More than 155,000 public servants walked out on April 19, seeking higher wages and better working conditions. This includes employees with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – however, staff working in overseas offices remain on the job.

Languages Canada, which represents English and French language programs across the country, is urging the federal government to make student document processing a top priority.

“Agents and students should know that Canada remains open for business despite the strike,” Gonzalo Peralta, executive director of Languages Canada, told the PIE News.

“For instance, students traveling to Canada on Electronic Travel Authorisations aren’t affected since that process is largely automated,” he continued.

Alain Roy, vice president of international programs with Colleges and Institutes Canada, echoed that that awareness was key for international students that “some services remain available”.

“Students can submit their study permit applications online and visa application centres outside of Canada will continue to operate as normal,” Roy said.

“Canada remains open for business despite the strike”

However, immigration minister Sean Fraser warned that students could face delays in processing applications for study permits and visas. He said the impact “could be severe depending on the length of the work stoppage.”

Peralta believes the impact of the strike will be minimal but is worried that students will be discouraged from coming to the country.

“Our concern is over misunderstanding or misinformation impacting decisions to choose Canada as a study destination and for that reason we’ve requested clear communication by government to reassure our partners abroad,” he insisted.