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The year 2019 has almost ended and when looking back, we realize that it was one of the least eventful years in terms of Canada immigration. No major changes were introduced to the immigration system by the federal government and as a result, immigration matters remained almost stable during the year. The two major controversies related to Canada immigration that arose in the year 2019 were related to the scrapping of applications for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program and submitting applications to the Parents and Grandparents Program.
Quebec decided to scrap 16000 already existing applications for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program before starting to accept Expressions of Interest through the new Arrima system. However, the following Arrima draws gave priority to those candidates whose applications were scrapped earlier.
The Parents and Grandparents Program opened to accept application on January 28, 2019 on a first-come, first-served basis. But the online Interest to Sponsor forms were available only for a few minutes. According to IRCC, almost 100,000 tried to access the form but the maximum number of applications set to be accepted was 20000. So the system attracted widespread criticism as being unfair to applicants.
Express Entry
The year 2019 was stable as far as the Express Entry system is concerned as no major changes were introduced to the system. The draws remained almost consistent in size and the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score witnessed a gradual increase over the year. In 2019, IRCC issued a total of 85300 ITAs.
Express Entry-aligned PNP streams
Ontario launched Tech Draws through the Human Capital Priorities Stream, which is linked to the federal Express Entry, in 2019. A new Labour Market Priorities stream exclusively for doctors was launched by Nova Scotia. Similarly, New Brunswick launched an Express Entry stream dedicated to candidates already living and working in the province this year. In another major development, Saskatchewan increased the number of occupations eligible under the Express Entry stream of Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program(SINP).
Looking forward to 2020
Canada immigration aspirants are looking forward to 2020 with a lot of hope as the year is predicted to be favourable for them. As per the 2018 immigration levels plan, Canada’s plan is to gradually increase the immigration levels. 350,000 newcomers are expected to be admitted to the country by 2021. The new Liberal government has plans to launch a Municipal Nominee Program for helping smaller communities in the country. The minimum allocation for the Program will be 5000 per year. Canada government also plans to make the Atlantic Immigration Pilot permanent and abolish the $630 citizenship application fee.
Convert your Canada immigration dream into reality in 2020! Contact the expert immigration consultants of CanApprove to explore your options!
