How Does IRCC Use Information from PR and International Student Applicants?

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) handles vast amounts of information from individuals applying for Permanent Residence (PR) and study permits in Canada. But how exactly is this information collected, used, and safeguarded? This blog aims to simplify how IRCC manages personal data for newcomers.

Why Does IRCC Collect Your Information?

IRCC uses the information provided by applicants mainly for two reasons:

1. Decision-Making: To determine eligibility and admissibility for various immigration programs.
2. Program Improvement: To analyze data and improve immigration policies, services, and overall efficiency.
   
   

How Your Information is Used

IRCC categorizes the use of your data into two main areas:

1. Application Decision-Making

• Eligibility: To check if you qualify for a particular immigration or settlement program.
• Admissibility: To confirm you meet Canada's legal, health, and security requirements.
• Application Approval: To make decisions regarding visas, permanent residency, or citizenship applications.
  
  

2. Broader Analysis

• Policy Development: Identifying trends to shape policies that align with Canada’s immigration objectives.
• Program Evaluation: Enhancing the effectiveness and accessibility of immigration services.
• Client Feedback: Gaining insights to improve the applicant experience.
• Transparency and Trust: Ensuring a fair and accountable process to maintain public confidence.
  
  

Economic PR Applicants: What You Need to Know

Economic PR applicants are skilled workers applying through various programs to contribute to Canada's economy. These include:

• Federal Programs: Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and more.
• Provincial Programs: Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
• Business and Special Programs: Start-Up Visa, Self-Employed Persons, and pilot programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
  
  

Information Collected from Economic PR Applicants

Data collected varies by program but generally includes:

• Personal Details: Name, date of birth, marital status.
• Biographical Information: Education, work history, citizenship status.
• Official Documents: Passport, criminal record checks.
• Medical and Biometric Data: Health records, fingerprints.
• Immigration History: Past entries to Canada, visa applications.
• Employment Information: Job offers, Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs).
  
  

International Student Applicants: A Closer Look

International students require a study permit to pursue education in Canada. Here's how their information is collected and used:

Information Collected from International Students

• Personal and Biographical Data: Name, date of birth, family status, education background.
• Official Documentation: Passport, criminal history.
• Medical and Biometric Information: Health records, fingerprints.
• Financial Information: Proof of funds for study.
• Study Details: Program, institution, and terms.
• Accompanying Family Information: Details about family members, if applicable.
  
  

Purpose of the Data

• Fraud Detection: To prevent immigration fraud and ensure compliance.
• Research and Policy: To support audits, evaluations, and policy adjustments.
• Computer Analytics: To improve processing efficiency and assess risks.
  
  

How Long Does IRCC Keep Your Information?

Retention of your data depends on your application outcome and status:

• Express Entry Profiles: Kept for up to 5 years.
• Approved PR Applications: Stored for up to 65 years.
• Admissibility Issues: Held for 5 years after the last administrative action.
• Biometric Data: Retained for a minimum of 15 years unless a longer period is necessary.
  
  

If an individual becomes a Canadian citizen, biometric data is deleted within two weeks after the Oath of Citizenship.

How to Track Your Application Status

Applicants can access their immigration application details using GCMS (Global Case Management System) Notes, which include:

• Application Data: Application status, key dates, and assigned immigration officer.
• Information Collected: Submitted and gathered data.
• Third-Party Details: Data provided by representatives.
  
  

How to Request GCMS Notes

Newcomers can request GCMS Notes through the Access to Information Act (ATI) for a $5 CAD fee. The request must include the application number, and for faster processing, the Unique Client Identifier (UCI) is recommended. IRCC usually responds within 30 days, though processing times may extend due to workload.