Integrates advanced analytics and automation
In a bid to expedite and streamline the processing of spousal and partner sponsorship applications, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled a groundbreaking plan that integrates advanced analytics and automation into its procedures. The move comes as a welcome relief to thousands of couples navigating the often cumbersome immigration process to reunite with their loved ones in Canada.
Announcement of Enhanced Processing for Partner and Spousal Applications
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on May 30, 2024, that it is enhancing the processing of partner and spousal applications by extending the use of automated technologies and Integrates advanced analytics to all partner and spousal applications under the family class. In order to expedite the processing of overseas family class spouse and partner applications, two new tools will be enabled to align with this goal.
Impact of Automation on Processing Times
In short the introduction of Integrates advanced analytics and automation technologies is expected to significantly reduce processing times, thereby facilitating faster reunification of families.
What is Spousal Open Work Permit
In the realm of immigration to Canada, the term “family reunification” encompasses various relationships, including spouses, common-law partners, children, and parents, among others. However, a considerable portion of family-class immigration revolves around Canadian citizens and permanent residents (PRs) sponsoring their spouses or partners.
Family-class immigration stands as the second most prevalent immigration pathway in Canada, trailing behind economic immigration.
Eligibility for the Spousal Open Work Permit
Spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners who are being sponsored for permanent residence in Canada must fulfill the qualifying requirements in order to be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).
Advantages of Automation in Immigration Processing
The introduction of Integrates advanced analytics and automation tools in the immigration process, particularly in spousal sponsorship applications, brings forth a pivotal advantage: reducing processing times significantly. By automating routine approvals, these tools free up immigration officers to focus on more complex cases, thereby expediting decision-making.
Role of Advanced Analytics in Decision-Making
A cornerstone of this initiative lies in the deployment of Integrates advanced analytics and automation tools, empowering officers to make more informed judgments by scrutinizing extensive datasets.
It’s emphasized that immigration officers will retain the ultimate authority over all family class applications, ensuring a thorough review before granting approval. Importantly, these innovative tools are designed to support decision-making rather than replace it. They don’t autonomously reject applications or prompt immigration officers to do so. This reassurance underscores the human element in the application process, where informed judgment remains paramount.
Benefits of Data Analytics in Application Processing
Leveraging the capabilities of data Integrates advanced analytics not only enhances the accuracy and efficiency of application processing but also results in faster outcomes for applicants. This technological integration underscores a broader trend wherein advancements are actively shaping and enhancing various facets of the immigration system, marking a crucial step towards a more streamlined and responsive process.
In a proactive move to tackle existing backlogs and streamline future applications, the immigration department has set its sights on leveraging innovative tools to reduce delays in processing times from 12 months to comparatively less time.
Proven Success of Automation Tools in Other Immigration Streams
Notably, similar automation tools are already in use for processing post-graduation work permits (PGWPs), International Experience Canada (IEC), and applications based on Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs). This streamlined approach isn’t entirely new; advanced Integrates advanced analytics and automation tools have previously been deployed for super visas and visitor visas as well. With such a track record, it’s evident that these tools are becoming integral to the immigration process, enhancing efficiency and expediting decisions across various application streams.
How do the Tools Work?
Spousal and partner sponsorship applications typically consist of two components: the sponsorship portion, where a Canadian permanent resident or citizen seeks to sponsor their spouse/partner, and the principal applicant part, where the spouse or partner applies to be sponsored by their Canadian counterpart.
IRCC is set to introduce new tools for each stage, utilizing rules crafted by officers and refined through machine learning based on past application data.
For the sponsorship phase, IRCC will employ an initial automation tool to identify cases deemed eligible for Integrates advanced analytics and automation approval, aiming to expedite processing times. Applications that don’t meet automatic approval criteria will be forwarded to an IRCC officer for manual assessment.
In the principal applicant segment, IRCC will introduce a second tool to conduct a preliminary eligibility analysis. Routine applications encountered by this tool may have Integrates advanced analytics and automation determined as eligible, with final approval left to an IRCC officer to ascertain admissibility. However, if eligibility cannot be automatically determined, the application will be referred to an IRCC officer for manual review.
Limits of Automation in Decision-Making
It’s important to note that these automation tools do not possess the authority to grant final approval or refuse applications. Their role is to support the decision-making process, with ultimate responsibility resting with reviewing immigration officers. Additionally, these tools are incapable of recommending refusal; their function is strictly limited to assisting officers in making informed assessments.
Current Processing Times:
Table: Spousal Sponsorship Processing Time as of May 1, 2024
| Application Type | Processing Time | Change Since April 23 |
| Spouse/common-law partner living outside Canada (intent to live outside Quebec) | 13 months | +1 month |
| Spouse/common-law partner living outside Canada (intent to live in Quebec) | 34 months | +6 months |
| Spouse/common-law partner living inside Canada (intent to live outside Quebec) | 11 months | +3 months |
| Spouse/common-law partner living inside Canada (intent to live in Quebec) | 27 months | +3 months |
Commitment to Responsible Technology Deployment
IRCC is dedicated to the responsible development and deployment of data-driven technologies while adhering to privacy regulations and safeguarding human rights. Regular reviews of these tools ensure they function as intended and yield results consistent with those from manual reviews.
In alignment with Canada’s Treasury Board Directive on Automated Decision-Making, an Integrates advanced analytics and automation impact assessment (AIA) has been conducted to evaluate the tool used for processing overseas spousal and partner applications. The assessment classified the system’s impact level as moderate, with several measures in place to mitigate potential risks.
These measures encompass a thorough examination for potential discriminatory effects, Gender-Based Analysis Plus, a quality assurance plan, as well as privacy and security considerations integrated into the tool’s design.
Additionally, officers retain the authority to overturn the tool’s decision when necessary. Although it is still too early to know how these new processing methods would affect things, the IRCC has promised to use technology and even artificial intelligence in the processing step in the past, so that may give some clues.
