In the second half of January, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continued to issue invitations to applicants. Despite the challenges related to COVID-19 and other issues, Canada keeps relying on immigrants.
Immigrate to Canada through Express Entry
Express Entry is the best pathway to permanent residence both for skilled workers in Canada and those currently residing overseas. On January 19, 2022, IRCC issued 1,036 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), increasing the number of invited candidates to 1,428. If you want to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, you can contact our immigration consultants.
The government is currently focused to eliminate the backlog with the applications in the two most popular Express Entry programs such as Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class and temporarily paused draws in those programs. Yet, if you already submitted your application and your waiting time is longer than usual, we might help you to escalate the processing.
Provincial Nominee Programs as the fastest way of immigration
Ontario is the most immigrant-attracting province in Canada. So far, the province invited 2,618 candidates under all streams of the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP), including the January 27 draw of the Skilled Trades Stream. The province invited 1,032 skilled candidates under this stream. If you plan to live in Ontario, immigration through the OINP streams may be the best suit for you.
British Columbia provides different Streams for individuals with different backgrounds. On January 18, 2022, BC invited 91 candidates under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Tech Program, and on January 25, 2022, the provinceissued 289 invitations under the Skills Immigration and Express Entry British Columbia categories of the BCPNP. In January, Canada’s westernmost province, located in the Pacific coastline and mountain ranges, invited 714 candidates to live and work in the province and many of those invited work in the High Tech Sector.
Another province ideal for skilled immigrants is Alberta with labour shortages waiting to get filled. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) accepts skilled individuals under the Alberta Opportunity Stream and the Express Entry system. On January 5, 2022, the province invited 250 skilled immigrants through the Alberta Express Entry Stream.
Manitoba regularly invites both in-Canada and overseas candidates and businessmen under four immigration streams. On January 27, the province invited 315 candidates under three streams of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). This year, Manitoba has already invited 758 candidates.
Prince Edward Island also offers an accelerated immigration process and invites candidates every month. On January 20, the province conducted this year’s first invitation round in the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) and issued 121 invitations to apply to skilled workers and entrepreneurs.
Canada eases legislation for temporary residents
IRCC is going to use advanced data analytics to sort and process temporary resident visa applications submitted from overseas. The new advanced system will help improve client service and application processing. In addition, Canada also updated the Entry/Exit program with the United States, which will allow the Government to obtain accurate and objective entry and exit information and evaluate the applications of visitors, and permanent and temporary residents.
On January 21, the Canadian Government introduced new instructions for students from visa-exempt countries applying from overseas to study in Canada. The instructions clarify that prospective students who possess a valid visa or electronic travel authorization can change their designated learning institutions by submitting a new letter of acceptance prior to applying for a study permit or while the application is still in progress. If you plan to make changes in your application and need assistance do not hesitate to contact us.
The Government also updated the Canadian Refugee Protection Portal (CRPP), which was launched on October 6, 2021. As of now, individuals who are currently in Canada or their legal representatives can make a refugee claim using the CRPP. If you are in Canada and want to make a refugee claim, our experts on immigration and refugee law can help you to go through the process as smoothly as possible.
Top immigration news in Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador will offer more settlement services to newcomers and provide better support. The province called for proposals to improve the labour market in the province. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador also invited employers to become designated for the new Atlantic Immigration Program regardless of prior use and familiarity with the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program. Employers who need assistance to get Labour Market Impact Assessments can work with our experienced consultants to get the best results.
Out-of-status construction workers and their family members residing in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) can obtain permanent resident status under the temporary public policy which has been extended until January 2, 2023. IRCC removed the eligibility requirements regarding language, previous work authorization, and tax filling to help construction workers acquire legal status in the country. Having an illegal status in Canada, immigrants can face unpredictable results. Thus, there is no reason to wait when the government has eased the requirements for permanent residency. Contact us to receive support from our colleagues.
IRCC continues to held new draws in the pools of International Experience Canada (IEC). Only in January 2022, Canada issued 14,796 ITAs under the IEC Program. If you want to work in Canada and gain Canadian experience through the IEC, please, schedule an appointment with one of our consultants.
As Abramovich and Tchern Immigration Lawyers, we provide services such as corporate and individual immigration, assistance with study and work permits, provincial nomination and Express Entry applications, and many other services. Contact us for quality assistance in any stage of the application process.
