Canada’s immigration in second half of 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on Canada’s immigration system where immigrants were affected by numerous disruptions like difficulties in accessing language testing, credentialing services, biometrics, or other government services while immigration professionals have also been working hard around the clock to adjust to all the policy changes related to immigration.

However, things are continuing to improve in the second half of 2020 such as

  • Immigration candidates can now book and complete an English language test, and obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
  • IRCC is giving candidates more time to submit their documentation, and are not refusing anyone if they are unable to submit a complete application due to COVID-19 interruptions
  • Canada is as committed as ever to welcoming immigrants to support its economy

But there are some of the major issues we should look out for in the remaining six months of 2020.

Travel Restrictions

The biggest issue is when the travel restrictions will be lifted with the U.S. and the rest of the world. Certainly, no one knows. It depends on how successful Canada and other countries will be in containing COVID-19. However, as soon as pandemic will be under control Canada can exempt more immigrants and lift the restrictions.

International Students

Another major issue is whether Canada will accommodate international students in time for the fall 2020 semester. Although IRCC is processing study permits but under current travel restrictions, international students who did not have a valid study permit prior to March 18 are unable to come to Canada. It is anticipated Canada may exempt new study permit holders who wish to begin their studies in Canada by September later this summer.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Since the start of the pandemic, however, express entry draws have only focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates since they are less likely to experience coronavirus disruptions than overseas candidates. However, there are few important points to note:

  • Some of the CEC and PNP candidates now receiving ITAs are also overseas
  • By the time that successful candidates submit their permanent residency applications and they are processed by IRCC, we will be in 2021. At that point, hopefully, Canada’s border rules will have been eased
  • Why should FSWP and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) candidates—some of whom are currently in Canada—be excluded from EE draw
  • It is more likely IRCC may include FSWP in EE draws

Family Class

Yet another important question right now is whether IRCC will renew the Open Work Permit Pilot before it expires on July 31. The pilot gives an open work permit to spouses and partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are waiting for their spousal sponsorship application to be processed. Given how beneficial this pilot is to Canadian families and the economy, we should expect it to be renewed.

Also, Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has been delayed due to its improvement by IRCC and the onset of COVID-19. However, IRCC may announce details about the program’s launch later in 2020.

Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023

Another biggest story in the next six months will be 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan announcement by the Government. By November 1st, we will know the extent to which COVID-19 is going to impact Canada’s short- and medium-term immigration goals.

Altogether, COVID-19 has not impacted Canada’s need for immigration, so there is a strong chance immigration levels will remain high in 2021 and beyond.

Need help staying in Canada!

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to challenging times in Canada and around the world. Many people are under distress and anxiety. We understand! Can-X is here to help you figure it out, so you can have peace of mind. You could be an international student, worker, or visitor looking to extend your stay in Canada. You may be seeking a pathway to permanent immigration. Or you may be looking to reunite with a loved one. Whatever the reason, contact us to discuss your immigration needs, and we’ll provide our insights and help as much as we can during these difficult times.

We Care!

Ontario’s is re-opening and expanding its in-demand skills stream

Ontario is re-opening and expanding one of its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams (in-demand skills stream). The in-demand skills stream is currently closed but will re-open on July 6, 2020. As of July 06, job offer from 13 additional positions located outside of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) will be accepted under the program. The purpose of the stream is to enhance responsiveness to program priorities and address labour shortages in specific in-demand occupations (e.g. agriculture, construction, trucking, and other low-to-semi-skilled NOC C or D occupations). This stream is open to foreign workers in and outside of Canada.

Program Requirements

Job Offer

Candidate must have a full-time and permanent job offer (i.e. a minimum of 1,560 hours in a year and no end date of the position). The job offer must be in an eligible occupation inside or outside of the GTA.

Eligible Occupation(s): The job offer must fall under following National Occupation Classification (NOC) skill level C or D codes:

  1. NOC 3413 – nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
  2. NOC 4412 – home support workers and related occupations, excluding housekeepers
  3. NOC 7441 – residential and commercial installers and servicers
  4. NOC 7511 – transport truck drivers
  5. NOC 7521 – heavy equipment operators (except crane)
  6. NOC 7611 – construction trades helpers and labourers
  7. NOC 8431 – general farm workers
  8. NOC 8432 – nursery and greenhouse workers
  9. NOC 8611 – harvesting labourers
  10. NOC 9462 – industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers

Expanded occupations: As of July 6, a job offers under the following  13 NOC codes (also levels C or D) will be valid for this stream:

