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Nothing has changed.
Canada is still open-heartedly welcoming the immigration of skilled foreign professionals, international students, business entrepreneurs and their families. Canada remains the only G7 country to offer a direct immigration pathway to apply for permanent residence (PR) to such economic-class immigrant aspirants.
Even as Canada is heading towards a federal poll on September 20, two years ahead of its stipulated time, all major Canadian political parties are routing for immigration. If one is to understand the importance of immigration in building the Canadian economy & support demography, the election campaigning in Canada is not centred on whether the country should accept immigrants, but how Canada can best welcome them.
Canada has already set an ambitious immigration level plan to target over 1.2 million new immigrants over the next three years. With these parallel developments in mind, let’s analyze the issues that are plaguing the current immigration system.
Impact of COVID on Canadian Immigration
COVID-19 pandemic had disproportionately affected every sector. Immigration in Canada was significantly impacted, however, Canada increased its economic class selection criteria and transitioned more temporary residents to permanent residence to meet its annual immigration targets. They did it by regularly conducting program-specific Express Entry draws (CEC-only and PNP-only) and other Provincial Nominee Program draws.
While Canada remains on track to welcome over 401,000 new immigrants by the end of 2021, there is a significant risk involving some newcomer segments such as women and family class immigrants.
Additionally, Canada has not conducted even a single Express Entry draws for the Federal Skills Worker Program (FSWP) candidates. The FSWP is the most preferred direct immigration program among skilled foreign workers with work experience and who wish to apply for permanent residence.
With Canada doing away with most of the travel restrictions measures, immigrant aspirants can soon expect an all-program Express Entry, considering FSWP candidates for PR nominations.
Check out our previous blog >> How will travel relaxations aid immigration to Canada?
Innovation from Canada Provincial Nominee Programs
Canada PNPs have shown more resilience in inviting new immigrants to apply for provincial nomination. They held industry and occupation-specific draws that are meant to respond to very specific labour market needs. Since February 2021, British Columbia PNP has been issuing specific provincial draws. The same approach is followed by Ontario PNP & Saskatchewan PNP.
Canada may follow this new approach in its Express Entry draws which will help address skilled worker shortages in key areas across Canada such as in technology, health care, and agri-food.
Those immigrant aspirants who wish to count their self-employed work experience within Canada to apply under Express Entry still remain difficult as Immigrant, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada still believes it is difficult to verify self-employment in Canada.
Check out how all major political parties in Canada are rooting for immigration.
Coming to the immigration of international students, Canada is open to the entry of international students for the upcoming fall semester, ie. September-December. Canadian public universities are also open to receiving new admissions from international students to immigrate to Canada next year.
You can take this free assessment online to explore your Canadian immigration options.
If you are looking to immigrate abroad for a better career opportunity, a higher living standard or for higher education, Canada must be your top priority. Book your free appointment with CanApprove to get a tailored made immigration strategy based on your academic & work profile.
