Category: Immigration

  • Canada immigrants – solid support for the country on the path to economic recovery

    Canada immigrants – solid support for the country on the path to economic recovery

    An immigrant owns almost one in every three businesses in Canada, shares federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marco Mendicino. They create jobs for sizable Canadians, making them self-reliant and adding to the country’s economy. The prevalent pandemic situation has created the need to rethink ways to attract immigrants so that economic recovery Canada roadmap can be chalked out with added conviction.

    Recently, the country has devised an immigration plan aimed to bring about 1.2 million permanent residents to the country by 2024. This plan is believed to be an effective driver of the country’s economic growth.

    However, accomplishing this plan is not going to be a cakewalk. The officials face the challenge of verifying the authenticity of foreign nationals’ credentials to begin with. Further, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the immigrants is a burning issue to address for Canada that is going the hardships like:

    • a. Rising cost of houses: The country needs to prepare to provide affordable housing solutions to the newcomers that may need living at a budget in the initial days. Who to cater on priority, retiring Canadians or working immigrants – is not an easy question to answer.
    • b. Costly devices: The surge in price of communications devices and internet connectivity solutions may prove another barrier. People looking for information to procure resources, establish businesses, and reaching people, find it challenging to meet their objectives due to the rising cost of communication.

    Impact over economy

    Canada’s immigration plan is expected to infuse new energy into the country’s economy. The sectors like real estate, education, transport that form the backbone of any country’s economy will be the prime focus of improvement in Canada too.

    Canada has always been a preferred destination for education. All Canadian universities are reeling under the impact of Covid-19. They also look up to the Government and its immigration policies to encourage people to study in Canada.

    Another factor to consider will be the gap in education and job availability. The concerning stereotype of highly educated foreign nationals working as cab drivers for survival needs immediate addressing. The authorities are serious about revaluation of foreign accreditations and contemplating the points like giving the educated people the well-deserved Canada jobs.Immigrants do bring along healthy competition, and to keep it healthy, ample job opportunities should be rolled out. Authorities claim that there is no dearth of opportunities, it is just that perspective needs to be molded to make it more accommodating towards immigrants.

    Canada Travel Restrictions

    In the wake of the COVID pandemic, travel to Canada is restricted as of now. From this month onwards, the people eligible to enter Canada need to furnish their details in ArriveCan app and show the app receipt. Also, they must share their quarantine plan unless they are exempted from the same.

    To conclude,

    For the country to be back in action, Canadian immigrants’ contribution is not ignorable. But, to encourage easy implementation of a new immigration plan, the authorities need to develop solutions for all possible problems that have been existent for a long. The new ones popping up due to changed conditions need a proper address plan too. Keep watching Canada Immigration News for the latest updates on study, career opportunities, and traveling in Canada.

  • Hong Kong pathway to Canada: Immigration 2021

    Latest Update: Hong Kong Pathway To Canada

    Canada launches Hong Kong pathways that will attract recent graduates and skilled workers with faster permanent residency:

    The Hong Kong pathway is a very positive initiative that will attract young and talented graduates with experience who will help drive Canada’s economy forward. Allowing flexible open work permits and a fast procedure to get residency for Hong Kong citizens will offer them a unique opportunity to develop their careers. This will also help Canada to accelerate their economic recovery with the help of skilled worker immigration.

    One of the main motives of this initiative is to strengthen the ties between Hong Kong and Canada that started more than 150 years ago when the first Hong Kong resident had arrived in Canada. Canada PR with Hong Kong will improve tremendously after initiating this program.

    As per the initiative between the two countries, Hong Kong residents will now be able to apply for new open work permits beginning on February 8th, 2021. These permits will be valid for three years allowing Hong Kong residents to gain valuable employment experience and help Canada grow.

    Hong Kong students looking forward to Canadian immigration for further studies need to attend a prerequisite or preparatory program to prepare them. In the pathway program, the student meets the main program’s language requirements by completing a language course.

    Specific facts fall under the Hong Kong Pathways initiated by Canada that are mentioned below.

