July 28, 2011

Coordination Between CIC and CBSA During Removal

Q. I have been served my PRRA even though I have a pending H&C; application in the system. Can CBSA initiate removal proceedings against me before CIC has reached a decision? Is there a way to get a decision expedited due to my impending removal?

A. CIC’s response is that they have taken the following actions with respect to H&C; and PRRA applications:

1. We have undertaken the creation of Backlog Reduction Offices in Vancouver, Montreal and Niagara Falls where additional resources have been added for PRRA & H&C; cases.

2. We are employing the entire domestic network of CICs in order to broaden our capacity for decision-making on H&C; cases.

3. We would resist a blanket approach to triage based upon the age of an application because of the volumes, varying case-types, conflicting priorities and degree of change-management involved with what we are currently trying to accomplish – namely, our backlog reduction strategy (points 1 and 2).

4. We are very conscious of the interplay within the two departments in this regard and we are continuously reviewing our approach to meet both departments’ needs and discussing how to align priorities to address these concerns.

It is important for applicant’s to remember that it is their responsibility to keep their application up to date. CIC will make decisions based on the information on file and available at the time of review. This means that CIC will no longer request additional submissions before making a decision