Canada Post Strike: What It Means for Immigration Applicants

For many people in Canada, this is an inconvenience. But for those in the middle of an immigration or permit process, the consequences can be far more serious. This article explains the potential impacts on newcomers and immigration applicants, and offers practical advice on how to reduce risks during the disruption. 

Why the strike matters for immigration 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) still relies on the postal system for many essential documents. A strike therefore creates delays at multiple stages of the process: 

Permanent Resident (PR) cards 

Once your permanent residence is approved, your PR card is usually mailed to your Canadian address. With postal services halted, new cards may take significantly longer to reach you. This is especially concerning if you need your card for urgent travel. 

Passports (inside Canada) 

IRCC has confirmed that passport processing continues, but delivery is affected. If you did not pay for pickup or request a courier, your passport may only arrive once service resumes. For urgent travel, you may be able to arrange in-person pickup or request an alternate courier directly with IRCC. 

Study permits and work permits (including IEC) 

Applicants who submit their applications by paper will face mailing delays. Likewise, any documents mailed from IRCC to applicants may not arrive on time. Online application submissions are not affected, and IRCC continues to recommend using online portals to avoid these delays. 

Those waiting for a study or work permit in Canada are also able to study or work once approved on the portal.  

Your new study or work permit is considered valid from the time your online account shows that it has been printed—so you may be able to work before you physically receive the permit in the mail. If your old permit has already expired and you are not on maintained status, you must wait until the new one is officially issued before working. 

• There are particular eligibility rules for in-land activation for IEC work permits, you can Read more about inland IEC permit activation. 

Access to services may be impacted  

It’s one thing for IRCC to recognize your legal status once you have received an approval notice on the portal, but it’s another to get access to everything you’re eligible for.  

It may be tricky to extend or receive your SIN, access provincial healthcare, renew your drivers license, and access similar services without a physical copy of your work permit. 

Many of these essential services want you to bring your work or study permit to the appointment with you. And they may not accept a portal notification stating that it’s approved – even with the Canada Post delays.  

While we suggest you still try to access the services, you will unfortunately likely experience significant hardships and delays accessing these services if the particular agency you’re dealing with will not accept your online version.  

Supporting documents sent by mail 

Some immigration streams require supporting evidence to be mailed to IRCC or related authorities. During a postal disruption, these packages may be delayed indefinitely. This increases the risk of missed deadlines if the evidence does not arrive on time. Where possible, upload documents online or send them by a non-Canada Post courier. 

IRCC letters and notifications 

IRCC sometimes communicates by letter, particularly for requests for additional information or scheduling biometrics. These letters may now arrive late, leaving applicants at risk of missing deadlines. Since deadlines are not automatically extended during postal strikes, this could have serious consequences. 

Couriers under pressure 

With many Canadians and institutions turning to private couriers, demand will rise sharply. That may mean higher costs and slower delivery, even with alternative providers. 

Action items for newcomers and applicants 

While the strike may be beyond your control, you can take proactive steps to minimize the risks: 

1. Use IRCC’s online portals whenever possible.
   Submit applications, upload supporting documents, and check messages online instead of sending paper packages. 
2. Monitor your IRCC account frequently.
   Log in regularly to catch new updates or requests. For IEC applicants awaiting a new work permit, watch for the “printed” status in your account. 
3. Communicate with IRCC proactively.
   If you anticipate missing a deadline because of mail delays, contact IRCC through the web form or by phone. In some cases, alternate arrangements may be possible. 
4. Plan for courier delays.
   If you must send documents, consider FedEx, UPS, Purolator, or another private courier—but build in extra time, since these services may be overloaded.
5. Seek professional guidance if needed.
   A licensed Canadian immigration consultant or lawyer can help you interpret deadlines, maintain status, and navigate risks during a disruption. 

Final thoughts 

The Canada Post strike is more than an inconvenience for immigration applicants—it can affect everything from your ability to travel to maintaining legal status in Canada. By moving applications online, monitoring your IRCC account closely, and preparing for courier delays, you can reduce the risks while postal services remain disrupted. 

If you are worried about how the strike may affect your case, don’t hesitate to seek professional immigration advice. Taking action now could prevent serious setbacks later.