An emerging IRCC strategy for AI

by Michael Scott

In Canada, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, part of the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE), has urged organizations to address emerging cyber risks linked to frontier artificial intelligence (AI). This call to action follows joint statements by the leaders of the Five Eyes cybersecurity agencies, who have urged senior decision makers worldwide to strengthen their defences before a cyber incident escalates into a major operational and financial crisis.

AI is rapidly reshaping the cyber threat landscape. Canadian cyber intelligence authorities are working to anticipate emerging threats and vulnerabilities. The Deputy Minister of Immigration, Dr. Harpreet S. Kochhar, has discussed both the benefits of AI and the risks governments must avoid. AI can enhance productivity by enabling departments to analyze vast amounts of data at unprecedented speeds, helping limited staff meet deadlines and reduce backlogs. However, governments must harness this power responsibly, particularly in immigration, where decisions affect people’s lives in deeply personal ways. 

“While AI excels at data processing, it lacks nuanced understanding and ethical judgment. For AI to truly benefit society and avoid harm to vulnerable populations, human values like transparency, anti-racism and accountability must govern its use,” warns Kochhar. His words of guidance are assuring but may not have convinced many naysayers. Many assume that the increase in refusals of TRVs, for example, is attributed to the use of AI.

On September 7, 2026, IRCC announced new measures concerning the use of AI in immigration and refugee processing. The announcement shows that the government is attempting to manage an emerging technology that presents both opportunities and significant challenges. Canada’s approach is a gradual introduction of guidelines shaped by stakeholder input and experience with AI-enabled tools. IRCC has begun work in five priority areas to support its AI strategy.

1. Establish an AI Centre of Expertise

IRCC has established an AI Centre of Expertise (AI CoE) to oversee and coordinate AI initiatives. The centre should collaborate with internal and external experts so that the department can incorporate current research, experiment with emerging technologies, and promote the responsible use of AI.

2. Bolster our governance framework

IRCC is developing a robust framework to govern the responsible use of AI. It will define roles and responsibilities across the AI life cycle, help the department prioritize its efforts, and incorporate feedback from specialists in information management, information technology, data, risk management, privacy, legal services, policy, and communications.

3. Build an AI-ready workforce

IRCC is building an AI-ready workforce by equipping employees with the skills and judgment needed to direct AI responsibly. Encouraging workforce diversity can help mitigate bias and broaden perspectives. The department will collaborate with federal training programs, including those offered by the Canada School of Public Service. In addition to mandatory foundational training, specialized learning will address AI-related risks and legal implications. IRCC also plans to share best practices and pursue professional certifications to strengthen its capacity and leadership.

4. Develop an engagement strategy

IRCC is developing an engagement strategy to support the responsible use of AI and strengthen its leadership in the field. The department will seek ideas from internal and external partners about using AI to address operational challenges. It must also engage employees, clients, and vulnerable people to understand how AI affects immigration services. Their input can guide communication, relationship management, organizational change, and the delivery of fair services.

5. Experiment with fraud detection in electronic documents

As part of its due diligence, IRCC is developing AI-powered tools to assess whether electronic documents may be fraudulent. An anomaly-detection system could scan application data for irregular travel patterns, inconsistent information, unusual changes in application or biometric data, document forgery, identity theft, identity morphing, or possible visa overstays. Any flagged activity should be investigated by human officers before action is taken.

This framework is intended to guide IRCC’s use of automation, machine learning, and computer vision. The department has used forms of the technology on a limited basis since 2013, and its strategy signals an intention to expand AI while maintaining government oversight. The effectiveness of this approach will depend on transparent safeguards, meaningful human review, and public accountability.

Conclusion

Releasing IRCC’s AI strategy is only the first step in an iterative process. The department must continue to comply with Government of Canada guidance while adopting AI at a pace that maintains public confidence, particularly among the people who use its services. If Canada is to remain competitive in attracting immigrants, IRCC must keep pace with technological change without sacrificing fairness, transparency, or accountability. Its goal should be to direct the responsible use of AI rather than simply follow its development.

Michael Scott is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC, R525678) who has 30 years of experience with Immigration Canada and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. He currently works as a licensed consultant with Immigration Connexion International Ltd. Contact him at 204-691-1166 or 204-227-0292. E-mail: mscott.ici@gmail.com.