TEMP. RESIDENT APPLICATIONS + ADVANCED DATA ANALYTICS

IRCC is working to be a leader in the responsible use of data-driven technologies. 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is creating new efficiencies in its temporary resident visa (TRV) application process by expanding the use of advanced data analytics, which will now help IRCC officers sort and process all TRV applications submitted from outside Canada. 

IRCC officers will continue to make the final decision on all applications, and only an IRCC officer can refuse an application. The system never refuses or recommends refusing applications. When applications are refused, an officer made the decision.

The analytics system helps to accelerate IRCC’s work by identifying routine applications, to recognize patterns, accelerate work streamline processing

It is used to also create efficiencies by sorting and triaging non-routine applications to officers based on their level of complexity. When the advanced data analytics system finds a routine application, it can determine that an applicant is eligible, but will never refuse an application.

IRCC has also started a pilot using this technology to help process spousal and common-law partner sponsorship applications that are submitted in Canada. 

When an application is deemed routine for streamlined processing, advanced data analytics is used to determine only that an applicant is eligible, before the file is sent to an officer to screen for admissibility, which includes security and criminality. Applications not deemed routine are triaged to officers for regular manual processing. Officers always make the final decision on applications.

At IRCC, advanced data analytics has been used since 2018 to help sort and process more than 1 million TRV applications from countries where there is a high volume of applications. During this time, it has been shown that routine files can be assessed 87% faster using the system. 

This results in some applicants receiving decisions more quickly. In addition, the technology assumes a significant portion of clerical and repetitive tasks related to sorting applications, which allows IRCC officers to focus their attention on assessing applications and making final decisions.

IRCC is working to responsibly develop and deploy data-driven technologies in line with all privacy requirements.

Developing the technology responsibly

Before we explore any technology to support one of our services, we assess the needs specific to that service, including the benefits for (and impact on) clients.

A team of experts, including decision makers, will continue to be involved throughout the process of developing and using future advanced data analytics systems at IRCC, including careful review for bias and discriminatory impacts.

Changes to existing systems only happen with human oversight, testing and approval.

SOURCE: IRCC _Jan 25, 2022