A new version of the Canadian passport was revealed during an event at Ottawa International Airport on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. The Canadian Press.
Canada’s national intelligence agency is facing a massive jump in immigration security screening requests. In 2024, officials made over 538,000 requests to check applicants, far higher than the 300,000 or so requests made each year before 2023. The rise is putting extra pressure on the system and slowing the process for many hopeful newcomers.
Agency Vows Thorough Process
The agency says many applications are still waiting for screening. Officials stress they will take the time needed to complete each case carefully. They point out that security checks are essential for protecting Canada, even if the process takes longer.
Asylum Seekers Add to Demand
One reason for the increase is the sharp rise in asylum seekers arriving in Canada. Every asylum seeker must go through a security check before their claim can move forward. With more people applying for protection, the number of cases needing review has surged.
Lawyers See No Clear Answers
Immigration lawyers in British Columbia and Ontario say the delays have become a serious problem for their clients. Many are left waiting without any explanation for why their files are stuck. Lawyers say the uncertainty is stressful for applicants, especially when no timeline is given.
Personal Story Highlights Frustration
Ali Abuhannoud, a refugee from Jordan, has been trying to become a Canadian citizen. He says he has been waiting for his latest screening result since May 2024. This is despite already passing two previous security checks. His case shows how even long-time residents with clean records can face repeated delays.
Impact on Lives
The wait for a completed security check can hold up many important steps in life. People may be unable to travel, reunite with family, or start certain jobs until the process is finished. Lawyers say these hold-ups can leave families in limbo for months or even years.
Call for More Transparency
Applicants and lawyers want clearer communication from immigration and security officials. They say updates on the status of cases and reasons for delays would help reduce stress. Without this, many feel trapped in a process they cannot control.
Balancing Speed and Safety
Officials maintain that the screenings are necessary to protect Canada from possible threats. The challenge is finding a way to process the growing number of cases quickly without sacrificing the quality of the checks. As immigration continues to rise, the pressure on the system is unlikely to ease soon.