    – Eligible spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children can apply for both study and work permits under this program as appropriate.
    – Only Hong Kong residents that hold a proper Hong Kong special administrative region or a British national passport will be eligible for the Hong Kong pathways programs.
    – As per the initiative taken by both the countries under this program, individuals who were previously ineligible will not get another chance with an updated assessment to apply for work or study in Canada.
    – Those Hong Kong residents who have fled to another country and are at risk of persecution are also eligible under the new Canada’s resettlement programs. This includes private sponsorship of refugee programs and government-assisted refugee programs.

    How can Hong Kong residents apply?
    – The Hong Kong residents currently in Canada for a temporary basis that includes visitors, students, and workers can apply online within Canada.
    – Hong Kong residents that are applying from abroad may not be able to come to Canada due to travel restrictions. They can only travel to Canada unless they have a job offer and should comply with all the public health requirements for the best results. These steps are taken due to the COVID restrictions prevailing in the country.
    Eligibility:
    There are specific criteria that will allow Hong Kong residents to apply. Below are the eligibility requirements that will enable Hong Kong residents to apply for Canada’s Hong Kong pathways.
    – The Hong Kong residents have to graduate with a Canadian Post-secondary diploma or a degree in the last five years to apply for the Hong Kong pathway.
    – Hong Kong students may hold an equivalent foreign credential for the same.
    – The post-secondary diploma program opted by the Hong Kong resident should be a minimum of 2 years to qualify for the Hong Kong Pathways launched by Canada.
    Conclusion:
    Both the countries have been looking forward to these types of programs for quite a long time now taking shape. Canada hopes to benefit from this Pathway program, as it will help them gain skilled workers and improve their economy in the end. On the other hand, Hong Kong students, workers, and tourists can now look for better Canada opportunities and settle there with ease.

  • VAC services update: soon to open biometric appointments for other services

    VAC services update: soon to open biometric appointments for other services.

    biometric appointments

    VACs by VFS global for Canada immigration are soon going to offer several services and new health and safety measures have been proposed in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19 virus. Before you apply for the same, here are the things that you need to ensure for work permit or study permit:.

    ● are exempt from the travel restrictions
    ● have complete knowledge about the changes to the application process
    ● Check the VAC’s website and learn about the services that they are offering.

    Passport Submission Webform:

    Soon to be launched coming week a new passport submission webform. Stay tuned to the VAC Web portal.

    Your passport for Canada jobs can only be submitted to a VAC only once you receive the request letter or get an email from the office. It is recommended that you check the VAC’s website before you send your passport.

    You are required to give your biometrics which include your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) once you have applied for the VAC services. For this, you are required to book an appointment first. .

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    Steps To Follow at VAC

    You need to book an appointment to give your biometrics. Here are the steps that you need to follow at the visa application centre:

    ● Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment.
    ● Make sure that you attend the appointment for your visa application only & not someone else’s.
    ● People who are permitted to enter the Visa Application Centre include the applicants, caregivers and as well as children under 18 years.
    ● Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your visa application. You also need to bring a valid passport or travel document which has minimum 2 blank on both sides.
    ● Bring along all the original and their copies for documentation.
    ● In case you didn’t pay for the visa fee online, you can do so once you are at the centre.
    ● Once you are at the centre, you are also required to submit your fingerprints and photograph. This is a part of the biometric information collection and will be collected using a digital finger scanner, and a digital photo will be taken.
    ● The digital photograph needs to be taken of your full face and without any sunglasses, or head covering other than religious or medical reasons. It is mandatory that your face is clearly visible and no hair fall over the eyes.
    ● You are required to ensure that your fingertips do not have forms of decoration – be it mehndi, abrasions, cuts, or other markings as these would create issues during the finger scans.
    ● In case you are applying for a visa on behalf of a child under 5 years of age, you are required to bring them to the appointment centre, but in this particular case, you are not required to provide their fingerprint information.
    ● Children under 18 years old are required to be accompanied by an adult and who is not a member of VFS staff.
    ● In case you miss your appointment on the given date, you are required to book a new appointment only after 24 hours from your previous appointment date.
    ● It is mandatory to get the biometrics information done, otherwise your visa application will remain unprocessed.

    Well, this was all about the procedure that you need to follow at the VAC centre. You need to make sure that you have all the proper documentation and carry out measures as mentioned above.
  • Canada Immigration in 2020 and the Upcoming Year

    Canada Immigration in 2020 and the Upcoming Year

    The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the entire immigration system in Canada as restrictions were imposed by the government during March 2020. The federal government in Canada reacted by limiting international travels as well as closing the Canada-US border. COVID-19 policies had also significantly limited the overall ability of Canada to welcome new PR or permanent residents, study permit holders, and work permit holders.

