Canada's Immigration Minister Comes Forward For Immigration Queries

The coronavirus pandemic has created a disturbance in the minds of immigrants since it will certainly impact the immigration system of Canada. So, Marco Mendicino, the immigration minister of Canada, has shared some new updates regarding Canada’s immigration system in the coming times. In a Q&A session held by the Canadian Bar Association’s Immigration Law Section, Mendicino has discussed the implications of the coronavirus crisis focusing on topics such as temporary foreign workers, immigration levels, and international students. 

Impact On Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The employees of the IRCC department are working remotely. Therefore, the department is facing some difficulties in processing immigration applications on time. But the IRCC has provided the staff with all the required tools to facilitate processing. Also, during this period, the IRCC has also been able to improve its process. For example, lately, IRCC has expedited the processing of applications of seasonal agricultural workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Also Read: How to get Canada PR visa? Step by step guide. Regarding the TFWP, the minister has stated that one of the greatest challenges is to bring temporary foreign workers to Canada primarily because of the circumstances prevailing in the source country. Then, the market demand is another factor that will impact the intake of temporary foreign workers. Certain sectors will see reduced demand for workers in the near future.  However, Mendicino has said that the department is working at ways to allow some flexibility regarding work permits.

Will Canada reduce Immigration Levels?

Immigrants who wish to move to Canada might be worried about the reduction in immigration levels post-coronavirus. However, Canada has already sent the right immigration signal by holding frequent express entry and provincial draws. The Immigration Minister has also clarified that Immigration will help in the “economic recovery” of Canada.  Also Read: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Gateway to move to Canada Mendicino acknowledges that the country relies on immigration and “it will be an economic driver”. Since a large number of workers in Canada are on the verge of retirement, the country will need young immigrants to maintain economic growth. The Minister himself has clarified that Canada is not keen on reducing immigration levels. On the contrary, the country will admit several new skilled immigrants to have robust economic growth.

What will be the impact on International Students?

Marco Mendicino has said that several stakeholders have provided feedback to the IRCC on how to go ahead with the international student policies. The Post-Graduation Work Permit is a recent reform initiated by the IRCC for international students which lets them remain eligible for the PGWP even if they take online courses. Furthermore, IRCC is in constant contact with the stakeholders on how to help international students who are going to enroll themselves for the upcoming September intake period in a Canadian institution. So, Canada will do its part to help international students and take a flexible approach.  Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs