URGENT ALERT
IAM 2013 Annual Meeting Attendees:
Strike by Canadian Visa Processing Officers may
Cause Delays in Issuing Travel Visas
For those who have registered for the Annual Meeting in Vancouver, Canada, or who plan to register to attend in the coming days, we have an urgent announcement:
IAM has been advised the Canadian Consulate offices are experiencing labor disputes, and this is affecting the amount of time it is taking to process travel visas.
This message has been posted on the Canadian Immigration website regarding the situation:
"The Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO) union is currently taking strike action. PAFSO union members responsible for processing visa applications have been walking out of offices in Canada and overseas.
"Posted processing times for both temporary and permanent resident visa applications do not take into account work stoppages.
"Anyone applying for a visa should anticipate delays and submit their application as far in advance as possible.
"Contingency plans are already in place to ensure all offices remain open and are providing at least a minimum level of service. Priority will be placed on urgent humanitarian applications.
"CIC continues to closely monitor the situation."
According to our sources, the normal processing time of 7 - 10 days can now take up to 3 - 4 weeks.
IAM strongly encourages your company's attendees to apply immediately for their travel visas to Canada so as to avoid any last minute problems.
To see the message from the Government of Canada, please click here.
IAM 2013 Annual Meeting Attendees:
Strike by Canadian Visa Processing Officers may
Cause Delays in Issuing Travel Visas
For those who have registered for the Annual Meeting in Vancouver, Canada, or who plan to register to attend in the coming days, we have an urgent announcement:
IAM has been advised the Canadian Consulate offices are experiencing labor disputes, and this is affecting the amount of time it is taking to process travel visas.
This message has been posted on the Canadian Immigration website regarding the situation:
"The Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO) union is currently taking strike action. PAFSO union members responsible for processing visa applications have been walking out of offices in Canada and overseas.
"Posted processing times for both temporary and permanent resident visa applications do not take into account work stoppages.
"Anyone applying for a visa should anticipate delays and submit their application as far in advance as possible.
"Contingency plans are already in place to ensure all offices remain open and are providing at least a minimum level of service. Priority will be placed on urgent humanitarian applications.
"CIC continues to closely monitor the situation."
According to our sources, the normal processing time of 7 - 10 days can now take up to 3 - 4 weeks.
IAM strongly encourages your company's attendees to apply immediately for their travel visas to Canada so as to avoid any last minute problems.
To see the message from the Government of Canada, please click here.