Concerns Raised About IRCC’s Processing Times | MyConsultant

Concerns Raised About IRCC’s Processing Times

IRCC has launched a pilot program to resume limited in-person services in select cities for services related to biometrics, citizenship, asylum claims, and permanent residence.

This limited re-opening is designed to test IRCC protocols and allow the department to expand its in-person services.

These select services will be available in-person by appointment only. Only those applicants who have been contacted by a Service Canada Officer and have a scheduled appointment may visit a Service Canada Centre.

The announcement is welcome news to applicants who have lived with considerable uncertainty during the pandemic. However, many applicants are frustrated by continued delays and have indicated that COVID-19 merely worsened existing wait times.

Members of Parliament have taken note. NDP MP Jenny Kwan believes that immigration cases make up most of the constituency work for MPs right now. She highlights delays in both IRCC’s online offerings and its resumption of in-person services as an issue that forces immigrants to “put their lives on hold”.

IRCC has implemented safety measures for staff and visitors at locations where in-person services are offered. The department has also streamlined its process for employees working remotely. During the pandemic, Canadian citizens and permanent residents returning to Canada, along with those working in essential services, have been prioritized by the department.

Source: CBC.ca

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