Support for Temporary Foreign Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic

First, according to the IRCC website, for open work permits for vulnerable workers: "Officers are instructed to process work permit applications on an urgent basis (5 business days from the time the application is received at the local IRCC office responsible for processing the application)." At the same time, the website also states: "However, processing times may be affected by fluctuating volumes of applications received at IRCC”. In reality, I have been informed by numerous advocates that within the past months the response time from IRCC has been on average one month for many who have applied. I am deeply concerned that this is far from the 5 business days as stated on the website. Given the precarious situation of these workers, it would be essential that their cases are processed expeditiously. I am therefore asking that you do everything you can to ensure the applications are indeed processed on an urgent basis - within 5 business days.

Second, your recent post indicating that processing times for work permits has been reduced to 10 days is encouraging. Can you please confirm that this applies to all work permit applications - given that the website states it applies to both the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program?

1. that there has been an automatic extension granted of 90 days, instead of 30 days to submit biometrics;

2. "... officers are encouraged to consider the use of the impossible or not feasible exemption under section R12.8 to exempt them from both the biometrics requirement and the fee"; and

3. "Applicants are also informed that an officer may request that they give biometrics after they apply."