Abramovich Immigration Law provides a comprehensive weekly news review, offering in-depth analysis and commentary on crucial immigration policy updates. If you are considering relocating to Canada or require assistance with your current immigration status, we are here to offer personalized, expert support.

Former International Students Led Express Entry Invitations In 2023 

Canadian education proves pivotal for permanent residency aspirants, as nearly half of Express Entry invitees in 2023 were former international students. A remarkable 46.2% of candidates who received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) qualified for additional points due to their Canadian educational experience. This trend underscores the enduring appeal of studying in Canada as a pathway to permanent residence despite potential impacts from the 2024 caps on international student permits. 

The 2023 Express Entry Report reveals that candidates with Canadian education consistently outperform in the selection process. While only 3 in 10 candidates in the Express Entry pool had Canadian education points in 2023, they represented 5 in 10 successful invitees. This disparity suggests that former international students tend to achieve higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, likely due to their Canadian work experience and language proficiency. As Canada continues to value international talent, pursuing education in the country remains a strategic step toward achieving permanent residency goals.

Canadian Provinces Collaborate To Mitigate Skilled Trades Deficit 

Canada’s economy stands at a critical crossroads, grappling with a severe shortage of skilled trades workers that threatens to undermine its growth and development. Despite meeting immigration targets, the deficit in skilled trades has reached alarming proportions, with the construction industry alone shedding 45,000 jobs in July 2023. The manufacturing sector’s skills shortage has dealt a staggering $13 billion blow to the economy in 2022. This crisis permeates multiple sectors, impacting everything from housing development to crucial infrastructure projects. With a projected retirement of 700,000 tradespeople by 2028, the need for immediate and decisive action has never been more pressing. 

Canadian provinces are collaborating to address the skilled trades shortage. They aim to harmonize training standards and integrate international tradespeople. Ontario and Nova Scotia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance interprovincial mobility, including post-journeyman certification. This partnership streamlines the system and creates new opportunities. Ontario is forming similar agreements with other provinces, like Alberta, to build a flexible skilled trades workforce nationwide. This approach addresses mobility issues and meets the growing demand for tradespeople across sectors, uniting efforts to secure Canada’s economic future.

Unprecedented Surge In Indian Asylum Seekers To Canada Raises Concerns 

Canada is experiencing a dramatic increase in asylum claims from Indian nationals, with a staggering 500% surge in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. This unprecedented rise has set new records, with 6,000 claims filed at Canadian airports between April and June alone. The sharp increase has sparked discussions about the underlying causes and potential implications for both nations and concerns about Canada’s ability to manage the influx. 

While India leads in the surge, other countries have also significantly increased asylum claims. Bangladesh and Nigeria have experienced rises of over 1,200% and 700% respectively. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has denied reports of increased scrutiny leading to these numbers, despite claims from recent visitors. As Canada grapples with this sudden influx, it faces both challenges and opportunities. The situation tests the country’s resources and integration capabilities while potentially reinforcing its reputation as a humanitarian leader.

The CBSA Introduces A Facial Recognition App For Immigration Monitoring 

The CBSA is set to launch a controversial facial recognition app this fall aimed at tracking individuals facing deportation. Dubbed “ReportIn,” the app will utilize biometric technology to confirm users’ identities and record their locations during mandatory check-ins. This move comes as part of the CBSA’s efforts to address the approximately 2,000 annual cases where individuals ordered to leave the country fail to comply, resulting in significant resource expenditure for the agency. 

While the CBSA promotes the app as an efficient monitoring solution, experts raise concerns. Since there is a power imbalance between the agency and deportees, privacy advocates question user consent. The use of Amazon’s untested facial recognition technology has drawn scrutiny. Critics argue that proprietary algorithms could deny individuals an understanding of how decisions about them are made, raising questions about transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement.

Immigration Boom Challenges Canada’s Productivity Growth 

In a recent DeepDive analysis, experts have highlighted the complex relationship between Canada’s surging immigration rates and its declining productivity. As the country experiences unprecedented population growth, primarily driven by immigration, economists are raising concerns about its impact on the nation’s economic performance. Canada’s population swelled by 3.2% in 2023, reaching 40.8 million, with 98% of this growth attributed to immigration. This rate far outpaces that of other G7 nations and rivals of some West African countries. 

However, this population boom coincides with a troubling trend in productivity. Canada’s productivity levels have fallen since mid-2022, contrasting sharply with the robust growth in the United States. The analysis suggests that the rapid influx of immigrants, particularly non-permanent residents (NPRs), may contribute to this decline. As the workforce expands faster than the capital stock can adjust, the capital-labour ratio decreases, potentially leading to lower output per worker. While business owners may benefit from cheaper and more abundant labour, the overall impact on Canadian workers’ wages and living standards could be significant, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of current immigration policies.

Canada Sees Decline In Spousal Sponsorship Immigration Numbers 

Recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals a downturn in Canada’s spousal sponsorship program. June 2024 witnessed a 7.1% decrease in new permanent residents under this program compared to May, with numbers dropping from 6,095 to 5,665. The first half of 2024 saw a significant 21.1% reduction in spousal immigration compared to the same period in 2023. If this trend continues, Canada could potentially welcome about 69,140 new permanent residents through this program by year-end, marking an 8.1% decrease from the previous year’s 75,270 figure. 

Ontario continues to lead in spousal sponsorship arrivals, welcoming 17,570 new permanent residents in the first six months of 2024. Other provinces and territories also saw varying numbers of arrivals, with British Columbia and Alberta following Ontario in popularity. Interestingly, Newfoundland and Labrador experienced the highest percentage increase in monthly sponsorships in June, while New Brunswick saw the most significant percentage drop. The program generally does not require sponsors to meet income requirements, except when sponsoring a spouse or partner with dependent children who have their own children.

Concerns Rise As Valid Visa Holders Are Pressured To Seek Asylum At Canadian Airports 

In a troubling development, visitors to Canada with valid visas are reportedly being pressured to seek asylum upon arrival or face deportation. Immigration lawyers and consultants have raised alarms after receiving complaints from travellers who claim they were denied entry at Toronto and Montreal airports and unexpectedly offered the option to claim refugee status. This comes amidst a dramatic surge in refugee claims, with numbers skyrocketing from 24,127 in 2021 to 137,947 in 2023 and already reaching 92,135 in the first half of 2024. 

The rise in airport asylum applications appears to be correlated with the expansion of a bilateral agreement between Canada and the United States, which restricts irregular migrants from seeking asylum at land borders. As a result, there has been a significant increase in refugee claimants arriving at Canadian airports, with numbers rising from 17,165 in 2022 to 41,355 in 2023 and 27,840 claims recorded between January and June 2024. Although the CBSA claims it does not instruct travellers to make refugee claims, reports suggest that some valid visa holders were encouraged to claim asylum without proper inquiry into their travel purposes. These occurrences have prompted concerns regarding the treatment of legitimate visitors and the overall integrity of Canada’s immigration procedures.

Abramovich Immigration Law stands as a beacon of hope for individuals worldwide seeking to immigrate to Canada. We provide expert guidance through various immigration pathways, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and family sponsorship. With a track record of helping countless individuals realize their dreams of a new life in Canada, Abramovich Immigration Law continues to be a trusted partner in turning immigration aspirations into reality. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards your Canadian immigration journey.