Canada Advances Toward a Modernized Immigration System

September 1, 2022—New Waterford, Nova Scotia — Canada remains a beacon for individuals seeking new opportunities in work, education, and life. Recognizing this, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is committed to creating a modernized, digital immigration system designed to expedite processes and enhance the newcomer experience.

Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, visited an IRCC application processing centre in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, to unveil a series of new online services aimed at improving client experiences and reducing existing backlogs.

Reducing Wait Times

Addressing the persistent issue of wait times, the IRCC has already expanded its workforce by hiring 1,250 new employees to tackle backlogs and boost processing capacity. Building on this initiative, Minister Fraser announced that permanent and temporary residence applicants already residing in Canada, who meet specific criteria, will soon be exempt from the immigration medical examination requirement. This simplification is expected to benefit approximately 180,000 clients, saving them time and money, and further reducing application wait times.

During the pandemic, IRCC adapted by conducting telephone and video interviews for family reunification applications, allowing them to welcome over 69,000 spouses, partners, and children in 2021. With services now returning to pre-pandemic standards, spousal sponsorship applications are again being processed within the 12-month timeframe. As global restrictions ease, in-person interviews have resumed, yet virtual interviews remain an option for increased client flexibility. Efforts are also underway to expand virtual interview capabilities in overseas offices through pilot projects at select visa application centres.

Expanding Online Applications for Permanent Residence

In alignment with its commitment from January 2022, the IRCC has broadened access to its online application portal, now available to most permanent residence applicants. Starting September 23, the department will transition to 100% digital applications for most programs, with alternative formats available for those requiring accommodations.

Providing Better Information to Clients

In February 2022, the IRCC introduced a new application status tracker for permanent residence applicants, sponsors, and their representatives in the spouse, partner, and dependent child categories. By spring 2023, this tracker will expand to include seven additional permanent and temporary residence programs. Additionally, the citizenship application status tracker, launched in May 2021, is set to extend access to representatives this month.

To further aid applicants, improvements to the online processing times tool will soon offer more accurate, forward-looking estimates, enabling applicants to plan with increased confidence.

Modernizing the Citizenship Program

The pandemic has accelerated IRCC’s shift towards online services for citizenship applicants, including virtual ceremonies and tests. A new tool launched in August 2021 allows most citizenship applications to be submitted online, catering to applicants aged 18 and over, and now accommodates groups of adults applying together. By year-end, this tool will expand to include minors under 18.

IRCC's ongoing efforts to enhance processing efficiency demonstrate Canada's commitment to leveraging the talents and contributions of newcomers. With continuous advancements in modernizing and digitalizing the immigration system, Canada solidifies its status as a premier destination for individuals worldwide, delivering the outstanding client experience they anticipate.

As Canada forges ahead with these initiatives, it not only strengthens its immigration framework but also reaffirms its dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive society, poised to welcome and support newcomers with open arms.