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Canada plans to expand non-Canadian rights to information and privacy requests. According to reports, these changes will take effect in July 2022 and benefit people applying for immigration to Canada. Last month, Canada revealed a significant change to its rules and regulations for access to information and privacy (ATIP). The modification is simple, but the impacts are great.
The Government of Canada will permit anyone to access information and privacy Access to Information, and Privacy(ATIP) requests under the Privacy Act. Please keep in mind that this new policy will bring Canada into line with global criteria on ATIP. Furthermore, it will also massively expand the rights of non-Canadians. Rules and Regulations, for example, the Privacy Act, allow individuals to make ATIP requests to the Federal Government. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is a federal agency, so it is subject to the Privacy Act. Presently, there are restrictions on who can make an ATIP request by the Privacy Act. One of the items restricts the right of access to two groups: Canadian citizens and permanent residents, inside or outside of Canada and any entity (person or business) inside Canada, whether a citizen or not. These restrictions denote that non-Canadians who are outside of Canada cannot make requests under the Privacy Act.
There is a route to get around this obligation. An unentitled individual can get someone who is entitled to make a request on their behalf. On the other hand, this process can be costly and time-consuming. Having the capability to make an ATIP request to IRCC can be very useful. For instance, an ATIP request can permit individuals to get hold of their Global Case Management System (GCMS) notes. These are the complete records of a person’s immigration case. They will clarify IRCC staff’s thinking and decision-making. They can assist a person to comprehend why IRCC has decided the way it has. This information consequently can also help the person challenge the IRCC decision. For instance, the individual could prove the officer overlooked or misjudged something. Surprisingly IRCC is a favourite target for ATIP requests. Moreover, there are additional ATIP requests for IRCC than there are for any other federal government department combined.
Because this modification is essential, IRCC anticipates that it will require time to ensure it goes efficiently. For instance, IRCC will have to change forms and processes. It will also likely have to deal with a much greater number of requests. For this motive, the Canadian Government is prolonging when the new rule takes effect. The Canadian Government modified the extension order on the 14th of July, 2021. This denotes that on the 14th of July, 2022, the new rule will come into effect. The new rule is a crucial step forward for non-Canadians. However, there is a delay in effect, and this is due to the change being so massive and vital.
As a licensed immigration consultant in Canada, we can help you navigate Canada’s immigration options and increase your chances of success. Loft Immigration Services Inc can expose you to further options on your pathway to Canada. In addition, our distinct experience in immigration recognized by Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) can help you complete the required formalities. You may fill out our free evaluation form through this link https://loftimmigration.com/free-assessment/business-immigration/, or you may call us at +1 (416) 492-1222
