Unveiling the Canadian immigration for the next six months

The emergence of coronavirus pandemic has impacted us all in one way or another, making 2020 a challenging year for everyone. Likewise, this pandemic has also affected the immigration system of Canada. Due to all the disruptions caused by the current situation, potential immigrants face difficulties in accessing various services required to complete the immigration process, including taking a language test, biometrics, credentialing services, and other government services. Immigration staff is putting extra efforts to revise immigration policy and implementing the needed changes to normalize the Canadian immigration process during the pandemic. Among all the uncertainty, the good news is that with the updates in the immigration policy at the current pace, we should see things to get better over the next six months and positively settle down by 2021. For instance, applicants can now obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and can also take an English language test. Canada’s federal government and immigration minister continue to ensure us about the improving condition of Canada’s immigration system. The federal government has introduced different flexible policies considering the current situation to invite new immigrants. For instance, the immigration department is allowing more time for the candidates to complete the documentation process. Given the COVID-19 interruptions, the department does not deny any application if a candidate is unable to submit a complete application. The immigration minister of Canada, Macro Mendicino, has been continually addressing the potential immigrants during the whole situation, affirming that Canada is committed to welcoming newcomers to the country to support the economy. Let us review some of the significant issues that we should consider within the next six months.

Review: Travel Restrictions

The primary question arising in one’s mind while looking at the current situation is that when Canada will lift its travel restrictions with the US and other countries. However, no one knows the answer to this question, including the Prime Minister and other senior leaders of the country. The answer to this question directly depends on the COVID-19 situation, that is, how soon all the countries will be able to contain the spread of the virus. Thus, we may conclude that sooner the countries combat the pandemic, the sooner Canada can invite more new immigrants and resume to the normal. Another important question here is whether Canada will indulge international students in the last semester of 2020. To this question, the federal department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have replied that they will try to process the maximum number of study permits as per their ability while considering the current travel restrictions. According to which, only the international students who have a valid study permit dated before March 18 are eligible to come to Canada. Thus, we may conclude that Canada will exempt new study permits to international students who are willing to pursue their studies in Canada by September.

Review: Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)

The Federal Skilled Workers Program is one of the three major immigration programs of the federal Express Entry system. The FSWP is the primary pathway for foreign nationals to apply for permanent residence in Canada. However, considering the current pandemic, the IRCC has decided to hold the Express Entry draws targeting only the candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The IRCC has addressed the concern saying that the department wants to issue Invitation to Apply (ITA) to candidates who are already residing in Canada. As they have lesser probabilities of encountering coronavirus disruptions. Another critical point to consider here is that some of the candidates receiving an ITA under CEC and PNP are also overseas. However, it is expected that the time that will be taken for submission of complete applications and processing these applications will be sometime in 2021. Perhaps, at that time, the border rules of Canada will be less stringent. Therefore, an argument can be stated for including FSWP and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) candidates in the Express Entry draws. The rationale behind this statement is that many of the CEC and PNP applicants are also currently overseas; then why should the applicants from FSTP and FSWP categories be excluded from the draws, while some of them are presently in Canada.

Review: Family Class

A question doing rounds these days is whether or not the IRCC will renew the Open Work Permit Pilot, as it is expiring on July 31. The Open Work Permit Pilot enables the spouses and common-law partners of citizens and permanent residents of Canada to work on an open permit during the processing times of their spousal sponsorship application. Thus, this pilot program is exceptionally beneficial for Canadian families, and potential applicants are expecting it to be renewed. Another question here is about the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). The last update was that the program had been delayed as IRCC was reviewing it for some improvements and now due to the pandemic. IRCC has addressed the question, stating that they are planning to launch the program later this year. However, a challenge here is that parents and grandparents are more vulnerable to the pandemic, and IRCC is figuring out a way to welcome these newcomers in a way that protects their health.

Announcement of Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023

While keeping in mind the update on the above two issues of travel restrictions and inviting FSWP candidates, another most awaited update within the next six months is the announcement of Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023 by minister Mendicino. By November 1, Canada’s immigration minister will update us about the short- and long-term immigration goals and how they are affected by the pandemic. Thus, it can be concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly affected Canada’s immigration program, but the immigration requirement of the country still stays the same. There is a strong possibility that there will be an equivalent or higher immigration levels in the coming years.