IRCC to improve transparency and communication in application process

Recently, in an official News Release, IRCC has announced that it would be improving and modernizing their “systems, processes and digital infrastructures” in an attempt at better serving their clients. A federal institution of the Canadian government, IRCC – for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – facilitates the arrival of newcomers into the country. IRCC also offers a wide range in programs aimed at the settlement of immigrants and refugees in Canada. Granting Canadian permanent residence is the sole prerogative of IRCC. The organization is also responsible for awarding the citizenship of Canada, as well as issuing travel documents to Canadians. In the latest IRCC News Release, while laying down that “openness, transparency and accountability” were the guiding principles of the Government of Canada, IRCC has categorically stated that it “takes its responsibilities and obligations under the Access to Information Act and Privacy Act very seriously”. Since 2015, the Canadian government has invested nearly $35 million towards improving the access to information for Canadians. Budget 2021 of the Government of Canada announced an additional $12.8 million over 5 years for supporting further improvements across the federal system, which include –

• An online Access to Information and Personal Information Request Service,
• Expediting the proactive release of information to Canadians, and
• Support for completing the review of the relevant Acts.

According to IRCC, “These investments will help address delays in response times and provide Canadians and our clients with the information they need more quickly.”

As per the official statistics, the total number of Access To Information and Privacy [ATIP] requests in a year have gone up dramatically in the recent past.   ·       In 2016 to 2017 – ATIP requests: 63,333 ·       In 2019 to 2020 – ATIP requests: 132,891   Currently, IRCC receives more requests than any other federal institution. Most of the requests made to IRCC for access to information and privacy are connected with individual case files.   98.9% requests to IRCC are for immigration case files.   1.1% are requests for corporate records.

  IRCC has announced the ATIP Management Action Plan adapting to the recent increases as well as for providing an overall improved ATIP client experience. An initiative aimed at increasing proactive communication with clients for addressing their concerns, the ATIP Management Action Plan will –

• Enhance the readily accessible information,
• Offer faster response times, and
• Streamlined systems.

The capabilities of IRCC MyAccount are to be expanded under the newly announced initiative.

IRCC MyAccount is used by clients for accessing information and updates pertaining to their files.   With the new initiative, IRCC MyAccount will now have – ·       More information on the status of cases, and ·       Provide clear and concise communication for explaining the reasons why an application was not approved by IRCC.

  Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, IRCC reduced the total number of outstanding access to information requests by 85%. From 8,881 outstanding ATIP requests in January 2021, IRCC progressed onto 1,330 outstanding ATIP in July 2020. According to Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marco E. L. Mendicino, “We want to increase the availability of information to our clients, and we will continue to make improvements and evolve in how we do business through policy and digital service delivery.” If you are looking to Work, Study, Invest, Visit, or Migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No. 1 Immigration & Visa Company. If you found this blog engaging, you may also like … Top 3 countries for immigration post COVID-19