Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers present a weekly news review covering the first week of October. This issue updates the latest immigration policies, news, and trends, helping you stay informed and navigate the Canadian immigration system effectively.
Canadian Immigrants Feel A Greater Sense Of Belonging In Ontario And Atlantic Canada
A sense of connection to a country, especially for immigrants, is often used to assess social integration and national identification in Canada. The 2020 GSS conducted by Statistics Canada shows that immigrants have a strong sense of belonging. According to the survey, the highest likelihood of a strong sense of belonging was seen among immigrants in Ontario and the Atlantic provinces (63%), followed by immigrants in Quebec and Manitoba (59%), immigrants in Alberta (56%), immigrants in Saskatchewan (54%), and immigrants in British Columbia (53%).
A strong sense of belonging to Canada is a crucial measure of social integration and is deeply intertwined with overall well-being. It signifies a profound connection to one’s national identity and the feeling of being accepted, embraced, and at ease in Canadian society. Immigrants, upon relocating to Canada, gradually cultivate and nurture their sense of belonging by drawing from their diverse range of experiences, particularly their perception of the level of acceptance, inclusivity, and the abundance of opportunities for personal and professional growth in their newfound home country.
The Government Of Canada To Take Action Against Immigration Employment Fraud
The Federal Government plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of temporary foreign workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) by implementing measures to prevent employers from imposing fees on them. Despite these efforts, there are still instances where workers are being exploited and forced to pay exorbitant amounts to secure employment opportunities in Canada. It is common for immigrants to make payments to Canadian employers to initiate the process of obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a prerequisite for getting a work permit.
Unfortunately, there have been fraudulent activities related to LMIA, but the Government has taken proactive measures to protect workers from falling victim to such scams. Furthermore, some foreign workers willingly pay to remain in Canada and secure semi-skilled LMIA jobs to settle in the country. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the TFWP has also provided opportunities for unscrupulous employers and immigration consultants to engage in profiteering. In response, the Federal Government made regulatory changes last year to ensure that temporary foreign workers are not subjected to recruitment fees.
Impact Of Canada-India Diplomatic Crisis On Indian Students
Canadian education institutions are bracing for a potential decline in the number of Indian students enrolling in their programs. This anticipation stems from the escalating political tensions between Canada and India. The root cause of these tensions can be traced back to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s controversial claim that Indian Government operatives were responsible for the assassination of a Sikh activist on Canadian soil. Consequently, the diplomatic ties between the two nations have become strained, leading to the implementation of various measures such as the expulsion of diplomats, the suspension of visa processing, and the postponement of trade negotiations.
The impact of these developments has already been felt across multiple sectors, including tourism, business, and student mobility. In response, certain educational agents have taken the initiative to redirect Indian students towards alternative study destinations such as the United States or the United Kingdom. Despite these concerns, Canadian universities remain optimistic that the processing of study permit applications will remain unaffected. However, there is a looming possibility of declining demand for Canada as a preferred destination among Indian students.
The BCPNP Continues Inviting New Candidates Through The Skills Immigration Category
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) actively invites new candidates through the Skills Immigration category, allowing skilled workers to immigrate to British Columbia and contribute to its growing economy. On October 4, 2023, the province invited around 190 skilled workers, including early childhood educators, healthcare professionals, veterinarians, and veterinary technicians. The minimum score for the invited candidates fluctuated between 60 and 113. So far, British Columbia has invited 8,043 skilled immigrants and business candidates under the BCPNP in 2023.
The BCPNP is an immigration program allowing British Columbia to select and nominate foreign workers and entrepreneurs with the skills and experience needed for the province’s economy. Successful nominees receive a provincial nomination certificate, which they use to apply for permanent residence in Canada. It is an essential pathway for individuals who wish to live and work in British Columbia. If you are considering applying for the BCPNP, seeking the assistance of Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers can significantly simplify the process and enhance your chances of a successful nomination. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
McGill And Concordia Universities Will Continue To Appeal To Accepted English-Speaking International Students
Quebec’s immigration minister is confident that the recent changes, which now require international students to have a higher level of French proficiency, will not negatively impact prestigious universities like McGill and Concordia. The previous ease with which international students could come to Quebec through the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) by combining their education and career goals has been altered since 2019. This change in eligibility sparked criticism, leading to a reversal of the decision.
However, despite the new rules, both McGill University and Concordia University remain optimistic about their ability to attract international students. They emphasize their appeal as academic institutions and their commitment to providing a quality education. It is important to note that the modifications in the PEQ program, which has been highly popular among international students, now require applicants to demonstrate a higher level of proficiency in the French language. This adjustment ensures that students are better prepared to succeed in a French-speaking environment and fully engage in their academic pursuits.
Canada Accepts More And More Asylum Claimants
In March 2023, the Canadian Government temporarily closed Roxham Road, a commonly used pathway for asylum seekers entering Canada. Despite this closure, the number of processed asylum applications in Canada has exceeded 80,000 this year. This significant number can be attributed to various factors, such as the implementation of expedited visa processing and the simplified process for asylum claims at airports located in Montreal and Toronto. Furthermore, immigration offices in Ontario and Quebec also handle inland claims from individuals who have entered Canada through legal or illegal means.
One of the reasons why asylum seekers choose Canada as their destination is because of the country’s reputation for providing generous treatment and benefits. However, it is interesting to note that the top countries of origin for migrants seeking protection in Canada are Mexico and India, despite these countries not currently experiencing political upheaval or armed conflict. This indicates that individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances recognize Canada as a safe country for seeking refuge.
What Does The Express Entry Year-End Report 2022 Tell Us?
In September 2023, the Canadian Government released the Express Entry Year-End Report for 2022. This report provides an overview of the Express Entry system, the main pathway for skilled immigrants coming to Canada. The Federal Government of Canada utilizes the Express Entry system to invite foreign skilled workers to apply for permanent residence in Canada. In 2022, a total of 428,391 Express Entry profiles were submitted, slightly down by 3% from 2021 but up by 19% from 2020. At least 74% of the profiles were eligible for at least one immigration program, with 56% submitted by men and 44% by women.
Most profile submissions had Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores between 301 and 500, and additional CRS points were given for education in Canada, French language proficiency, or having family members in Canada. In 2022, 46,539 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued through Express Entry, a 59% decrease from 2021. Most ITAs were issued to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) programs.
Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers specialize in helping individuals immigrate to Canada, providing comprehensive assistance and guidance to clients throughout the entire immigration journey. Whether you are seeking to study, work, reunite with family, or establish permanent residency in Canada, our lawyers will navigate the complex immigration system on your behalf. From preparing and submitting applications to representing clients in immigration interviews and appeals, Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers are dedicated to achieving successful client outcomes.
