CIMM – Processing of Afghan Applications – February 8, 2023
Implicated Recommendations:
Recommendation #21 – Acknowledging receipt of applications
Recommendation #22 – Dedicated staff to process applications
Recommendation #23 – Processing of SIM applications
Recommendation #28 – EFPP processing
Recommendation #30 – Reduce required paperwork/documentation
Key Messages
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to process applications for Afghan nationals on a priority basis, and we have adopted facilitative approaches to expedite processes given the unique circumstances in Afghanistan and the fact that many Afghan clients have limited or no documentation.
- For example, in the case of the extended family members of former Afghan interpreters (EFPP), the document checklist includes flexibility and enables clients to provide an explanation if any required document is not obtainable at the time of application.
- Where possible, IRCC has adapted its processes to account for the Afghanistan context.
- For example, we have implemented a multi-stage approach to security screening whereby initial inadmissibility screening is conducted in-country. Remaining processing, including a full inadmissibility screening using biometrics, is completed once the client reaches a third country.
- IRCC has also sent officers to a variety of locations across the globe to provide surge capacity and support the processing, biometrics collection, and movement of Afghan clients.
- IRCC remains in close contact with Afghan clients, including those who are still in Afghanistan.
Supplementary Messages
Application Process for Special Immigration Measures (SIM) and EFPP Programs (#21, #23, #28, #30)
- The Government of Canada received hundreds of thousands of requests for consideration under the SIM program. Invitations to apply under the program are being sent in batches based on available space. Unique Client Identifier (UCIs) and file numbers are issued once an individual has submitted a complete application and their file is activated. IRCC has received applications for over 17,000 persons, with 9,515 individuals already arrived in Canada as of February 1, 2023. At this time, Global Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence have provided sufficient referrals for IRCC to fill all 18,000 places under this program.
- The program for extended family members of interpreters who were resettled under public policies in 2009 and 2012 (EFPP) has had significant uptake, with over 5,000 individuals having already applied. The Department continues to process applications received under this special program, sending Acknowledgement of Receipt letters, along with UCIs to clients who have submitted complete applications. As of February 1, 2023, 1,076 persons have arrived in Canada via this program.
Dedicated Staff to Process Applications (#22)
- As announced on August 24, 2022, IRCC has been working to hire 1,250 new employees to address processing of large inventories that resulted, in part, due to increased demand and COVID-19 restrictions.
- The Department hired over 1,250 full time equivalents, meeting its commitment to hire 1,250 employees by fall 2022. Hiring will continue throughout 2023 to further equip our processing operations, including for Afghan clients.
Processing Challenges & Solutions
- Given the difficulty for some Afghans to secure Refugee Status Determination (RSD) documents, IRCC issued a temporary public policy to facilitate the sponsorship of up to 3,000 privately sponsored Afghan refugees by Groups of Five and Community Sponsors, which waived the RSD requirement for Afghan refugees outside of Afghanistan.
- Additionally, where medical examinations cannot be completed prior to travel to Canada, IRCC is issuing Temporary Resident Permits, and planning for medicals to be completed in Canada. However, there is a preference for clients to arrive as Permanent Residents to allow for greater access to settlement services upon their arrival in Canada.
Current Processing Timelines
- The time required to process an application depends on a variety of factors, including whether the client is still in Afghanistan and the time required for the client to secure visas and exit permits through third countries, which varies country by country.
Responding to Enquiries
- IRCC created an online web form and dedicated telephone line to serve vulnerable Afghans who are seeking information and assistance. As of December 31, 2022, we have responded to approximately 436,000 emails and 100,000 calls. Emails have been answered within five business days and most calls have been answered within a six minute wait time.
Page details
- Date modified: