Applying for 2-week processing during Covid-19?

[thursd]

Hi there,

I'm applying for a work permit, for the 2-week processing track with LMIA exempt. I'm applying from the US but I'm unable to submit my application because I don't have all my documents yet. I was counting on the 2-week processing track so I can apply early May, give biometrics right away, and be in Canada by the end of the month (my start date is June 1st). And then this COVID-19 happened and I don't know what do to. Did anyone get their work permit processed through this 2-week processing track since lockdown? How did you give biometrics?

 

[Bs65]

Just an observation based on some other posts but the 2 week processing seems to have been reported as a pretty optimistic target that has ever been met even pre COVID. Obviously every application is different but even pre COVID seems a bit ambitious to leave anything to do with IRCC until just in time. Keep in mind IRCC processing times are not committments which is why people generally apply ahead of time for anything immigration related when they are ready .

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio.../services/coronavirus-covid19/biometrics.html

 

[thursd]

Thanks for your reply! My employer told me that the 2-week processing (through global talent stream it was called) didn't take more than a month for other foreign workers there, so I wasn't too worried, until Covid-19 happened. I wonder if anyone has been successful getting their work permit approved (despite not being able to give biometrics) using this 2-week track, after the travel restrictions? It seems other posts I've come across here don't have an answer.

 

[robkin]

I know that visa services are suspended for people trying to flagpole, but are they suspended for people who can enter Canada without a visa? Normally it’s possible for us citizens to wait in line for several hours to get a work permit issued at the border.

 

[scylla]

Thanks for your reply! My employer told me that the 2-week processing (through global talent stream it was called) didn't take more than a month for other foreign workers there, so I wasn't too worried, until Covid-19 happened. I wonder if anyone has been successful getting their work permit approved (despite not being able to give biometrics) using this 2-week track, after the travel restrictions? It seems other posts I've come across here don't have an answer.

I don't believe any exemptions / exceptions for biometrics have been granted due to COVID. If you need to do biometrics, it's still mandatory to get the visa. IRCC has extended the deadline by 90 days for all applications (meaning your application will not be canceled / refused for failing to give biometrics). However your application can't be processed and finalized without biometrics.

Here's what's been announced re:biometrics:

Automatic biometrics extension
You now automatically have 90 days (instead of 30) from the date on your biometrics instruction letter (BIL) to give your biometrics.

You don’t have to contact us to get this extension and you don’t need a new BIL for a future appointment.

Your application won’t be refused or closed if you can’t give your biometrics during this period.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio.../services/coronavirus-covid19/biometrics.html

 

[Bs65]

I know that visa services are suspended for people trying to flagpole, but are they suspended for people who can enter Canada without a visa? Normally it’s possible for us citizens to wait in line for several hours to get a work permit issued at the border.

Read post #2502 in below link. The person was lucky but not something that is likely to succeed given land border crossings at the moment are mostly considered as non essential in either direction and for sure work permit issue is probably in that category versus a COPR..

https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-i...-and-coronavirus.681880/page-167#post-8580244