On This Page You Will Find
- Canada’s new immigration-related AI pledge
- What the International Migration Review Forum is
- How Canada is using AI in immigration management
- Details of Canada’s $7 million global migration funding package
- Why Ottawa is focusing on labour mobility and migration systems
- Canada’s efforts to address migration misinformation
- The link between international migration projects and domestic immigration goals
- What the announcement means for skilled immigrants
- The regions and countries receiving Canadian migration funding
- Frequently asked questions about Canada’s international migration strategy
Canada has signalled a growing role for artificial intelligence in immigration management as the federal government deepens its involvement in global migration policy and labour mobility initiatives.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab led Canada’s delegation to the International Migration Review Forum 2026 at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where Ottawa committed to advancing “the principled use of artificial intelligence in migration.”
The pledge formed part of a broader package of commitments tied to global migration management, labour mobility, misinformation, and border systems as Canada works with international partners to address migration pressures and economic needs.
The federal government also announced approximately $7 million in funding for eight international migration projects across Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa.
Canada Signals Bigger AI Role in Immigration
One of the most notable elements of Canada’s announcement was its commitment to the “principled use of artificial intelligence in migration.”
While the government did not provide detailed operational plans, the pledge reflects the growing role of automation and digital systems in immigration management globally.
Canada has increasingly used technology in immigration processing in recent years, including automated systems that help organize applications, identify routine cases, and support processing efficiency.
The announcement suggests Ottawa intends to continue integrating technology into immigration administration while emphasizing transparency and responsible use.
The AI pledge formed one of five commitments Canada made at the forum.
The others included:
- engaging a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach to migration
- supporting labour mobility initiatives globally
- addressing migration-related misinformation
- strengthening migration systems through international partnerships and capacity building
Canada Expands International Migration Partnerships
The International Migration Review Forum brings countries together to assess progress under the United Nations Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
Canada reaffirmed its support for the agreement during the New York meetings.
The federal government said international cooperation helps support economic growth, sustainable immigration, and stronger communities while improving migration systems globally.
Ottawa also linked the work to domestic immigration priorities, including maintaining a “well-managed and sustainable immigration system.”
$7 Million for Global Migration Projects
Canada announced approximately $7 million in new funding for projects aimed at improving migration systems and labour mobility abroad.
The projects focus heavily on Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa.
Several initiatives are designed to strengthen labour migration systems and create safer legal migration pathways.
The largest single project is a nearly $3 million initiative supporting safe and regular migration pathways across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Other projects include:
- strengthening labour migration governance in Vietnam
- improving migrant integration systems in Colombia and Ecuador
- supporting migrant regularization and employment access in Costa Rica
- strengthening border crisis response systems in Senegal
- improving migration data and regional coordination in Latin America
- supporting LGBTQI+ refugee organizations in Kenya
The government said these projects help reduce irregular migration while supporting economic integration and labour mobility.
Labour Mobility Becoming a Bigger Priority
The announcement also reflects growing international competition for skilled workers.
The federal government acknowledged that countries are increasingly competing for global talent and labour mobility.
Canada said it is focused on attracting skilled workers while balancing sustainability in the immigration system.
That could have implications for future immigration policy, particularly in sectors facing labour shortages.
Labour mobility agreements and migration partnerships may increasingly become part of Canada’s economic immigration strategy as Ottawa looks to secure access to global talent pipelines.
Canada Targets Migration Misinformation
Another significant part of Canada’s commitments involved addressing migration-related misinformation.
Governments worldwide have faced growing challenges linked to online misinformation involving migration systems, asylum claims, immigration rules, and fraudulent migration schemes.
The federal government did not provide specific policy details but indicated misinformation remains a growing concern within global migration management.
The issue also connects to immigration scams and unauthorized advice, which continue to affect prospective migrants worldwide.
What This Means for Immigrants
The announcement signals that Canada continues to view immigration as a major economic and strategic priority despite recent reductions to overall immigration levels.
Ottawa appears focused on improving migration management while continuing to attract skilled workers through international cooperation and labour mobility initiatives.
The growing emphasis on AI, labour mobility, and international partnerships also suggests Canada is investing more heavily in long-term migration infrastructure both domestically and abroad.
For prospective immigrants, the announcement reinforces the importance of skilled labour, legal migration pathways, and increasingly digital immigration systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Migration Review Forum?
The International Migration Review Forum is a United Nations meeting held every four years to review progress on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Countries discuss migration management, labour mobility, border systems, refugee protection, and international cooperation.
What did Canada say about AI in immigration?
Canada pledged to support the “principled use of artificial intelligence in migration.” While details were limited, the commitment suggests Ottawa plans to continue using digital tools and automation within immigration management and processing systems.
What migration projects is Canada funding internationally?
Canada announced approximately $7 million for projects supporting labour mobility, migration governance, border management, migrant integration, and legal migration pathways in regions including Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Why is Canada investing in migration systems abroad?
The federal government says stronger migration systems abroad help support safer and more orderly migration while reducing irregular migration pressures. Ottawa also linked the projects to Canada’s domestic immigration and labour market priorities.
How could this affect future Canadian immigration policy?
The announcement suggests Canada will continue focusing on skilled labour mobility, digital immigration systems, and international migration partnerships. These priorities could influence future economic immigration pathways and processing systems.