  1. NOC 9411 – machine operators, mineral and metal processing
  2. NOC 9416 – metalworking and forging machine operators
  3. NOC 9417 – machining tool operators
  4. NOC 9418 – other metal products machine operators
  5. NOC 9421 – chemical plant machine operators
  6. NOC 9422 – plastics processing machine operators
  7. NOC 9437 – woodworking machine operators
  8. NOC 9446 – industrial sewing machine operators
  9. NOC 9461 – process control and machine operators, food, beverage and associated products processing
  10. NOC 9523 – electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors, and testers
  11. NOC 9526 – mechanical assemblers and inspectors
  12. NOC 9536 – industrial painters, coaters, and metal finishing process operators
  13. NOC 9537 – other products assemblers, finishers, and inspectors

Wage/Salary

The wage/salary of the job offer must be equal or higher than the median wage level, for that occupation, in the specific region of Ontario where the worker is/will be working.

Work experience

Candidate must have at least 9 months of cumulative paid full-time work experience (or the equivalent in part-time work) in Ontario, in the same in-demand occupation (same NOC code) as the job offer. The candidate must have gained this work experience within the three years prior to submitting the application while legally living and working in Ontario.

Language

The candidate must be able to understand, read, write and speak either English or French at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher.

Education

The candidate must have a Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma or credential, or its equivalent in another country. The candidate need to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for overseas education from one of the following organizations, designated by IRCC:

Contact us for consultation and assessment.

COVID-19 affecting Canadian Labour Market can be positive for Canadian Experience Class Candidates

According to Statistics Canada there has been a dramatic decline in economic activity and employment rate in the country due to COVID-19 outbreak with more than one million jobs lost.

However, Canada’s Immigration policies have strengthened the country’s economic standing over the years as 75% of Canada’s population growth comes from immigration, mostly in economic category and about 6 in 10 immigrants bring positive economic impact. Economy can be grown by growth in labour force and second using the labour force productively.

Canada will accept applications for permanent residency and will continue to welcome candidates to submit their Express Entry profiles. Express Entry draws will be held and invitations to apply for permanent residence will be sent despite coronavirus outbreak.

A total of 3,371 candidates were invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence in the Express Entry draw which took place on May 14, 2020. The cut-off CRS score in this draw was 447 which is the lowest score recorded in this year so far since January 2020. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has now issued a total of 38,200 Invitations to Apply (ITA’s) in 2020 through the Express Entry system.The Canadian Experience Class is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. Having obtained work experience in Canada, these individuals have already settled into Canadian society and established important networks in their communities and their careers. Minimum requirements

  • Important Points
  • Self-employment and work experience gained while you were a full-time student (such as a co-op work term) doesn’t count under this program.
  • There is no education requirement for the Canadian Experience Class. However, applicant will be awarded points in their Express Entry pool, if they have earned a Canadian educational or have Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for a foreign education.
  • Applicants can remain in Canada throughout the application process. However, the Canadian Experience Class is also open to individuals who are no longer in Canada, provided that they submit their application within three years of leaving their job in Canada.
  • The requirements of Canadian Experience Class are based on a pass or fail model. If the minimum requirements are met, the applicant is eligible to enter the Express Entry pool.
  • The applicant is not required to have at least 67 points based on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) immigration selection factors.
  • The applicants must plan to reside outside the province of Quebec. The province of Quebec selects its own skilled workers through a unique immigration system.

Contact us for assessment and more information!

Need help staying in Canada!

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to challenging times in Canada and around the world. Many people are under distress and anxiety. We understand! Can-X is here to help you figure it out, so you can have peace of mind. You could be an international student, worker, or visitor looking to extend your stay in Canada. You may be seeking a pathway to permanent immigration. Or you may be looking to reunite with a loved one. Whatever the reason, contact us to discuss your immigration needs, and we’ll provide our insights and help as much as we can during these difficult times.

We Cares!

COVID-19 affecting Canadian Labour Market can be positive for Canadian Experience Class Candidates

According to Statistics Canada there has been a dramatic decline in economic activity and employment rate in the country due to COVID-19 outbreak with more than one million jobs lost.

However, Canada’s Immigration policies have strengthened the country’s economic standing over the years as 75% of Canada’s population growth comes from immigration, mostly in economic category and about 6 in 10 immigrants bring positive economic impact. Economy can be grown by growth in labour force and second using the labour force productively.

Canada will accept applications for permanent residency and will continue to welcome candidates to submit their Express Entry profiles. Express Entry draws will be held and invitations to apply for permanent residence will be sent despite coronavirus outbreak.

