Canada Immigration Department Unveils First Ever AI Strategy

Canada’s immigration department has released its first strategy on the use of artificial intelligence, setting out how it plans to bring new technology into its daily work.

The document outlines guiding principles, possible benefits and clear limits on how officials will use AI. It also explains how the department will group different uses of the technology.

Officials say they want to use AI in ways that are human-centred and accountable, transparent and explainable, fair and equitable, secure and privacy-processing, and valid and reliable.

Focus on Faster Service and Fraud Prevention

The department sees AI as a tool that could help reduce application backlogs and shorten processing times. It also plans to strengthen fraud detection.

For example, the strategy mentions the use of computer vision technology to spot possible fraud in real time. Officials believe this could help staff identify concerns more quickly while keeping the final decision in human hands.

The department stresses that AI will support officers, not replace them.

Three Categories of AI Use

The strategy divides AI activities into three main groups: everyday, program and experimental.

“Everyday” uses cover simple administrative work that does not form part of decision-making. These tasks include summarizing documents, sorting applications and replying to client questions.

“Program” use refers to AI tools that help inform operations. This may involve reviewing data or giving decision-makers assessments and suggested options. One example includes flagging straightforward, low-risk files so officers can review them more quickly.

The department makes it clear that human officers will continue to decide all refusals. The strategy states that “tools do not refuse or recommend refusing any applications”.

Experimental Work Under Supervision

The final category, “experimental,” involves more advanced analysis. Officials may use AI to model immigration trends or forecast how immigration levels could affect Canada’s economy.

However, the department draws a firm line on automation. The strategy states that experimental projects will not involve fully autonomous systems.

“AI systems never run autonomously. They are supervised to ensure they’re running as expected and comply with the relevant frameworks, guidelines, and laws,” according to the strategy.

Building Public Trust

With this plan, the department aims to reassure applicants and the public that it will use technology carefully and responsibly. Officials recognize that immigration decisions affect people’s lives in significant ways.

By setting out clear categories and limits, the department hopes to improve efficiency while protecting fairness and privacy.

The strategy marks a new chapter for Canada’s immigration system. As application volumes remain high, officials look to balance faster service with careful human oversight.