Being one of the top countries in the world to immigrate to, interest in moving to Canada has never been higher. However, as a result of humanitarian crises, aging technology, and employee shortages, many interested applicants have been faced with processing delays and longer wait times than usual; making the application process time consuming and frustrating.
Despite these issues, however, IRCC is determined more than ever to get their processing times back on track and in line with pre-pandemic timeframes.
In an attempt to expand on this goal, on August 24th, 2022, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, highlighted key features of IRCC's current and ongoing plan, noting that the steps being taken are being done to “strengthen Canada’s immigration system and reduce application backlogs”. The Honourable Sean Fraser also addressed IRCC’s continued commitment to improving the client experience, labour shortages, and reuniting families here in Canada.
One major highlight addressed by Honourable Sean Fraser was noting that IRCC plans to hire an additional “1,250 new employees by the end of the fall,” thereby, increasing IRCC’s ability to process applications and tackle the current backlogs in the meantime. Once achieved, IRCC predicts that they will be able to process 80% more applicants than ever before; this also accounting for dela,ys in complex cases.
So why is this development important?
By clearing up current backlogs, IRCC is able to improve Canada’s ability to attract top talent from around the world, thereby, solving labour shortages in many key sectors in the interim, but will also make the application process for all applicants more mainstream, user-friendly and efficient; something each applicant should expect.
So far, since the commencement of IRCC's plan in January 2022, Canada has already set ground breaking records internationally for admitting new residents and international workers alike, thus, proving that the backlogs are, in fact, decreasing.
Thus, as it stands, while the system is not yet perfect, by continuing to focus on reducing existing backlogs, IRCC, and thus Canada, can give newcomers and new citizens the welcoming experience they deserve.
Source - IRCC
This update has been compiled with the latest available information for the general information of Border Law clients and other interested parties. This Update is not comprehensive and should not be relied upon without appropriate legal advice.