Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers introduce their weekly news review for the week of December 12. This comprehensive review provides a detailed overview of recent immigration-related news and developments in Canada. Follow us for important updates, trends and changes in the Canadian immigration landscape.
IRCC is dealing with serious glitches in the Express Entry system
After the National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 was implemented by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), some Express Entry applicants became exasperated due to technical issues that arose. As a result, after the November 23 draw, several candidates complained about not being selected despite possessing a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score higher than the cut-off. Extraordinarily, some users have reported receiving CRS points they were not supposed to be granted, while others were deprived of their deservedly earned points. Moreover, a candidate was pronounced eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) without having relevant Canadian work experience.
Numerous specialists concur that since NOC 2021 took effect, glitches in the Express Entry system have worsened significantly. IRCC has also declared that the Express Entry system is temporarily disrupted after the introduction of the NOC 2021. Sadly, this technical issue also affected Provincial Nominee Program applicants. IRCC is actively exploring these issues, aiming to identify a viable solution soon. Though the department has yet to provide an estimated timeline or specify the root of this problem, they have urged candidates to keep watch for updates as more information becomes available.
Canada to double the number of parents and grandparents in 2022
Canada is taking incredible steps to bring families together, with a projected 28,667 permanent residents welcomed into the country through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) by 2022 – more than double what it was last year. With their progress towards reuniting loved ones remaining steadfast, Canada continues to demonstrate its commitment to unification in an inspiring way. From January to September 2022, an outstanding 21,500 family members have been reunited with their families through the PGP – a remarkable 144.2% surge from 11,740 last year. This year alone, 16,927 more parents and grandparents were able to join their families here in Canada. This is nothing short of extraordinary news for all hoping for reunions with relatives overseas.
Since its introduction, the PGP has become an increasingly popular choice for non-Canadians desiring to reunite with relatives living in Canada. As a result, 15,490 permanent residents were reunited with their children or grandchildren in 2015 compared to a remarkable 22,010 four years later – an astonishing 30% growth. Through the PGP Program, sponsors can reunite with their blood relatives or adopted parents and grandparents in Canada. Furthermore, if any of these individuals have gone through a divorce or separation, their spouses or common-law partners may be eligible for this program as well. Moreover, half-brothers and sisters considered dependent children can also come to Canada under this program. If you are also looking to reunite with your family in Canada, contact Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers today! Our experienced professionals are here to help.
OINP invited candidates under Ontario’s French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
On December 13, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) invited 160 Francophone candidates under Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) stream. In this draw, candidates had at least a 341 CRS score and were working in one of the 35 specific NOCs. This year, the province invited 1,539 Francophone candidates under the FSSW stream. In total, the OINP issued invitations to 20,185 candidates under all immigration programs.
The FSSW stream is a fantastic opportunity to welcome French speakers who wish to live in Ontario. There are already over 500,000 Franco-Ontarians living here. This immigration stream offers an additional 600 CRS points plus an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for those with both English and French language proficiency, which gives immigrants a chance to make their dreams come true by experiencing life in Canada! If you also wish to be part of this incredible journey, Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers is here to help. We provide comprehensive services for all aspects of Canadian immigration and ensure that our clients know all the important options available.
Canada is becoming an increasingly popular destination among Chinese citizens
As China suffered through the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown regulations, searches for “conditions to immigrate to Canada” skyrocketed a staggering 28-fold on the country’s leading internet search engine. On April 3, WeChat reported an astronomical surge of Chinese nationals searching for “immigration,” with 50 million inquiries made in one single day. Additionally, video views surged 14 times due to public protests against China’s zero-COVID policies driving many citizens out of their homeland and into Canada or other Western countries.
The Canadian government’s experience with the coronavirus and open immigration policies have made it an attractive destination for Chinese nationals. Canada committed to strict safety measures and effective public health initiatives, reducing cases rapidly. This year, Canada has already welcomed 26,495 Chinese citizens into the country. Nearly 17,000 of these candidates were economic immigrants, while the remaining 9,500 were sponsored family members or refugees.
British Columbia invited skilled candidates and entrepreneurs
On December 13, British Columbia held new draws under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) and invited qualified Skills Immigration candidates and entrepreneurs. In the general draw, BC invited 217 early childhood educators (NOC 42202), healthcare workers, and those working in other priority occupations (NOCs 31103, 32104). The province also invited up to ten business candidates under the Base Category of the Entrepreneur Stream and the Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional Pilot category. In total, British Columbia invited 8,845 candidates in 2022.
The BCPNP offers foreign nationals an opportunity to gain permanent residency in BC by strategically targeting skilled workers, employees in labour-short fields, entrepreneurs and investors who can positively benefit the province. This Provincial Nominee Program is designed to attract immigrants with a range of backgrounds and capabilities that will bring success and prosperity to BC. Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers help applicants navigate the complex process of obtaining a BCPNP nomination. Our experienced team of immigration lawyers will assist you with all aspects of your application, including gathering documents, completing forms and submitting your application in a timely manner.
Canada to welcome more skilled refugees
IRCC announced an investment that will expand Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) in a major move to foster economic mobility for skilled refugees. This initiative will connect employers and local communities across the country to extend the pilot’s reach. Ultimately, this new measure will lead to more than 2,000 competent refugees being welcomed into Canadian workplaces over the next few years. In addition, Canada has committed $6.2 million to 6 projects of EMPP partner organizations to enhance their abilities within essential areas such as recruiting suitable international candidates and helping prospects and employers during interviews, the recruitment process and immigration processes. Since October 2022, over one hundred skilled refugees and their families have been invited to work in Canada.
On December 16, 2022, IRCC announced a revolutionary new tool that would expedite the processing of privately sponsored refugee applications. This advanced system is designed to efficiently evaluate incoming requests using rules constructed with experienced IRCC officers to avoid potential bias or discrimination. Every application for refugee status is carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis by an IRCC officer, who alone has the power to accept or deny an application. Automated decision-making systems can only process data, not make any refusal recommendation.
Saskatchewan invites new candidates and increases business immigration
On December 15, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) conducted new rounds of invitations and invited 635 candidates under the Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand categories. Two of these candidates were Ukrainian nationals invited under the special pathway for Ukrainians. This draw had the most different candidates as the province invited applicants under 119 different NOCs. The SINP is an incredible opportunity for non-Canadians to begin their new life in the province. Through this program, successful applicants are nominated by the provincial government to apply for permanent residency through IRCC. This year, 10,435 qualified candidates were nominated by the provincial government. If you also find yourself eligible for the SINP and want to ensure that your application is strong and successful, then it is time to contact Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers. We can help you maximize your chances of success with this program and ensure that your application is reviewed with full attention.
At a Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce gathering, Premier Scott Moe implored the business community to assist him in persuading Ottawa to increase immigration into the province. He underlined his government’s desire to construct an independent relationship with federal authorities by granting them more control over their immigration goals. The Premier is encouraging businesspeople to petition the federal government for a Canada-Saskatchewan immigration accord – comparable to what Quebec already has. If successful, this agreement could raise Saskatchewan’s yearly aim for permanent residents to up to 13,000 individuals annually. Such an endeavour would be beneficial and advantageous for both parties involved.
Abramovich & Tchern Immigration Lawyers understand that applying for a visa or permanent residency abroad can be difficult and overwhelming. Our experienced legal team specializes in providing quality guidance to ensure that your immigration process goes smoothly. We are committed to providing personalized, professional advice and assistance throughout the entire process. Contact us today to start your journey toward a successful visa or immigration application.
