Canadian officials say some people applying for immigration and asylum are using artificial intelligence to produce misleading details and documents. The Globe & Mail
Federal officials have raised concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in immigration and asylum applications. Authorities say some applicants now use AI tools to create false stories and documents to support their cases.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Immigration and Refugee Board have both identified cases where applications included incorrect or misleading information created with AI.
Fake Details Add Pressure on System
The Immigration and Refugee Board says these AI-generated submissions create new challenges for staff. Officials report that many appeal documents have become longer but do not present stronger arguments.
In some cases, the documents include references to court rulings that do not exist or misrepresent legal decisions. Officials say this trend slows down their work and makes reviews more complex.
Risk of Serious Consequences
Authorities warn that applicants who submit false information may face strict penalties. Individuals found to have used fake documents or misrepresented facts could receive a five-year ban from entering Canada.
Government agencies, including border officials and police, continue to investigate fraud cases linked to immigration applications.
Concerns From Legal Experts
Some legal experts have expressed concern about the growing role of AI in asylum claims. One immigration lawyer said that AI could replace so-called “ghost consultants,” who previously helped applicants create false stories.
He warned that people may now turn to AI tools to generate detailed but untrue accounts at no cost. However, he noted that in-person hearings still allow officials to question applicants and assess their credibility.
Government Avoids Sharing Details
Officials confirmed that they have detected cases involving AI-generated fraud but have not shared specific examples. They say releasing such details could help others find ways to avoid detection.
“We have observed instances where AI has been used to help generate fraudulent applications,” said an immigration department spokesperson. “As we work to detect and prevent fraud, publicly sharing these specific examples could inadvertently help fraudulent claimants identify alternative methods to circumvent detection.”
Canada Uses AI to Fight Fraud
While some applicants misuse AI, the government also uses the technology to detect fraud. Officials rely on advanced tools to identify unusual patterns in applications, including travel histories and altered documents.
AI systems can also flag manipulated photos and false records, helping authorities spot possible identity fraud.
Focus on Efficiency, Not Decisions
Officials say they use AI to improve efficiency but not to make final decisions on cases. The Immigration and Refugee Board plans to expand tools that help staff prepare files and draft documents more quickly.
The board has also introduced training programs to ensure employees understand how to use AI responsibly.
