IRCC’s Efforts to Modernize Immigration in Canada | Canada Global

The following is an overview designed to provide an overview of the steps being taken to modernize the IRCC application management system.

Why Canada has made it a priority to improve its immigration system.
Canada recognizes that it is vital to the prosperity of the country that they work to change the application management systems for Canada’s immigration programs. In a January 2022 press release, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said:

I know that processing delays have been incredibly frustrating for many people. Helping clients come to Canada quickly with predictable processing times and efficient communication with IRCC is a top priority. Immigration benefits all Canadians—it helps grow our economy and strengthens our communities across the country. Many people are choosing Canada to see and build their future, and to ensure we remain competitive, we have introduced concrete measures to ensure that those who come to Canada want them to have the client experience they deserve.”

IRCC is taking steps to modernize immigration in Canada.
Accordingly, Canada is taking the following steps to transform the application management systems at Canadian Immigration to meet the country’s goals of improved processing times and more effective communication to clients.

1. Financial investment

Economic and Fiscal Update In 2021, Canada proposes $85 million in new funding to reduce application inventory
As part of the 2021 budget, Canada invested $428.9 million over 5 years, with $398.5 million remaining “to develop and deliver an enterprise-wide digital platform that will gradually transform the IRCC. will replace the legacy Global Case Management System (GCMS)”.
2. Expand the use of advanced data analytics

Using data analytics for visitor visas has so far proven that routine files can be assessed 87% faster.
3. To allow more applicants to use the digital application portal

Until now, specific to spousal support applicants, application processing has reverted to the 12-month service standard for new applications.
IRCC began transitioning to 100% digital applications for permanent residency programs in September 2022, with alternative formats still available for those in need of residency.
4. Introduction to the Permanent Residence Application Tracker

5. Online System for Receipt of Permanent Resident Card

Between June and December 2021, 225,000 permanent residents have already used the portal.
6. Progress for citizenship applicants

These developments include:

Online testing
An online application tracker/submission system
Virtual citizenship events
Allowing interested candidates to self-administer their oath through a signed affidavit and thereafter celebrate their citizenship.
7. Updating existing procedures

IRCC is working on:

Update the online processing time tool and begin publishing estimated estimates of application processing times.
Exempt certain applicants from the immigration medical examination requirement
Conduct more telephone and video interviews for some programs, including expanding the availability of virtual interviews at our overseas offices and even some visa application centers.
timeline
With the first phase starting in December 2020, IRCC has laid out the following three-phase timeline for the full implementation of its digital program modernization plan:

Phase 1: Consolidation (December 2020 to November 2021)

Focus: “Stabilizing the GCMS until a new platform can be provided in the third phase.”
Phase 2: Standardize (December 2021 to March 2023)

Focus: “Establishing core cloud elements to support capabilities delivered in Phase Three”
Phase 3: Escalation (April 2023 to December 2026)

Focus: Provide a new digital operating platform and enable activities to ensure that [IRCC] Is ‘digital ready’.
Expected results
In general, the above steps will reduce application processing times and provide a more efficient two-way communication capability for customers.

Below are more specific expected outcomes and benefits that applicants will enjoy thanks to the improvements that Canada is working towards.

More flexibility with application interviews/processing
Improved application processing and support
Provide a better estimate of expected application processing times.
Shortened waiting times.
Allow additional application processing staff to be hired.
Assist officers in organizing and processing visitor visa applications submitted from outside Canada.
Assist IRCC in managing the growing volume of applications.
Reduce COVID-19-related delays associated with processing paper applications.
Provide customers with instant confirmation of successful application submission
Provide easy access to online application information and status updates.
Help applicants save both time and money in the medical examination process.
Increased predictability allowing applicants to plan their immigration journey