April 09, 2020, IRCC issued a total of 3,294 invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence with 464 lowest CRS score. This was fourth consecutive program specific draw which is rare exceptions to the rules of Express Entry rounds of invitations.

 

The Canadian Experience Class is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. Having obtained work experience in Canada, these individuals have already settled into Canadian society and established important networks in their communities and their careers.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify under this program, the applicant must:

  • Have at least one year of skilled full-time or equivalent work experience in Canada, in the last 3 years before you apply.
  • Get a minimum language level of CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs and, CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.

Important Points

  • Self-employment and work experience gained while you were a full-time student (such as a co-op work term) doesn’t count under this program.
  • There is no education requirement for the Canadian Experience Class. However, applicant will be awarded points in their Express Entry pool, if they have earned a Canadian educational or have Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for a foreign education.
  • Applicants can remain in Canada throughout the application process. However, the Canadian Experience Class is also open to individuals who are no longer in Canada, provided that they submit their application within three years of leaving their job in Canada.
  • The requirements of Canadian Experience Class are based on a pass or fail model. If the minimum requirements are met, the applicant is eligible to enter the Express Entry pool.
  • The applicant is not required to have at least 67 points based on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) immigration selection factors.
  • The applicants must plan to reside outside the province of Quebec. The province of Quebec selects its own skilled workers through a unique immigration system.

Contact us for assessment and more information

Amid Coronavirus outbreak Canada releases special measures for immigration

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has put special measures to assist candidates affected by the outbreak of coronavirus.

Canada will accept applications for permanent residency and will continue to welcome candidates to submit their Express Entry profiles. Express Entry draws will be held and invitations to apply for permanent residence will be sent. IRCC will not refuse PR applications if the applicant cannot provide documents due to disruptions related to COVID-19.

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Canadian Government had placed travel restrictions till June 30, 2020 however, there are exemptions and the following people may travel to Canada:

  • Canadian Citizen
  • Canadian Permanent Resident
  • Temporary Foreign Workers
  • International student who has a valid study permit or were approved for a study permit on or before March 18, 2020
  • Immediate family members of a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident (spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, grandchildren, parent or step-parent, and guardian)
  • Permanent Resident whose application was approved on or before March 18, 2020, but haven’t travelled to Canada yet
  • Transiting passengers
  • Members of the Canadian forces, visiting forces, Department of National Defence and their immediate family members
  • Accredited diplomats and immediate family members (include North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO], those under the United Nations Headquarters Agreement, other organizations)
  • Air and marine crew members
  • French citizens who live in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and have been in only Canada, the US or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon during the 14 days before the day they seek to enter Canada
  • Any person who does not pose a significant harm to public health, in the opinion of the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, and who will provide an essential service while in Canada
  • Any person whose presence in Canada is in the national interest, in the opinion of the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship; Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness; or Foreign Affairs
  • Any person who is coming at the invitation of the Minister of Health for the purpose of COVID-19 assistance
  • Any person whose purpose is to make medical deliveries

But you can board your flight to Canada!

  • only after your health is checked by airline officials to confirm that you don’t have symptoms of COVID‑19
  • present proof to show that you’re an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident (Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate, PR card or Canadian passport and any other document proving relationship)
  • Holders of confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) should present Permanent resident visa and COPR to airline
  • tell the airline that you’re exempt from the travel restrictions
  • show that you’re travelling to Canada for an essential reason

When you arrive in Canada by air or land, your health will be assessed before you leave the port of entry.

 You must isolate for 14 days, even if you have no symptoms. This is mandatory.

Permanent Resident Applicants

If your permanent resident application has already been approved but you can’t travel to Canada before your documents expire due to quarantine measures in place, use the IRCC Web Form to let IRCC know why you can’t travel. Once it’s possible for you to travel, use the Web Form again to let IRCC know and they can provide you with information what to do next.

All in-person permanent resident landing appointments have been cancelled until further notice. All landing appointments will be done by telephone whenever possible.

Citizenship Applicants

 All citizenship events have been cancelled until further notice to keep everyone safe. This includes:

  • citizenship ceremonies
  • citizenship tests and retests
  • hearings (including videoconference hearings)
  • interviews
  • citizenship events in our temporary offices (itinerant service trips)

However, IRCC is still accepting new citizenship applications.

Biometrics at Service Canada locations

 Service Canada has temporarily stopped collecting biometrics until further notice. Biometrics deadline has been extended to 90 days.

Canada and the U.S. have closed their borders on mutual consent to non-essential travel w.e.f March 18, 2020 which include recreation, tourism and immigration purpose (renewing a work, study, or visitor permit, or to activate permanent resident status).