In a substantial development for Canada’s work permit applicants, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled its plans to introduce automation as a means to accelerate the processing of post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) and work permit extensions. This strategic move comes as Canada grapples with a substantial backlog in processing both PGWP and work permit extensions.
The IRCC has emphasized that applications not immediately eligible for automatic approval will still undergo manual scrutiny by an IRCC officer, ensuring a comprehensive review of each case.
Why the Shift Towards Automated Processing for PGWPs?
The rationale behind employing automated tools for processing PGWPs is grounded in efficiency and productivity. These sophisticated tools will undertake the bulk of clerical and repetitive tasks related to application sorting, allowing human officers to channel their focus on evaluating applications and rendering final decisions. The automated systems will employ predefined criteria set by IRCC officers based on legislative and regulatory guidelines, streamlining the sorting of applications. Subsequently, these applications will be directed to the appropriate officers for further processing, taking into account the capabilities and expertise of each officer’s office.
Moreover, the eligibility function of these automated tools will swiftly identify routine cases, facilitating streamlined processing and expediting overall workflow. During application review, these tools will assess the eligibility of applicants for work permit extensions or PGWPs based on criteria meticulously established by IRCC officers. Following this automated assessment, the file will be transferred to an IRCC officer to verify the applicant’s admissibility to Canada and make the ultimate decision.
Importantly, applications that do not meet the criteria for automatic eligibility will still have the opportunity for manual approval after a thorough officer review, as confirmed by the IRCC in a statement.
This innovative approach is poised to significantly reduce processing times, alleviate backlog pressures, and enhance the efficiency of Canada’s immigration system. As Canada continues to attract a diverse pool of international talent, the automation of these processes aligns with the nation’s commitment to a smoother and more expedient immigration experience.
