Canada Unveils New Automated System to Speed Up Study Permit Extensions

Lakshmi

Updated On Nov 19, 2025

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Canada Unveils New Automated System to Speed Up Study Permit Extensions

On November 12, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released detailed information about a new algorithmic system designed to streamline the processing of in-Canada Study Permit Extensions.

This tool was officially named the Study Permit Extension Eligibility Model, which marks IRCC's move towards partial automation. The system's functionalities were revealed through an Algorithmic Impact Assessment (AIA) published on November 12, 2025, which is a mandatory transparency protocol for federal automated decision systems.

The method used by this tool chooses advanced analytics to instantly verify routine eligibility requirements, and by automating simpler tasks, IRCC is further aiming to allow officers to focus on complex applications.

Currently, the average processing time for study permit extensions is around 162 days. However, with this new model in place, IRCC hopes to significantly shorten processing times for thousands of international students who wish to continue their studies in Canada.

Key Highlights of the New Study Permit Extension Eligibility Model

The Tool: A decision-tree-based model that automates eligibility checks for in-Canada study permit extensions
The Goal: To speed up processing by auto-approval of straightforward cases
The Safety Net: The system cannot refuse applications; in cases, if uncertain, it can forward the file to a human officer
Human Oversight: Officers continue to conduct all security checks and make the final decision
Scope: This automated approach applies only to study permit extension applications submitted within Canada

Why Was This Automation Necessary?

Considering Canada's immense popularity among international students, which has resulted in application volumes constantly exceeding IRCC's processing capacity and many students extended their studies because of the limited pathways to permanent residency, which adds further pressure on processing systems.

IRCC acknowledges in its AIA that processing times have exceeded service standards, causing frustration among applicants, and since application volumes have grown faster than available resources, automation became essential to prevent backlogs from worsening.

How Does the Decision Tree System Work?

Unlike black box algorithms, which are criticised for being opaque, IRCC has chosen a decision tree model due to its transparent, rule-based structure. The system evaluates applications using simple yes or no questions, such as,

Does the applicant hold a valid passport?
Is their Letter of Acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) listed in Canada?

It is because every decision path is visible and explainable, IRCC stresses that this model enhances fairness and accountability.

Also Read: Canada Revises Off-Campus Working Hours for International Students in 2026

Assessment For Separating Routine from Complex Files

The decision tree system uses predetermined rules to categorise each application, such as:

Routine Files: These applications fully meet all non-discretionary eligibility criteria and are eligible for automated approval.
Non-Routine Files: The applications that contain inconsistencies, missing data, or complexities. The system sends these applications to a human officer for manual review.

What Information Does the System Use For Application Processing?

The model relies on limited, specific data sources, which include:

Applicant submitted information
Medical exam results
CBSA enforcement records
Security information from law enforcement partners
Identity verification data from migration 5 partners (USA, Australia, New Zealand)

The model does not consider or exclude any data prior to 2024 in order to avoid outdated decision patterns

A Critical Safeguard for Applicants as the System Cannot Refuse Applications

IRCC's automation tool only performs positive eligibility approvals, and it cannot refuse or even suggest refusal of an application. If the system cannot confidently approve a file, it automatically redirects it to an officer.

Additionally, admissibility checks like security, medical, and criminal assessments always remain the responsibility of a human officer.

Also, IRCC has collaborated extensively with:

Legal Services
Privacy Office
Global Affairs Canada
Officers Unions
Federal Peer Reviewers
The Advanced Analytics Solutions Centre

This inclusive approach ensured the tool met legal, technical and ethical standards.

Human Decision Making Remains The Central Point.

Even if an applicant receives an automated eligibility approval, an officer would still need to review the file. Officers can overturn automated assessments if they find contradictory information, including admissibility screening.

Hence, every approval or refusal ultimately comes from a human officer ensuring accountability for every final outcome of the applications.

Risk Assessment and Impact Level of The New Tool

The AIA classifies the tool as Impact Level 2 (Moderate Impact), due to its potential effects on mobility rights and its high volume reach. The key risks identified vs the migration measures included are listed as follows

Key Risks Identified	Migration Measures Included
Public sensitivity around immigration automation The need for judgment in certain eligibility checks The large number of applicants affected	Peer reviews from technical experts Reapplication and judicial review options Strict update logs and change protocol procedures

Also Read: Canada鈥檚 Immigration Levels Plan 2026-28 Will Include New Pathways to Grant PR for Temporary Residents

Preventing Bias and Ensuring Fairness Along With Privacy Protection and Security

IRCC conducted a full Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) to examine impacts on various demographic groups and further confirm that decision variables do not target protected characteristics.

The department also tested for proxy variables that might unintentionally correlate with race or nationality, and in efforts to further reduce automation bias, IRCC has deliberately separated officers from the rules the system uses, hence, forcing them to rely solely on their training for admissibility decisions.

Also, regular quality assurance audits will monitor the system for potential biases or inconsistencies across demographic groups.

The system operates in a 鈥淧rotected B鈥� environment, which is a high-level government security standard. As IRCC completes a new Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA), updated notices inform applicants that automation may be used for eligibility assessments. All testing and maintenance use de-identified data in efforts to maintain privacy.

What Does This Mean for International Students Going Forward?

The new Study Permit Extension Eligibility Model is a clear sign of IRCC's broader move towards responsible automation. The decision-tree approach, which includes a transparent, limited scope and is always overseen by an officer, serves as the foundation for automation in future programs, such as work permits and visitor visas.

For students, the benefits include:

Faster processing of routine applications
More consistent assessments
Greater officer attention on complex cases.

Ultimately, the model aims to deliver quicker, fairer outcomes while keeping the human element central to immigration decisions

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As Canada continues to move forward towards smarter and faster immigration systems, students who understand these processes will be better positioned for success.

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