The Immigration Minister Sean Fraser promised to improve processing times for work permits during his meeting with the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration.
As a result of the pandemic, immigration, refugee, and citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to spend around $85 million to decrease processing times. The minister previously announced that, IRCC will reduce processing times for work permits, study permits, proof of citizenship, and renewals of permanent residence cards by the end of 2022.
On the IRCC website, it is estimated that processing times for work permits submitted from most countries do not meet the processing standard. However, IRCC processes more work permits than usual.
In 2021, Canada issued approximately 420,000 temporary foreign worker permits through the International Mobility Program (IMP) and Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals to fill labour shortages in the country while the International Mobility Program promotes the country's economic, social, and cultural interests.
IRCC Assistant Deputy Minister Daniel Mills also said that the $85 million budget will not improve processing times, however IRCC will be able to develop tools such as electronic applications and online tracking systems.