescheduled. New invitation letters will be sent out as soon as possible.

Client Support Centre response times

Following the Government of Canada labour disruption, the IRCC Client Support Centre is experiencing service delays. You should expect longer response times when using the IRCC web form.

You can apply online to extend your stay in Canada. You must meet the following conditions to maintain your status and remain in Canada until a decision is made on your application:

• Your extension application must be submitted online (unless you are exempt).
• The application must be complete and include
  • biometrics
  • fees
  • other applicable requirements
• You must submit your application before your temporary residence status expires.

If you’re in Canada

Any in-person appointments that were cancelled due to the Government of Canada labour disruption are in the process of being rescheduled. You will be notified of your new appointment as soon as possible.

If you’re outside Canada

Overseas interviews are proceeding as scheduled, unless indicated otherwise by the IRCC office abroad.

Resumption of full passport services

We’ve resumed processing of domestic passport applications. If you didn’t apply during the labour disruption, you can now.

If you already submitted an application

• We’ve received it and it will be processed. There’s no need to re-apply.
• You can obtain real-time updates on the processing of your applications through the online passport status checker.
• Clients who applied prior to the labour disruption, and whose application is currently in processing can contact the Passport Call Centre or visit a passport office to request that their application be prioritized if they have an imminent need.

Application volumes, line-ups and processing times

We may experience a higher volume of applications. This may cause longer

• line ups at passport offices and Service Canada Centres
  • Staff may prioritize clients with urgent needs like planned travel
• processing times

What you can do to help

Don’t arrive or line up before the office opens. You’ll be served on the day you visit regardless of the time you arrive. To serve you better, staff may triage and manage lines.

We encourage Canadians to take advantage of the service options that are most convenient to them. Visit the Service Canada website for business hours and a complete list of

• Service Canada Centres
• passport offices, and
• scheduled outreach sites

There was limited capacity during the strike, so delays in processing are expected. This includes delays for applications currently being prioritized.