Immigration in the Time of COVID-19: Issues and Challenges

The Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) has conducted a study on the impact of COVID-19 on the immigration system and found that there has been significant disruption to the system. The use of technology, such as digitizing processing streams, virtual interviews and ceremonies, and virtual hearings has been supported by numerous witnesses. The study recommends keeping these innovations in place after the pandemic is over. The use of remote interviews and hearings can increase efficiency, flexibility, and fairness, and security and trackability concerns can be mitigated. The report calls for transparency and oversight in the process. The author hopes that IRCC continues to improve the means by which individuals come to visit, study, work, seek protection, and live in the country. It was an honour to contribute to the study by the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) on the impact of COVID-19 on the immigration system. The final report can be found here; Download Immigration in the time of COVID-19 Report of the Standing Committee. There has been massive disruption to our immigration system. Disruption very often leads to change; it seems clear that IRCC and the other stakeholders within the immigration system will have to... Read more →