Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers provide a comprehensive weekly review of the most important immigration news in Canada, analyzing and explaining the most recent developments and their impact on prospective immigrants. Follow us and stay updated on the latest immigration news.
Canada continues to be the top immigration destination
Canada has a unique position in the global market regarding immigration due to its widespread support of pro-immigration policies. The non-partisan charity – Century Initiative is advocating for an increase in population – aiming for 100 million by 2100, driven mainly by immigrant growth. With this solid public sentiment towards immigrants and their potential contributions, Canada stands out from other nations with ripe opportunities for newcomers looking to impact society positively. Since the late 1990s, Canada’s endorsement of immigration has seen a remarkable rise, with 64% of Canadians supporting multiculturalism.
According to the Nanos Research Group study, Canadians are among the most welcoming people globally and are confident in the positive economic benefits of high immigration levels. An impressive majority of 1,012 survey participants had a favourable viewpoint on Canada’s higher immigration target – an astounding 52% declared it would benefit the Canadian economy. While 38% responded with opposing views and 6% were uncertain, only 4% believed migration levels did not influence the economic state.
Canada welcomed the highest number of foreign workers in 2022
Recent reports from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uncovered that the number of foreign nationals accepted as temporary workers in our country reached a historic peak last year. By the end of 2022, an impressive 608,420 work permits had been granted to foreign nationals through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and International Mobility Program (IMP), representing a 47% rise compared to 2021’s record-high figure of 414,000.
Foreign nationals coming to work in Canada through the TFWP and IMP provide a key source of specialized skills, knowledge and experience that help employers fill labour shortages and support innovation. This influx of foreign nationals also contributes to Canada’s economic recovery efforts, with these individuals enjoying increased job opportunities in our country during this time of global uncertainty. Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers provide specialized legal advice to employers and foreign workers looking to take advantage of the TFWP and IMP. Contact us today to discuss how we can help.
British Columbia continues to invite skilled candidates under the BCPNP
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) is an excellent opportunity for skilled workers to become permanent residents of Canada. The program offers various categories tailored to meet employers’ needs in specific industries and occupations. These categories are based on the labour market needs of the province. Candidates who qualify for one of the categories under the BCPNP must show intention to settle in British Columbia and demonstrate the skills and experience needed to contribute to economic growth.
On March 7, 2023, British Columbia held new draws under the BCPNP, inviting 274 qualified Skills Immigration candidates. The province invited 229 candidates in the general draw within the score range of 85-105 points. In addition, the BCPNP invited 26 early childhood educators (NOC 42202) and 19 healthcare professionals. So far, British Columbia has invited 2,305 candidates in 2023. If you also want to avail this opportunity and become a permanent resident of Canada, Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers can assist you throughout the application process.
Federal, provincial and territorial immigration ministers discussed key issues of the Canadian immigration system
On March 10, 2023, the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) convened to further their discourse on Canada’s future immigration landscape. The ministers worked together towards advancing initiatives that respond to pan-Canadian immigration priorities. The Ministers highlighted the success of making Canada’s immigrant system more efficient at meeting regional and economic demands. Ministers discussed increasing provincial and territorial involvement in selecting economic immigrants, allocating more spots in provincial and territorial nominee programs (PNPs), finding ways to speed up application processing times, reducing unnecessary steps, and granting more significant control over PNPs.
Immigration ministers also announced IRCC’s Multi-Year Allocation Plan, including an unprecedented 44% raise in PNP allocations for 2023. One of the significant points of conversation was Canada’s ongoing commitment to Ukraine, the period of a one-time federal financial assistance payment for newly arrived Ukrainians, and the Federal Government’s position regarding Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visas, which will no longer accept applications after March 31, 2023.
PGWPP provides the easiest path to permanent residency in Canada
For international students who have graduated from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI), the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) provides an incredible chance to settle and work in this country. Statistics Canada has reported that around 75 percent of PGWP holders become permanent residents within five years after receiving the permit. Undoubtedly, gaining practical experience through a PGWP yields significant advantages for future permanent residents, as many permanent residence pathways require applicants to have Canadian work experience.
The PGWPP is an excellent program for international students and offers the most straightforward pathway to permanent residency in Canada. It allows international students who have studied in Canada to gain valuable work experience and become part of the Canadian workforce. Furthermore, they can explore job opportunities in various sectors and engage with several employers across Canada. Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers have extensive experience assisting foreign nationals in obtaining a study or work permit and applying for permanent residence.
OINP held two draws under the Human Capital Priorities Stream over the past week
On March 9 and 10, 2023, Ontario held new draws under the Human Capital Priorities Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). First was the healthcare draw, where the OINP issued 822 targeted Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to healthcare workers with the lowest score between 469-489 points. The second draw invited 815 candidates with work experience in one of the in-demand tech occupations. Ontario invited 8,411 candidates under all streams of OINP in 2023, including 3,539 candidates under the Human Capital Priorities Stream.
The OINP is designed to help employers in Ontario find skilled labour. The program is meant to fill gaps in the labour market by providing access to candidates with valuable skills and expertise. The program helps foreign nationals who wish to live and work in Ontario, giving them access to a pathway for permanent residence. Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers have helped many individuals successfully navigate the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program application process, providing personalized service.
Canada creates a new permanent residence pathway for former Afghan language and cultural advisors
The Government of Canada is devoted to providing a safe haven for up to 40,000 vulnerable Afghans by the end of 2023. On March 9, 2023, the Government of Canada announced an opportunity for Afghan extended family members of former language and cultural advisors who had aided Canada in Afghanistan. Eligible Afghan nationals can apply for permanent residency under this temporary public policy. To be eligible for the application process, individuals must have worked with National Defence in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021 and currently reside in Canada. Moreover, all who apply must also fulfill security, criminality, and medical clearance requirements.
The Canadian Government continues to provide safe havens for many deserving individuals and is proud of its commitment to protecting and supporting those who have helped make a positive change in Afghanistan. This new permanent residence pathway allows Canada to show appreciation for their assistance and prioritize their safety.
Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers provide comprehensive legal advice and representation for those seeking residency or citizenship in Canada. Our immigration lawyers specialize in all aspects of the Canadian immigration process, including temporary and permanent residence applications, family sponsorship cases, appeals and more. We provide clients with personalized services tailored to their unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your immigration goals.
