June 29, 2023
Re: Extension request for the September 25, 2023, deadline of TS2023 Special Measures – Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria
To: 
The Honourable Sean Fraser 
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada 

Dear Minister Sean Fraser,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Mehmet Alper Kirtil, representing Turkish Community in Canada. Our community holds in high regard the transformative opportunities presented by TS2023 special measures, yet we have been increasingly concerned about the upcoming deadline on September 25, 2023. We sincerely believe that an extension of this deadline is both a necessity and an opportunity for many, including those affected by the recent earthquake in Turkey.
The intent of this letter is to formally request an extension of the TS2023 special measures until the end of the year. This extension will enable more individuals to access these vital support measures, ensuring their safety, well-being, and sustainable future in Canada. The subsequent sections of this letter detail the reasons behind our request.
The entire community appreciates the efforts of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to provide support to those in need. We trust in your commitment to upholding the values of inclusivity and fairness, and we sincerely hope you will consider our request favourably.
Please consider the following factors regarding this request: 
1. Travel Costs and Hardships: Those affected by the recent earthquake in Turkey are required to be in Canada before the deadline of September 25, 2023, to be eligible for the work permit under the TS2023 initiative. However, the summer period is a peak travel time, with international students and Turkish Canadians significantly adding to the volume of travellers. This peak demand inflates travel costs compared to other times of the year, making it even more challenging for immigrants, particularly those affected by the earthquake, to afford travel within their limited budgets. This high cost of travel during summer, coupled with their existing hardships, exacerbates the financial strain and further delays the completion of their applications.
2. Unforeseen Personal Circumstances: Many eligible individuals have faced unforeseen personal circumstances, including those affected by the recent devastating earthquake in Turkey. These families require additional time to finalize their procedures with the local government and attend to their personal affairs amidst the catastrophe. This situation has created an extraordinary delay in their ability to submit their applications promptly. Other circumstances can include health issues, job losses, or family emergencies. Given the gravity and unpredictability of such situations, it's crucial that additional time is granted for these individuals to complete their applications.
3. Backlogs and Delays: As the TS2023 initiative has progressed, there has been a noticeable increase in the processing times for both visa applications and work permits. While at the onset, processing times were as short as 10 days, the current wait times have extended up to a month or more for visa applications. The work permit applications present an even more challenging scenario. As of March 29, 2023, our community has submitted hundreds of such applications, yet, as of today, we have received confirmation of completion for only a few open work permit applications. A significant disruption to the application process occurred due to a strike by government employees from April 19th to May 1st.   These instances indicate a growing backlog that could potentially impact a larger number of applicants in the future if not addressed. This situation is beyond the control of the applicants and should be factored into any considerations regarding the termination of the initiative.
4. Technological Limitations: The visa application portals, designed to simplify the process, have faced multiple maintenance closures and disruptions. These unforeseen circumstances caused delays in application completion and submission, making it challenging for applicants to meet the TS2023 deadlines.
5. Equity and Fairness: Some applicants face additional challenges, such as language barriers, lack of access to reliable internet, or inadequate access to technology, making the application process more burdensome. Providing additional time is necessary to ensure an equitable opportunity for all eligible individuals to benefit from the TS2023 initiative.
6. Future Implications: The TS2023 special measures directly contribute to the long-term prosperity of Canada by attracting skilled individuals and families. Extending the deadline allows Canada to maximize the potential benefits of this initiative, aligning with the nation's interest in socio-economic development.
We, therefore, reiterate our request to the Canadian Government to consider extending the TS2023 special measures until December 22nd, 2023. Doing so will accommodate those facing these challenges and also uphold the spirit of fairness and inclusivity that Canada is globally recognized for.

Mehmet Alper Kirtil
Licensed Paralegal, Notary Public & Regulated Immigration Consultant (P13196 & R531481)