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Canada is gearing up for a ‘significant surge’ in the number of immigration applications once the restrictions imposed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic eases, which is likely to put a ‘tremendous demand’ on government resources. In order to handle this increase in the number of applications, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada(IRCC) is planning to overhaul the immigration application process.
As part of the efforts, IRCC has issued a tender request seeking support for the modernization of the immigration application processing system, including the processing of paper applications, immigration interviews and computer system overhaul. The tender request reads: “IRCC needs to act quickly to develop (i) updated and new strategies, and (ii) processes and digital systems to cope with the rapid change it is undergoing.”It further says: “When travel restrictions begin to ease, a significant surge of applications and support requirements is anticipated, putting tremendous demand on our global operations and supporting branches.”
The IRCC is planning to completely overhaul its policies, procedures, and digital solutions for handling the expected post-coronavirus spike in applications. Simultaneously, it is developing new strategies, processes and digital systems for meeting the increasing demand. In the wake of the pandemic, IRCC is planning to rely more on digital processes, replacing in-person and paper processes. These are expected to make the application processing faster and more efficient, even while ensuring the safety of IRCC staff as well as the public.
As per the Immigration Levels Plan of Canada for 2020-2022, the country was expecting to welcome over one million immigrants in the next three years. Despite the coronavirus pandemic slowing down immigration, Canada’s minister for immigration Marco Mendicino has reiterated Canada’s commitment towards welcoming more immigrants in order to support the country’s economy.
Though restrictions in place, Canada continues to hold Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws. The IRCC is also processing study and work permits, and allowing immediate family members to enter the country.
It is expected that the modernization process would equip the IRCC to handle a higher number of applications for immigration, once the pandemic is over.
Do you wish to migrate to Canada? Then start the process right away in order to avoid the expected rush of applicants once restrictions ease. Take the first step by filling our free online assessment form.
