CIMM – Response - CIMM 101.2 Cap increase effect on applications – November 25, 2024

IRCC’s response to a request for information made by the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration on May 27, 2024

Question

Ms. Jenny Kwan: You didn't answer my question, but I'm going to move on because I have limited time. The Order Paper question the NDP has put in indicates that as of April 24, 4,467 codes have been issued. On the announcement today of changing the cap from 1,000 to 5,000, how many more codes will be issued from the 4,467 as a result of today's announcement?

Hon. Marc Miller: I'll leave you to do the math, MP Kwan, but that number from January 9 to May 20 is 5,250.

[…]

Ms. Jenny Kwan: By my calculation, based on your numbers, there's a difference of 583 codes. Based on the application numbers that were approved, by my calculations, it was 2,197. Maybe officials can confirm that at a later time so that we know how many more applications will be processed. Could the minister explain if you need to have a code to be issued a TRV?

Hon. Marc Miller: No, not necessarily. Again, I broke down for colleagues at this committee the humanitarian visas for those who didn't have codes or others. That adds up to something that is different, so you don't necessarily, but you still have to go through the process of screening.

Ms. Jenny Kwan: You don't have to have the codes, yet people were told that they have to have the code. People were desperate to get onto the portal to apply to get the code, but as it turns out, if people can manage to find a way, however they can, to cross the border, they don't need the code and then they can get a TRV.

Officials have been telling.... Some families were told that they should apply for a TRV outside of the special immigration measure, and the minister just confirmed that they don't need a code, so families feel betrayed. I hope the minister understands that. Precious time was lost as people waited to go through this process, but this process got them nowhere because not one person under this process was able to get to safety. However, people who managed to get outside of the process are now able to move along.

How many duplications of applications are there and, because of the wasted time, how many lives have been lost?

Hon. Marc Miller: It's not all as a result of this process. As you know, there is a war in place. We are doing our utmost to bring people to safety. If people left with a code, then we are able to process them. If they left without a code and they're eligible under the program, we are doing our best to process them. If they are still stuck in Rafah or elsewhere, we are doing our utmost to advocate for their safe exit.

To the best of my knowledge, I don't believe people were told to stay until they got a code. We don't have the appreciation that people would have there about how their lives are threatened, and we don't judge them when they pay an exorbitant fee to leave to keep themselves alive.

Ms. Jenny Kwan: If I could make a final comment, the truth of the matter, then, is people actually didn't need the code. That is the truth, and that should have been told to them right from the beginning.

Response

We understand many Canadians are worried for their loved ones in Gaza and are anxious to bring them to safety and we are being as flexible as possible to help as many extended family members of Canadians affected by the conflict. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a new process for this program, which uses a unique reference code to streamline intake and quickly identify eligible applications. The intent of the program is to provide eligible individuals with facilitation in departing Gaza and once applications have been finalised outside Gaza, a Canadian TRV. A code is not required to apply for a TRV outside the program.

The Department continues to issue web codes in response to web form submissions, and will do so until we reach the cap of 5,000 Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) accepted into processing. Receiving a web code is not a guarantee that an application will be accepted. An increase to the cap will have a greater impact on the number of applications accepted into processing, and ultimately reunite more families and bring more people to safety in Canada.

Once an application is submitted and initial eligibility and security reviews are completed, the names of people who have passed preliminary eligibility and security reviews are submitted to local authorities for approval to exit Gaza. Many factors are outside of IRCC’s control and Canada does not decide who can exit Gaza. Under the public policy, applicants must be in Gaza on the day their application (web form) is submitted to be eligible. People who submitted a web form while still in Gaza, and have since left, would still be eligible for the public policy. They may receive a unique code to apply for a TRV depending on spaces left under these special measures.

Similarly, people who submitted a TRV application under these measures and have since left Gaza will also continue to have their application processed pending available space under the intake cap. People who already have existing TRV applications, who meet the eligibility requirements under the public policy, can ask for their applications to be processed under the special measures. Those already outside Gaza who need to finalize their TRV application may also contact us to advise they have left Gaza. In light of the situation and to help as many people as possible, Canada is taking into account the special circumstances of people, whether they have submitted a regular TRV application or one associated with the Temporary public policy to facilitate temporary resident visas for certain extended family affected by the crisis in Gaza when processing applications

The increase to the cap has no impact on applications already accepted into processing. We are focused on processing applications under the public policy as quickly as possible and processing times will vary based on the details of each application. In light of the situation and to help as many people as possible, Canada is taking into account the special circumstances of people, whether they have submitted a regular TRV application or one associated with the Temporary public policy to facilitate TRVs for certain extended family affected by the crisis in Gaza when processing applications.