AI – language tools are rapidly changing the way we go about our daily lives. Students are leveraging it to meet deadlines. Marketers are taking advantage of it to overcome writers block. It can even be used to quickly prepare an itinerary for your next family trip! You can also bet it’s being used to help prepare Canadian immigration applications.

Can AI prepare a Canadian immigration application?

We asked ChatGPT if AI can prepare a Canadian immigration application. Here is its response:

Yes, you can potentially use AI tools to assist you in preparing your Canadian immigration application. AI technology has made advancements in various fields, including immigration, and there are tools available that can provide automated guidance and support throughout the application process.

Using AI to prepare a Canadian immigration application can offer several advantages:

1. Efficiency: AI-powered systems can automate various aspects of the application process, reducing the time and effort required to compile and organize the necessary documents. It can streamline data collection, form filling, and document management, improving overall efficiency. These tools can analyze your profile, compare it against immigration regulations and policies, and offer recommendations on the next steps to take. They can help you identify potential issues or areas that need attention in your application.

2. Accuracy: AI algorithms are designed to analyze information and identify potential errors or inconsistencies. By using AI, applicants can minimize mistakes in their applications, ensuring that all the required information is provided correctly.

3. Accessible Guidance: AI systems can provide applicants with guidance and assistance throughout the application process. They can offer real-time feedback, suggest improvements, and provide information on specific requirements or criteria, making it easier for individuals to navigate complex immigration regulations.

4. Consistency: AI systems follow predefined rules and guidelines consistently, which helps ensure that all applications are evaluated fairly and objectively. It reduces the potential for human biases and subjective decision-making, promoting a more standardized and transparent process.

There are, undoubtedly, advantages and benefits of using AI to assist you with your Canadian immigration application. However, the suggestions above tend to make our hearts race with anxiety at the thought of anyone relying on these tools to prepare their Canadian immigration application.

Using AI: A cautionary tale

Before you suggest that we’re against using these tools because we’re afraid that technological advancement is threatening our jobs, hear us out.

First, immigration applications always require nuanced decision-making and interpretation of complex regulations and policies. This  requires critical thinking and problem solving. AI systems do not (yet) possess the same level of judgment and discretion as human immigration professionals.

Second, AI systems rely on the data they are trained on. If the data is incomplete, biased, or contains errors, it can lead to inaccurate results and recommendations. This can result in incorrect advice, misinterpretation of legal requirements, or the submission of incomplete or inconsistent information.

Third, immigration applications always involve personal narratives, unique circumstances and sensitive factors. These require human understanding and empathy to be properly conveyed. AI cannot possibly interpret such contextual nuances, which leads to risk of misrepresentation or inadequate presentation of crucial information.

Fourth, immigration policies are updated frequently. This has been especially true since the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes continue to be implemented at an unprecedented pace. AI systems must continuously adapt and stay up-to-date to provide accurate guidance. However, if the AI platform fails to incorporate the latest changes promptly, it may provide outdated or incorrect advice. This leads to complications, delays and refusals.

Finally, it’s essential that information submitted to IRCC is genuine, complete and accurate. Blatant use of AI for preparation of certain documents is bound to have detrimental impacts if its use puts into question the genuineness of your application. Omitting material information and/or providing false information (inadvertently or otherwise) can lead to refusal and a 5-year ban from entering Canada on the grounds of misrepresentation.

Mitigating the Risks of Using AI

It is imperative to verify the information you obtain from an AI tool with official government sources and/or guidance from qualified immigration professionals.

AI tools cannot address complex or unique circumstances. Consulting with an immigration lawyer or consultant will provide you with personalized advice tailored to your specific situation and provide a deeper level of expertise that AI tools simply cannot offer.

Immigration regulations can and do change. Stay informed and up to date on immigration policies and ensure that your application aligns with the most recent requirements.

How AI can help you prepare your application

As we mentioned above, we aren’t anti-AI! In fact, we use AI in our own practice. However, remember that you are responsible for all the information submitted in your Canadian immigration application. You MUST ensure the accuracy of your application. NEVER submit a document prepared by an AI tool without modifying it to your personal circumstances. AI tools are NOT a replacement for professional legal advice.

Now that we got that disclaimer out of the way, here are 3 ways AI might help you prepare your Canadian immigration application:

1. Understanding: AI tools can summarize information about Canada’s different immigration programs and provide an overview of the program requirements. For example, you might ask:
   1. What immigration programs exist for skilled workers in Canada?
   2. What are the requirements for Canadian Experience Class?
   3. Can [insert profession] immigrate to Canada?
2. Preparation: AI can be used to give you an outline of the application process, including documents needed for your application. For example, you might ask:
   1. How do I apply to the BC PNP?
   2. What are the steps in the Express Entry application process?
   3. What documents are required for my [insert name of immigration program] application?
3. Submission: Ai can be helpful to draft an outline of an application submission letter or other supporting document. For example, you might ask
   1. Draft a submission letter outline for my [insert name of immigration program] application
   2. Draft an outline of a study plan for my Canadian study permit application.
   3. Draft a company profile of [insert employer name]

TL;DR

Never rely exclusively on AI tools for immigration advice. They are helpful as complementary resources in conjunction with guidance from qualified immigration professionals who can offer personalized advice, address specific concerns, and navigate the complexities and nuances of Canadian immigration law effectively. While AI can be a valuable tool, human expertise and judgment remain critical to the preparation and submission of accurate and successful Canadian immigration applications.

Written on June 12, 2023, by Brooke Finlay