Reducing Canada’s Immigration Backlog

On March 14, the Government of Canada introduced changes to the
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The changes aim to modernize
Canada’s immigration system and shorten the time it takes to immigrate to
Canada. They were approved by Parliament on June 18, 2008.

Those who submitted an application before February 27, 2008—the day after
the federal budget, of which these changes are a part—will continue to be
processed under the old system. But the backlog will stop growing and
finally start coming down.

Going forward, anyone will still be able to apply, but CIC will no longer
be required to process all new applications submitted on or after February
27, 2008. Applications not processed in a given year can be held for
future consideration or returned with a full refund to the applicant, who
will be welcome to reapply at another time.

The Minister will have the authority to issue instructions to immigration
officers on the processing of applications, including with regard to jobs
available in Canada, so that people with those skills and experience can
be brought to Canada more quickly. The Minister’s instructions will apply
to categories of applicants, not individuals.

It is important to note that our objectives for family reunification and
refugee protection will not be affected.

Consultations on immigration priorities

More about the proposed changes



“Our objective is to continue to ensure that families are reunited and
that qualified workers get here sooner, while respecting the fundamental
principle of fairness.”

— Minister Diane Finley