Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a major initiative to expedite the processing of spousal sponsorship applications. Beginning in October 2020 and continuing through December, IRCC is targeting the completion of 6,000 spousal applications each month, aiming to finalize approximately 49,000 cases by the end of the year.
To meet these ambitious goals, IRCC has boosted its staff dedicated to processing spousal sponsorships by 66%. This expansion is expected to significantly reduce wait times for thousands of couples waiting to be reunited in Canada.
In a bid to modernize and streamline application handling, the department is also piloting the use of new digital technologies. One key initiative involves digitizing paper-based applications so that processing officers can handle them more efficiently, even while working remotely due to ongoing pandemic restrictions.
Remote interviews are another innovation on IRCC’s agenda. In the coming weeks, the department plans to test virtual interviews with applicants, a move designed to maintain momentum in processing while respecting public health guidelines.
IRCC also indicated that it will introduce more flexible procedures for biometric collection, although detailed information about these measures has not yet been released.
The increased focus on family reunification comes amid growing concerns from Canadian citizens and permanent residents whose spouses remain overseas due to COVID-19-related delays. IRCC emphasized that it remains committed to finding compassionate and innovative solutions to bring families together quickly and safely.
With enhanced staffing, adoption of digital tools, and new remote processing techniques, Canada is clearly prioritizing family reunification during an uncertain time. These developments not only aim to reduce the backlog but also set the stage for more efficient immigration processing in the future.