In this page I will be posting assorted statistics on asylum claims that I find interesting. 1) In 2010 the rate of asylum claimants claiming social assistance was 84% in Ontario, 79% in Quebec, 57% in BC, and 48% in BC. 2) Interesting chart showing asylum claimants based on country of citizenship and province of claim in 2013-14. 3) Charts Showing the Increase in Claims from Nigeria 4) Refugee Claims Analysis Report (RCAR) 2020 Here is the 2020 Refugee Claims Analysis Report. 5) Number of Claims
Access to Information Act Requests
This video explains the benefits of Access to Information Act requests. The following chart is a helpful summary of the exemptions to disclosure under the Access to Information Act.
Borderlines Podcast #95 – Defamation Law and SLAPP Proceedings, with Douglas Judson
Douglas Judson is a lawyer in Ontario who practices in litigation. He can be found on Twitter @dwjudson In this episode, we are taking a break from immigration and discussing defamation law, which is the law around communications about a person that tends to hurt their reputation. We are focusing on one of the defenses to defamation lawsuits, which is Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation, or SLAPP. Many provinces, including British Columbia and Ontario (and if you have watched the Jon Oliver episodes, many jurisdictions in the United States) have anti-SLAPP laws designed to encourage public discourse about matters in the public interest. Mr. Judson recently represented the plaintiff in Rainbow Alliance Dryden et al v. Webster, 2023 ONSC 7050, where the Ontario Superior Court of Justice had to determine if using the term “groomer” to refer to members of the 2SLGBTQI and drag community attract the protection of Ontario’s anti-SLAPP laws.
The Expansion of Inadmissibility for Espionage
The first few weeks of 2024 have been marked by developments that could significantly increase the number of people banned from Canada for espionage. The first was the Federal Court of Canada decision in Li v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2023 FC 1753 (“Li”), wherein the Chief Justice said that what constitutes “espionage” must evolve “as hostile state actors increasingly make use of non-traditional methods to obtain sensitive information in Canada or abroad, contrary to Canada’s interests.” The second was the Government of Canada’s announcement of a New Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (the “Policy”). The Policy included the publishing of a list of around 100 research organizations and institutions in China, Russia and Iran that pose “the highest risk to Canada’s national security due to their direct, or indirect connections with military, national defence, and state security entities.” The Canadian government clearly has concerns about individuals providing sensitive information to foreign entities. It is less clear if the security provisions of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act are the appropriate tool to address this. Li In Li, the Chief Justice held that it was reasonable for a visa officer to determine that a prospective Chinese … Read More
Introduction to Inadmissibility
The following is a 2023 PPT for IRCC officers that provides an overview of the different inadmissibility provisions of the IRPA. Here is another powerpoint on the same topic.
Borderlines Podcast #93 – Business Immigration, with Robin Seligman
Robin Seligman is the founder of Seligman Law, an immigration law firm in Toronto. In this episode we discuss Canada’s business immigration programs, including a history of the Immigrant Investor Program and Entrepreneur Program, the current Start-Up Visa Program, and difficulties that entrepreneurs face in coming to Canada to start businesses.
Artificial Intelligence and Canadian Immigration
When people submit applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada they typically have spent significant time carefully completing forms and assembling documents. They expect that their applications will be processed by visa officers who carefully review the information before them. However, applicants need to understand that their artificial intelligence is playing an increasing role in visa processing, as is the bulk processing of applications. Why this is a timely matter to discuss IRCC has not been forthcoming with how it uses technology to process applications, however, through a series of Access to Information Act requests as well as Federal Court of Canada litigation the public is beginning to get a sense of measures being implemented. Predicative Learning Automated processing of some categories of applications is not new. Since 2015 most visa-exempt foreign nationals have had to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization before they could board a plane to travel to Canada. These applications were for the most part automated applications. What is less known is that in 2017 IRCC successfully conducted a pilot in which automated systems based on predicative analytics triaged and automatically approved low-risk online temporary resident visa applications from China. Visa applications were sorted into tiers – … Read More
Requests for Extensions of Time
Navigating the immigration process with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”) can be challenging, especially when it comes to meeting strict deadlines for submitting required documents. If someone finds themselves needing more time, requesting an extension is possible. Understanding the Need for an Extension Various reasons might necessitate an extension to submit documents, such as delays in obtaining necessary records, unforeseen personal circumstances, or issues beyond one’s control. Whatever the reason, IRCC allows for the possibility of extensions, provided there is a valid justification. Step-by-Step Process for Requesting an Extension Identify the Deadline and Act Promptly – As soon as the need for more time is realized, noting the original submission deadline and starting the extension request process immediately is crucial. Acting early demonstrates responsibility and awareness of IRCC’s timelines. Gather Supporting Documentation – Prepare any documents that support the need for an extension. This might include correspondence showing delays from third parties, medical records, or other evidence that substantiates the request. Compose a Detailed Request Letter – Write a clear and concise letter to IRCC explaining why an extension is needed. Include the following elements: Submit the Request – Submit the extension request through the appropriate channel. This could … Read More
Borderlines Podcast #94 – The Gaza Visitor Visa Program, with Pantea Jafari
Pantea Jafari is lead counsel at Jafari Law, which she opened in 2012. In this episode, we discuss IRCC’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Details of the program that is the subject of our discussion can be found on IRCC’s website at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/israel-west-bank-gaza-2023/canada-tr-measures.html. Our discussion focuses on the temporary measures in place for Palestinians who live in Gaza, and are seeking to reunite with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident relative who lives in or intends to live in Canada. In addition, we discuss the open work permits for Israelies, comparisons between Gaza and Ukraine, consequences of Canada abiding by a possible ICJ ruling that Israel comitted genocide, antisemtism and more.
Immigrating to Canada from Vietnam
The following is the IRCC Country Information Library for Vietnam. Here are study permit approval statistics for Vietnam.