     

    Future of Canada Immigration

    According to the latest Canadian Immigration Levels Plan, Canada might welcome over a million new permanent residents between the years 2020-2022, which will ensure a new high in the Canadian Immigration Levels. This pioneering target was revealed on March 12 by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) via the Canada Immigration Levels Plan for 2020-2022. According to the latest plan, Canada, over the three years, is targeting admitting approximately 1,053,000 new permanent residents.

    But if the Liberal government manages to hit the upper range of its targets, then Canada might even admit as much as 1,140,000 new permanent members. The actual target for the three consecutive years can be enlisted as for 2020, the target is 341,000, 2021, the set target is 351,000, and for 2022, the set target is 361,000, respectively. .

    Approximately around 58% of the set lot, accounting for the majority, is supposed for admission in the form of economic migrants comprising various programs at both the federal as well as provincial levels. The permanent immigrants will be admitted will be belonging to the most famous of the same, which are the federal-based economic programs.

    These are managed as per the supervision of the system of the Express Entry, referred to as the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Class, and finally, the Federal Skilled Trades Class. However, the admissions taken under the Express Entry system fail to pile up a majority of the economic admissions to Canada. The ones who would instead take up the Express Entry system in this regard and be responsible for more permanent residence admissions.

    Only those in Canada will be the Provincial Nominee ProgramsQuebec Experience ProgramsQuebec Skilled Worker, and even the latest initiatives like the Atlantic Immigration Pilot and Rural and Northern Pilot.

    People aspiring to settle down in Canada need to buck up and stay updated on PNP’s and other regional programs as there are regions and provinces which take up an even more significant role in figuring out local labor market challenges.

    Canada’s various provinces have always welcomed new immigrants willing to make a living in Canada and move in as permanent members. They keep on welcoming an ever-growing range of PNP streams, some of which are even associated with the Express Entry and others that lie outside that federal system. To be updated on job opportunities, visit the website of job bank Canada.

    Though the figures provided by the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2020-2022 does not include the figures accounting for as much as hundreds and thousands of the temporary workers and people who come to study in Canada, it does welcome another lot of around 273,000 immigrants.

    These 273,000 immigrants are the spouses, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and common-law partners of the permanent members who are welcome under the Family Class Programs over the three years. In the end, as Canada is a country known to uphold a haven for the needy, it will welcome or settle, to be precise, around 154,600 refugees and another 14,500 people due to humanitarian and other reasons.

  • Canada’s Health-Care Sector: Immigration Pathway

    Canada’s Health-Care Sector: Immigration Pathway

    Canada’s Health-Care Sector or specifically the nursing services industry in Canada primarily combines the range of home services such as personal care, companion, physical therapy, dietary & nutritional, medications, speech therapy, and so on. Most of such services are provided by agencies that are publicly managed; however, only the ones that are privately held as Home Support Worker Pilot are counted in this industry.

    How Canada is tackling COVID19?

    Canada has taken proper measures to tackle this pandemic, which can be seen in the low death rates as compared to the US. The healthcare system in Canada is universal and is based on fixed funding, and so the number of beds used does not matter. This allows the public health authorities to take full control of the hospital systems and coordinate in a way that all the people are benefited.

    Process of applying for permanent residence for foreign nationals and refugees through immigration

    In order to apply for permanent residence and work permit, you need to fill an application provided by the government of Canada. Refuges or foreign nationals get permanent resident in case they:

    ● They have worked for the minimum hours mentioned in the applications in the health care sector in Canada during the pandemic
    ● They have directly given patient care as a part of their job
    ● They meet all the eligibility criteria as specified in the application

    Study program in the home-care sector in Canada

    When it comes to study programs in this Home Child Care Provider Pilot sector, a lot of Canadian universities provide excellent courses in the home care & residential care sector. These programs help the students learn the necessary skills and duties of a care-giver and the ways in which they can maintain professionalism in this particular field. They are also given special training if they are handling terminally ill patients so that they can easily handle the emergency situations. Overall, students learn ways in which they can tackle difficult situations with the patients, which helps them throughout their career path.

    When it comes to job opportunities, students will find a lot of areas where they can serve as a home-care provider. If you are done with your  Study in Canada and looking for Canada jobs, do look out for opportunities at the job bank, quicken the process, and help you make the right offer in hand. Also, make sure that you rigorously start your job search in order to get the job faster.

    The Canadian healthcare system largely depends on immigrants for their services. Before the crisis, it was predicated by the Canadian Nurses Association that there is going to be a shortage of 60,000 nurses by the year 2022. And during this global pandemic, the numbers have risen up to a significant bit.

    Immigration is a crucial part of Canada’s strategy, and in order to fill the roles of healthcare workers, it is important to hire foreign nationals for extra support and to save the lives of the people.

  • Monthly Canada Immigration News Roundup

    Monthly Canada Immigration News Roundup

    Here are the latest updates and news from Canada Immigration.

    Nova Scotia records high population growth based on Record Immigration Numbers

    The Atlantic province of Nova Scotia is experiencing its all-time high population growth on the back of its immigration policies. According to the statistics Canada numbers, Nova Scotia’s population grew by 1.28% over a 12-month period. This is the fastest for the province since 1972. The total population of nova scotia grew by 12339 residents between October 2018 and October 2019. 

    Details of 2020 Parents and Grandparents Program coming soon

    With family reunification being the top priority of the government of Canada, program details for the 2020 parents and Grandparents Program will be coming soon. PGP has been a very sought after program allowing parents and grandparents of Canadian permanent residents to immigrate to Canada. 

    According to the Government of Canada website, details of the program will be released soon on its website and social media channels. 

    Latest Express Entry Minimum CRS Scores Decreases in December

    In a draw held in December 2019, the minimum CRS scores for express entry candidates have reduced. The newest score of 469 is a drop of 3 points to its earlier scores. So far in 2019, Canada has issued 85300 invitations to Express Entry candidates to apply for permanent residency. A candidate does not require a job offer in order to be invited by the Government of Canada. 

    Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia Issues Invitations under Provincial Nominee Programs

    The provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nova Scotia have all issued invitations to candidates under provincial nominee programs. 

    Saskatchewan issued 595 invitations to candidates under express entry and occupations in demand. The minimum score was 69 which is calculated on a 100 point grid. 

    Nova Scotia issued 144 invitations for express entry for candidates working in advertising, media, marketing, and public relations. Selected candidates need to provide letters of reference from employers to demonstrate that they have verified experience of 2 or more years in the field. 

    The prairie province of Manitoba also issued invitations under its Manitoba provincial nominee program to 183 candidates. The candidates were invited from Manitoba skilled workers, overseas skilled workers, and international education stream. 

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  • Notice: Necessary Information for the Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023

    Notice: Necessary Information for the Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023

    When everything seems to get shattered for a long time during the pandemic, Canada didn’t lose its hope. It aims to welcome around 401,000 immigrants in 2021, another 411,000 immigrants in 2022, and 421,000 immigrants in 2023 with new Immigration Levels Plan. 

    By declaring these figures, Canada intends to target the highest possible level of immigration in its history. By inviting a significant number of new permanent residents, Canada clears its path to become one of the world’s most welcoming countries.

    Before this announcement, Canada welcomed approximately 400,000 immigrants in 1913 and admitted 401,000 newcomers throughout the year. After 1913, Canada never touched this figure.

    The purpose of the Canada Multiyear Immigration Level Program (2021-2023) is to heartily welcome approx. 60% of all the immigrants who come under economic class. This is a rural immigration plan which includes Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program. This program focuses on economic class immigration in Canada.

    This Canada Immigration Plan for immigrants is essential and is followed sincerely because of the Canadian Government’s announcements each year. This annual Immigration plan Canada aims at welcoming an increasing number of new permanent residents. This whole plan also outlines all the categories Canada intends to admit the immigrants under.

    With this immigration plan, Canada is willing to welcome immigrants in the following categories:

     

    • Family
    • Economic
    • Refugee
    • Humanitarian Grounds
    • Compassionate Grounds

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    In this year, 2020, on March 12, the Canadian Government declared to welcome more than one million immigrants or new permanent residents counting between 2020 to 2022. After a few days, Canada had to lockdown due to the rapidly rising pandemic, COVID-19.

    That is the reason Canada would fall short of approx. 341,000 immigrants’ target this year. To cope with the situation, Canada has been introducing Express Entry Draws during the pandemic so that Canada may break its own Express Entry Record in 2020 itself.
    Additionally, to focus on PNP immigration to Canada, Provincial Nominee Program draws are ongoing as well.

    To invite overseas talent from all the nooks and corners of the world, Canada has developed this business plan in foreign worker immigration plan. Canada has introduced an efficient Immigration Levels Plan for compensating for the fall of immigration in 2020.

    Why is Canada Willing to Maintain High Immigration Levels?

    Canada is willingly maintaining high immigration levels to offset negative fiscal & economic impacts caused by its low birth rate and aging population. Canada, holding the oldest populations throughout the world, comprises approx. 18% of the population aging near 65 & above. Also, it showcases only 1.47 births per woman, which is a lower rate than other parts of the world.

    That’s why, to overpower the challenges it’s facing in terms of economy, Canada’s Government is coming up with futuristic approaches. One of the apt ways to control these challenges is to welcome more immigrants to empower the economy and support the labor force.

    Immigration in Canada During COVID-19 Pandemic

    Due to the disruption of coronavirus, the admission targets grew in Canada, but the total number of new permanents coming up to the country decreased significantly. There were 64% in aggregate less new permanent residents admitted in August 2020 than in August 2019.

  • Post-pandemic changes in Canadian Immigration system – Myths and Reality

    Post-pandemic changes in Canadian Immigration system – Myths and Reality

    The corona pandemic will continue to create uncertainty in the whole world. Like every country with an immigration system IRCC, post-pandemic measures are also there. However, one thing that is certain is that people’s demand to go to Canada will not diminish. Canada’s need for immigrants will not lower down.Despite the economic imbalance of Canada’s economy, Canada still has a lower birth rate and a higher aging population.

     

    Canada’s birth rate is so low that it is not sufficient to maintain the desired size of the population of the country. People’s desire to have fewer children has affected the population’s needs greatly. Thus, the combination of lower birth rates and higher aging population rates will make it more difficult for the Canadian economy. It will make it difficult to maintain social spending when the social costs will rise on par.

     

    Here are some points during the COVID-19 pandemic that people should know about the Canadian immigration system:

    IRCC post-pandemic measures

    Settlement and resettlement services will still be available to those in need. Refugees and immigrants will be provided free information about the quality of life in Canada. They will be provided with language training sessions. They will be helped while looking out for jobs, and to establish connections amongst Canadians and immigrants.
    Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be taking measures to make it a point to ensure the well-being, security, and safety of the people working for the service-providing organizations. IRCC will also follow up on public health and provincial guidelines. Till the time service providers will have clear guidelines about the safe reopening of their offices, they will be focusing on delivering critical services.
    Organizations will be providing essential services to newcomers. They will, moreover, also be providing interpretation services and short-term counseling services as well via telephonic, e-mail, and online services.
    COVID-19 has made it tougher for temporary residents to renew their work or study permit applications. Moreover, since traveling by air has reduced around the world, many temporary immigrants are finding it hard to get air tickets back home. Hence, a new public policy has come into implication. Previously, only a 90-day timeframe was allowed for foreign nationals by the Canadian government. Now it has been renewed to a longer time duration.
    Biometrics collection for temporary residents has been made easier and effective. Due to the ongoing public health concerns going on due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the biometrics information is collected at service Canada centers with a partnership between IRCC and Service Canada. Applicants will, however, be screened to make sure that the security and safety of Canadians are not at risk.
    Applicants who are residing in Canada temporarily will be covered by certain public policies. Some of them are an extension of the study permit, a visitor visa, a temporary resident permit, and some more.
    To facilitate online studies in Canada for international students, they have also new guidelines. Once the students have applied online, the processing of the application forms is processed quickly. Applicants will also be informed as fast as possible about their biometric, police verification, and medical examination requirements.

    If you are planning to travel to and live in Canada as an immigrant, make sure that you are aware of the COVID-19 guidelines in detail.

  • Good News! for expired COPR and PR visa holders

    Good News! for expired COPR and PR visa holders

    Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may allow COPR and PR visa holders or those with expired ones to travel to Canada.

