Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) claims it is simplifying the immigration process by reducing red tape, introducing automation, and modernizing its digital systems. But despite these assurances, many applicants and stakeholders say the Canadian immigration system still feels slow, rigid, and difficult to navigate, Maple News reports.
According to IRCC’s latest report, reforms include policy streamlining, automated eligibility checks, and greater transparency through digital platforms. The department says it has reduced duplication and improved service speed. However, lawyers, employers, and immigrants argue that while the language has changed, many of the procedural burdens remain the same.
One of the most controversial tools in IRCC’s new toolkit is the increasing use of Ministerial Instructions—directives issued by the Minister of Immigration that change rules without going through the full regulatory process. These have been used to ban ‘flagpoling’, launch pilot projects, and suspend applications during emergencies. Critics argue that such instructions bypass democratic oversight and reduce transparency, effectively creating immigration law behind closed doors.
IRCC has also expanded its automation efforts, particularly since 2018. While automation can speed up the processing of applications and communications, concerns persist that systems lack flexibility and sensitivity to individual circumstances. Complex cases may fall through the cracks, with limited opportunities for human review.
In 2020, a new policy allowed temporary foreign workers to switch jobs while waiting on a new employer-specific work permit. While this was celebrated as a step forward in worker mobility, in practice, it continues to involve hefty paperwork, legal ambiguity, and employer dependency—challenges that leave many workers unsure of their status during transitions.
The department’s implementation of inflation-linked processing fee increases every two years is intended to improve cost recovery. However, many applicants report that higher fees do not translate into better service, faster processing times, or clearer communication.
Another heavily promoted initiative is the Digital Platform Modernization program, aimed at replacing outdated systems with more efficient digital solutions. IRCC promises these upgrades will enhance client experience and intergovernmental collaboration. Yet some observers argue the new platforms often complicate processes for less tech-literate users or those with unreliable internet access.
Despite the rhetoric around cutting red tape, many applicants still face lengthy delays, ambiguous program requirements, and confusing online systems. Maple News finds that while internal reforms may enhance IRCC’s operational flexibility, they have yet to deliver a consistently smoother or more accessible experience for end users.
Ultimately, Canada’s immigration system is clearly undergoing change, but whether those changes equate to meaningful improvement remains a matter of intense debate.