AI-Assisted Triage for Visitor Record Applications

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses an advanced data analytics system to help process visitor record applications more efficiently. The system automatically identifies straightforward applications and can approve the eligibility portion of these low-complexity cases, before sending the file to an IRCC officer who makes the final decision. For more complex applications, the system sorts and assigns cases to officers for manual review based on complexity. The system never refuses an application, nor does it recommend refusal — all final decisions to approve or refuse remain with human officers.

This system was created to help manage a growing volume of visitor record applications, reduce processing backlogs, and improve processing times for applicants. Visitor records are among IRCC's most straightforward services, as they do not grant the right to work, study, or immigrate to Canada. The system uses a combination of rules developed with experienced IRCC officers and rules generated through machine learning based on previous IRCC case data. All rules are reviewed for potential bias or discrimination before being introduced and at regular intervals afterward.

If your visitor record application is processed using this system, you should know that an IRCC officer will always review your file and make the final decision. The system only uses data elements directly linked to legislative and regulatory requirements. You have the right to request a review of any decision and to receive an explanation of the factors that led to it. IRCC is committed to fairness, transparency, and ongoing monitoring to ensure the system performs as intended and does not introduce bias or discrimination.