Canada Immigraion News:
In a bid to streamline the processing of International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the expansion of automation technology. This new tool aims to improve efficiency by triaging applications based on complexity and approving eligibility for routine applications, ultimately making decisions faster for some applicants.
The use of automated tools is part of IRCC’s commitment to responsibly implement technology and build a stronger immigration system. These tools are regularly reviewed to ensure they function as intended and yield consistent results compared to applications that undergo a full human review.
The triage function of the IEC work permit tool takes on clerical and repetitive tasks, allowing officers to focus on assessing applications and making final decisions. Experienced IRCC officers have developed rules based on legislative and regulatory criteria to triage applications and direct them to officers for further processing.
The tool’s eligibility function identifies routine applications for streamlined processing, using criteria established by officers. While the tool automatically approves eligible applications, those that do not meet the criteria are subject to manual review by an officer. It is important to note that only an IRCC officer can refuse an application; the automated tool does not have the authority to refuse or recommend refusal.
IRCC is dedicated to responsible development and deployment of data-driven technologies, ensuring compliance with privacy requirements and human rights protection. As part of this commitment, an algorithmic impact assessment (AIA) has been conducted to evaluate the tool used for processing IEC work permit applications. The AIA categorized the system’s impact level as moderate, and various measures have been implemented to mitigate potential risks. These measures include a review for potential discriminatory impacts, privacy and security elements integrated into the tool’s design, and the ability of officers to overturn the tool’s decision.
By leveraging automation technology, IRCC aims to expedite the processing of IEC work permits, facilitating work and travel opportunities for international youth in Canada. This advancement not only enhances efficiency but also ensures a fair and thorough assessment of applications, contributing to a stronger and more accessible immigration system for all.
Please note that the information provided in this blog post is accurate as of the date of publication and is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).