The Canadian Immigration system experienced several updates and changes in the year 2022 in July when the country opened its Express Entry draws, welcoming several immigrants in different sectors to address their labour shortage.

The modifications came up after Canada shut its borders in December 2020 following the Covid-19 pandemic.

In November 2022, IRCC announced its strategy to welcome newcomers over the next three years. According to the official statement, Canada will welcome up to 1.45 million new immigrants between 2023-25.

According to an estimate, in 2025, the annual number of new immigrants will increase to 500,000. The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are also ready to surpass Express Entry as Canada’s leading economic immigration pathway.

All-program Express Entry marks returned for the first time since December 2020. The Express Entry system encompasses the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

From 15 November 2022, international students have been permitted to temporarily work up to 20 hours per week during school sessions. The authorities further reported that international students can work an infinite number of hours during academic semesters in part-time jobs off-campus until 31 December 2023.

Canada executed changes to the 2021 National Occupation Classification (NOC)- which is used to categorize and describe occupations.

The change included an revised shift to Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) codes and the accumulation of 16 new eligible professions for Express Entry eligibility.

In November 2022, Immigration & Opportunities New Brunswick declared a new policy in order to welcome critical workers to the province, including six select employers in manufacturing, farming, aquaculture industries, and food production. The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP) is registered for its emphasis on helping immigrants settle in the province.

Families of LIMA-based work permit holders are now qualified to apply for Open Work Permits.

In order to maximize the workforce in Canada, families of LMIA-based work permit holders can now apply for Open Work Permits (OWP). OWPs permit holders to work for any employer in most industries as objected to an LMIA work permit. This condition will roll out in phases beginning in January 2023.

On 23 June 2022, Bill C-19 was passed in both houses of parliament. The bill authorizes the immigration minister to form groups within the Express Entry pool based on policy aims like occupations in demand and issue invitations to apply to these groups.

The policy shift is a move from the current system of issuing invitations to apply based on CRS- Comprehensive Ranking Scores.

IRCC will pursue welcoming newcomers to less populated areas via the expansion of the Provincial Nominee Programme, the NBCWP, and the strength of the AIP- Atlantic Immigration Programme.

IRCC has already expressed its plan to seek specific occupations for immigration in 2023 amid record job vacancies. These professions include physicians, wherein the people involved in the career can get permanent residence.

During continued labour shortages and continuous qualification of immigrants, IRCC has already made modifications to this end. Among these is the new Open Work Permit eligibility for families of LMIA-based work permit holders and new financial investment in immigrant accreditation for healthcare workers.

News Source: Mint