A midterm meeting of the FMRI – (Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration) was held on 10th March in Halifax. Update on Canada’s top immigration objectives and ways to achieve these objectives are discussed in this meeting by FMRI.
Saint John, New Brunswick, hosted the most recent meeting, which is held twice a year. Ministers in charge of immigration from the federal, provincial, and territorial governments make up the FMRI. Canadians attend the meetings to discuss immigration issues that are of most concern to the two tiers of government.
At the latest meeting of the Ministerial Committee on Immigration, the ministers discussed ways to increase the efficiency of the immigration system. So, that it can meet regional and economic needs, notably by involving more provinces and territories in the selection process.
As well as increasing the allocations for the PT Nominee Program. They wanted to contribute to the modernization of Fast Entry. Additionally, the provinces were committed to delivering multi-year allocations by March 31st, 2023. During today’s meeting, Canada’s ministers discussed how they have advanced their goals set last summer and how Canada supports immigration.
Plan of multi-year PNP and AIP – (Atlantic-Immigration program)
This is the first time that the Ministers of PNP – (Provincial Nominee Programs) and AIP – (Atlantic Immigration Programs) have supported a multiyear strategy together. A province or territory’s immigration admissions and settling procedures should be specified in advance to benefit most from this approach. According to Arlene Dunn, the minister responsible for immigration in New Brunswick. Also, provinces and territories are best positioned to choose economic immigrants. IRCC backlogs and processing times could be lowered and improved by extending the PNP, AIP, and Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot in order to serve clients better. As part of the strategy, PNP allocations are expected to increase by 44% by 2023.
By speeding up processing times, the ministers said, systemic duplication can be reduced, which contributes to the backlog. It was brought to their attention that incoming immigrants are experiencing growing difficulty in finding affordable housing. As well as the current strain on settlement services around the country.
Working more closely together, the ministers hope to improve the process of obtaining an ECA – (Educational Credential Assessment) or foreign credential recognition by working with other stakeholders, including labor ministers, employers, and chambers of commerce. Several crucial aspects were addressed, including how the applicant’s application is selected, how the complex regulatory environment is understood. And how to improve the sharing of pre-arrival information with the FCR. To pursue their vocation to the fullest extent, newcomers must first swiftly obtain certificate recognition.
A shared vision and partnership were emphasized today by Minister Dunn at the meeting on improving immigration policies and programs in Canada. Immigrants must be attracted, integrated, and retained by clarifying federal, provincial, and territorial roles and responsibilities.
Update on Canada’s top immigration objectives – Immigration is under shared jurisdiction
Canadian federal and provincial governments share responsibility for immigration since the country’s founding in 1867. Seminars such as these are primarily focused on promoting immigration across the country.
As part of this shared responsibility, the PNP – (Provincial Nominee Program) is one of the key elements. Except for Quebec and Nunavut, every province operates a permanent residence preference program whereby applicants for PR can express their preference for a province. Immigrants in Quebec are managed in accordance with their own system.
Candidate nominations may be granted by the province if they believe the candidate will be able to support the province’s economy and labor market. It is important to note that being nominated does not guarantee permanent residency, but it can help in the process.
The final decision on how many applicants are granted PR under a PNP is left to IRCC. In its Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC provides a national target for PNP admissions each year. After a few months, the specific PNP targets are notified to each province and territory.
As part of last summer’s meeting of Provincial and Territorial (PT) ministers, Ministers discussed the need to allocate more resources to address labor shortages. And have more control over the settlement of economic immigrants to help meet employment needs.
It is predicted that by 2025, the PNP will have surpassed the federal high-skilled program (Express Entry) in terms of admissions.
Provinces and territories conduct regular PNP draws. Furthermore, Quebec showed a draw under its own immigration system in this week’s draw. While British Columbia, Ontario, and Manitoba conducted the PNP draws.
PNP results between March 4 to March 10
British Columbia
A PNP – (provincial nomination program) in British Columbia extended invitations to 276 candidates on March 7. Two hundred and 29 candidates were chosen in a general draw that included occupations in the technology sector. International Graduates and International Skilled Workers with a minimum score of 100 and 105 respectively under the SIRS. As well as Express Entry applicants were eligible for the draw. Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled candidates with minimum SIRS scores of 85 were also eligible for nomination.
The Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams, which also accepted applicants from the Express Entry system. Also held occupation-specific drawings for applicants. A SIRS score of 60 or above was necessary for these draws.
Additionally, in total, 26 early childhood educators and assistants were invited, along with 19 healthcare workers.
Ontario
As part of Express Entry Human Capital Priorities, two draws were conducted this week in Ontario.
Moreover, a first draw was held on March 9 focusing on healthcare occupations and inviting 822 candidates with CRS scores between 469 and 489 to apply. On March 10, 815 candidates with CRS scores ranging from 479 to 489 were invited for the second draw about technology occupations.
Manitoba
Across three categories, 576 candidates were invited to apply on March 9.
In the first draw, occupation-specific qualifiers were drawn from major group 65 (sales and service support occupations) under the NOC 2021. 224 candidates with a minimum score of 612 were invited to participate in this recruitment process. Because Manitoba identified this sector as having high labor needs.
Second draw: 277 Skilled Worker applicants with no specified occupation, requiring a minimum score of 675, were invited to apply. Additionally, 53 candidates were invited to participate in the International Education Stream, which did not require a minimum score. Moreover, 43 overseas workers with a score of 666 were invited to participate.
In addition to those invited, 45 Express Entry candidates were also included.
Quebec
Announcing on March 2 that 1,017 candidates would be selected for permanent placement. Moreover, Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker program invited applications from 1,017 applicants.
A minimum score of 589 points was required for candidates to qualify for the draw. It was not targeted at any specific occupation. Furthermore, candidates with valid job offers outside the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal were welcome to apply.
