New automated tools will be used to help process work permit extensions and PGWP applications according to their complexity, which will help enable quicker decisions for some applicants, the IRCC said in a press release.
The move comes as Canada is facing large backlogs in processing PGWP and work permit extensions.
The IRCC highlighted that the tools are merely used to sort, assign and assess applications and that “only an IRCC officer can refuse an application”.
“The automated tools do not refuse or recommend refusing applications,” it added.
According to the IRCC, the automated tools serve two primary functions:
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Sorting and assigning applications to IRCC officers
The triage function of the tools takes on most clerical and repetitive tasks related to sorting applications, allowing officers to focus their attention on assessing applications and making final decisions.
The tools sort applications using rules developed by IRCC officers based on the legislative and regulatory criteria for the program. Files are directed to the correct officers for further processing based on office capabilities and officer expertise.
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Assessing applications for eligibility
The eligibility function of the tools identifies routine applications for streamlined processing, accelerating our work.
When reviewing an application, the tools assess whether it is a routine case and can determine that an applicant is eligible for a work permit extension or PGWP using criteria developed by IRCC officers.
The file is then sent to an officer to determine if the applicant remains admissible to Canada and make the final decision. Applications that do not have their eligibility approved automatically may still be manually approved following review by an officer.
As per IRCC, the tools are reviewed routinely to make sure they work as intended and that the results are consistent with applications that receive a full human review.
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Indians top applicants
India has emerged as the primary source of new permanent residents for Canada, surpassing all other countries by a significant margin.
According to the latest data from IRCC, India contributed 118,245 new permanent residents to Canada in 2022, accounting for over 27% of the total 437,610 new permanent residents during that period.
In the first seven months of the current year, 96,085 Indians applied for PRs to Canada, representing more than 31.6% of the total 303,955 new permanent residents during that timeframe.
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