    According to IRCC’s new guidelines, there are few sets of rules for those who wanted to travel to Canada holding COPR and PRV.

    Those with valid COPR and PRV

    Traveling from any country other than the US (group 1)

    If the COPR and PRV were issued on or before March 18, 2020, and are still valid, the applicant

    • is exempt from the travel restrictions
    • can travel to Canada for non-discretionary reasons with the COPR and PRV to settle and live in Canada as a permanent resident and
    • must have an acceptable plan to quarantine for 14 days in Canada

    Applicants must check the issue date in the Application Details section of their COPR to see if this applies to them.

    Traveling from the US (group 2)

    Applicants can travel to Canada from the US for non-discretionary reasons to settle and live in Canada as a permanent resident if

    • their application was approved
    • they received their COPR and PRV and both are still valid and
    • they have an acceptable plan to quarantine for 14 days in Canada

    Expired COPR and PRV

    Traveling from any country other than the US (group 3)

    If the COPR and PRV were issued on or before March 18, 2020, but are now expired, the applicant

    • is exempt from the travel restrictions
    • can travel to Canada for non-discretionary reasons with the COPR and PRV to settle and live in Canada as a permanent resident and
    • must have an acceptable plan to quarantine for 14 days in Canada

    Applicants must check the issue date in the Application Details section of their COPR to see if this applies to them.

    Traveling from the US (group 4)

    Applicants with expired COPRs can travel to Canada from the US for non-discretionary reasons to settle and live in Canada as a permanent resident if

    • their application was approved
    • they received their COPR and PRV and
    • they have an acceptable plan to quarantine for 14 days in Canada

    If you are looking for hassle-free immigration to Canada GreenTech Resources can help you out with that.

    Join our forum with all your immigration queries. Our expert immigration consultants are there to answer you.

    GreenTech Resources is all set to provide students looking forward to studying in Canada with Admission, Job Assistance, and Settlement. For more details visit www.canadastudyvisas.com

    Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/service-delivery/coronavirus/permanent-residence.html

  • Future of Immigration in Canada Amid Covid-19 & The Municipal Nominee Program (MNP)

    The Future of Immigration in Canada Amid COVID-19 & The Municipal Nominee Program (MNP)

    Canada has long been known for its open-door immigration policy and its commitment to welcoming newcomers from around the world. However, the global COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges that affect all sectors of Canadian society, including immigration. Despite these challenges, Canada continues to prioritize immigration as a vital component of its economic recovery. With the introduction of the Municipal Nominee Program (MNP), immigration policies are taking a new direction, potentially reshaping the way immigrants are integrated into Canada, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.

    This article will explore how the future of Canadian immigration is being shaped by the ongoing pandemic, the impact of COVID-19 on immigration policies, and the potential of the Municipal Nominee Program (MNP) in addressing the changing landscape of immigration in Canada.

    Immigration in Canada Amid COVID-19

    The Impact of COVID-19 on Canada’s Immigration Programs

    The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably disrupted global migration patterns, and Canada has not been immune to these effects. Border closures, quarantine regulations, and economic uncertainty have all influenced the movement of people into the country. However, despite the challenges, Canada’s commitment to immigration remains strong.

    Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) department has implemented various measures to manage the flow of immigrants amid the pandemic. While immigration levels dropped significantly in 2020 due to travel restrictions, the country has since made efforts to recover its pre-pandemic immigration targets. Canada aims to welcome over 400,000 immigrants annually as part of its plan to support economic growth and address labor shortages in key sectors.

    Immigration Programs Running Despite COVID-19

    Amid the ongoing health crisis, Canada has continued to run major immigration programs like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws. Provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan have held regular draws throughout the pandemic. Additionally, Quebec, which has its own immigration system, has also continued to issue invitations to skilled workers.

    Express Entry, which is the primary system for managing applications for permanent residence, remains active. PNPs, which allow provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence, have also maintained their operations, signaling Canada’s resolve to continue welcoming newcomers.

    Municipal Nominee Program (MNP)

    Federal-Provincial-Territorial Strategic Plan for Immigration 2020-2023

    On July 24, 2020, Canada’s immigration minister, Marco Mendicino, met with ministers of immigration from various provinces and territories to discuss the future of immigration amid the pandemic. One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the advancement of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Strategic Plan for Immigration 2020-2023. The plan focuses on fostering collaboration between the federal government and provincial/territorial governments to ensure the continuity of immigration programs.

