IRCC recently made several announcements to reduce backlogs and improve client experience. It was reported that as shown on the table below (as of July 21, 2022), IRCC is managing over 1 million applications from their inventories. In 2021, they finalized 1.7 million decisions across their lines of business.
IRCC’S goal is to process 80% of applications within their service standards.
To help reduce wait times, IRCC is working on hiring 1,250 new employees to tackle the backlogs and increase processing capacity. The Minister announced that permanent and temporary residence applicants who are already in Canada and meet certain criteria will be exempt from the immigration medical examination requirement. This will simplify the process and will impact approximately 180,000 clients by helping them save time and money on the medical examination process and helps reduce wait times on their applications.
IRCC has started conducting telephone and video interviews with sponsors and applicants under the Family sponsorship program to be able to process family reunifications applications quickly.
IRCC is also taking measures to modernize the delivery of its services to applicants for permanent residence programs. The Minister announced that access to the online application portal for clients has now been expanded to the majority of permanent residence applicants. IRCC will begin transitioning to 100% digital applications for most of the permanent residence programs starting Sept 23, 2022, with alternative formats available for people who require accommodations.
In August 2021, IRCC launched a new tool that allows most citizenship applications to be submitted online. This tool is open to applicants age 18 and over, and has now expanded to allow groups of adults to apply together. IRCC plans to expand this tool to offer online applications for minors under the age of 18 by the end of the year.
Starting September 23, 2022, and following the schedule below, IRCC will begin transitioning to 100% digital applications for most permanent residence programs. Applicants must submit their application online based on the table below. However, if clients are not able to apply online and require accommodations, including for a disability, they will be able to contact IRCC and request an alternative format. Please note that applications that are received after the transition dates will be returned to applicants.
If you have questions regarding the above article, you may contact Marjorie at [email protected]
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not a legal advice. To ensure your interests are protected, retain, or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of CICC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCIC’s.