    The plan includes strategies to attract and retain international students, who contribute significantly to Canada’s economy. In 2019 alone, international students added an estimated $22 billion to the economy. However, due to travel restrictions and uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the number of international students coming to Canada has decreased. The Strategic Plan aims to reverse this trend and continue attracting students from abroad.

    Moreover, the Strategic Plan emphasizes regional immigration to ensure that smaller cities and rural areas benefit from the influx of immigrants, rather than allowing major cities like Toronto and Vancouver to be the sole beneficiaries.

    The Introduction of the Municipal Nominee Program (MNP)

    One of the most notable developments in Canada’s immigration policy is the introduction of the Municipal Nominee Program (MNP). This program is currently under discussion as part of the IRCC’s departmental strategy and is expected to reshape immigration in Canada.

    The Municipal Nominee Program (MNP) is designed to distribute the benefits of immigration more evenly across the country, especially in smaller towns and rural areas that are often overlooked by immigrants. Traditionally, immigrants tend to settle in major urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. This has led to concerns that rural areas and smaller municipalities are missing out on the economic and social benefits of immigration.

    The MNP is expected to address these concerns by allowing municipalities to have a direct role in selecting immigrants who will settle in their communities. This program builds on the success of other regional immigration programs, such as the Atlantic Immigration Pilot and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, which have successfully attracted immigrants to less populated areas of Canada.

    How the MNP Will Work

    Under the Municipal Nominee Program, local governments, chambers of commerce, and community organizations will have the ability to nominate immigrants for permanent residence. These immigrants would be selected based on their skills, qualifications, and potential to contribute to the local economy and community.

    The program is expected to target skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international students who are more likely to thrive in smaller communities. This is particularly important for addressing labor shortages in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and construction, which are vital to the economies of smaller towns.

    Additionally, the MNP will encourage immigrants to settle in areas where there are strong economic opportunities but a lower immigrant population, thereby ensuring a more balanced distribution of immigrants across Canada.

    Immigration’s Role in Canada’s Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery

    The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the global economy, and Canada is no exception. However, immigration is seen as a key driver of Canada’s economic recovery. As Minister Marco Mendicino has stated, immigration will play a critical role in delivering essential goods and services, such as food, fuel, and healthcare supplies. Immigrants have also been instrumental in filling essential roles in the healthcare sector, agriculture, and transportation industries during the pandemic.

    Looking ahead, immigration will be a crucial part of Canada’s long-term economic recovery plan. As the country faces an aging population and declining birth rates, immigration will be essential for sustaining economic growth. By attracting skilled workers and entrepreneurs, Canada can ensure that it remains competitive in a global economy that is increasingly driven by innovation and technology.

    The Municipal Nominee Program will further support Canada’s economic recovery by directing immigrants to areas that need them the most. By encouraging immigrants to settle in smaller communities, the MNP will help to address labor shortages and stimulate local economies.

    The Future of Immigration in Canada

    Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Canada’s future in terms of immigration looks promising. The introduction of the Municipal Nominee Program reflects Canada’s forward-thinking approach to immigration policy. By involving municipalities in the immigration process, Canada is ensuring that the benefits of immigration are shared more equally across the country.

    Additionally, the continued operation of key immigration programs, such as Express Entry and PNPs, demonstrates Canada’s commitment to welcoming newcomers even in the face of a global pandemic. As Canada’s economy begins to recover from the effects of COVID-19, immigration will continue to play a vital role in filling labor market gaps, driving innovation, and supporting long-term growth.

    While the COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainty for many immigrants and potential newcomers, Canada remains a top destination for those seeking new opportunities. The country’s strong healthcare system, high quality of life, and commitment to diversity make it an attractive option for immigrants from around the world.

    In conclusion, the Municipal Nominee Program (MNP) and Canada’s response to immigration during the pandemic highlight the country’s dedication to building a prosperous and inclusive future. By adapting its immigration policies to meet the challenges of the 21st century, Canada is ensuring that it remains a global leader in welcoming immigrants and fostering diversity.