In four months, nearly half a million applications have been reduced from the pandemic backlog
December 19, 2022 — Today, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, highlighted the progress made this year, in reducing the backlog in applications in IRCC’s inventories beyond its service standards.
There is, however, a recent report suggesting that IRCC has assigned thousands of applications to inactive immigration officers. Therefore, it is believed that in an attempt to reduce this backlog, IRCC archives a record-breaking year for immigration processing.
Since August, IRCC reports that they have reduced its overall inventory by nearly half a million applications.
“The department remains on track to meet its goal to process 80% of new applications within service standards”. They added it applies “for most programs and continues to make strides in improving processing”. They are hoping this will result in shorter wait times.
As of November 30 this year, IRCC had processed over 670,000 study permits, compared to more than 500,000 during the same time period last year.
Citizenship
Canada is proud to have one of the highest naturalization rates in the world. IRCC encourages all newcomers to complete their journey by becoming Canadian citizens.
“IRCC expects a record number of new Canadian citizens in 2022–2023, with approximately 251,000 new citizens welcomed from April to November—surpassing the total number of new Canadian citizens for the last fiscal year. As a result, more than 70% of applications in the citizenship inventory are now within service standards.”
Using immigration to address labour shortages
Implementing measures to allow foreign nationals whose post-graduation work permits (expiring between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022) the opportunity to work in Canada for an additional 18 months, by extending their work permit or applying for a new one.
This change makes it easier for foreign-born physicians to remain in Canada allowing them to practice and bolster the healthcare system.
The Foreign Credential Recognition Program, invests approximately $27.1 million annually. The contribution to provinces and territories, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders aims to support the labour market integration of skilled newcomers.
Making changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act by selecting immigrants based on key attributes that support identified economic priorities For example educational credentials, work experience, or official language knowledge.
The Government of Canada will continue to provide monthly updates on the progress in reducing backlogs. Additionally, the steps being taken to improve client experience, reunite families and address labour shortages in Canada.
In their press release, IRCC mentions: “We know there is still more work to do”, and that they will focus “on building an immigration system that works well for newcomers, visitors, our businesses, and all Canadians.”
Immigration is critical to our economy and our communities. It’s why we have taken action to strengthen Canada’s immigration system by reducing wait times and modernizing services so they work better for everyone: https://t.co/Bw5qfuKCo5
A GCKey is required for the online submission of Canadian immigration or visa applications and is a secure way to communicate with online Canadian government services by using special electronic credentials.
GCKey is a service offered by the Government of Canada that generates login information (username and password) for use with online federal government services. If you do not have, or prefer not to utilize, a credential with one of the Sign-In Partners you can use the GCKey service.
As a result, having it is convenient and practical because you do not need to keep track of multiple usernames and passwords.
If you’ve already created an account, you can log in here. If you’re a new user, you must select “Sign up” from the Simple Secure Access menu on the right side of the screen.
The Terms and Conditions will appear after you click on the sign-up button. To proceed, click ‘I accept’.
Finally, you need to create your User Name and Password. After deciding on your username, you must select a secure password.
Important:
There must be between eight and sixteen characters in your password. It must not contain three or more consecutive characters from your Username and must at least have one upper case letter, one lower case letter, and one digit. Lastly, remember not to share your password and keep it in a safe place. Now you are all done!
Can I use the same GCKey to access several services?
Yes. You can use the same GCKey credential to access all available online services, with the exception of the CRA services. Using the same credential to access many services is convenient, as you don’t have to remember several username and passwords.
To access the CRA’s login services, you must either use one of the Sign-In Partners or register for a CRA User ID and password.
What services do I need Sign-In Partner or GCKey for?
Employers and temporary workers to benefit from family work permits to address labour shortages
As the Canadian economy recovers, employers, including tourism industry employees, have had difficulty finding workers. However, an announcement stated that temporary workers would now be eligible to obtain work permits for their families
On Friday, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser announced that family members of temporary foreign workers will be eligible to apply for work permits.
Canada is expanding work permits for family members! Starting in 2023, spouses and children of a principal applicant will be eligible to work in Canada. https://t.co/einP1Op4RC
“Expanding the eligibility for work permits to family members accompanying the principal applicant to Canada will help address labour shortages by assisting employers in finding the workers they need,” he said in a press statement.
Before this announcement, spouses were only eligible for a work permit if the principal applicant worked in a high-skill occupation. However, temporary workers will benefit from family work permits starting in 2023.
Families will be kept together as part of this temporary measure. By that, workers’ emotional well-being, physical health, and financial security will improve. Ultimately, the goal is to provide the worker with a better integration into their work environment and community.
Phase 1 will enable family members of workers coming to Canada through the high-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program to apply for an open work permit.
Phase 2 aims to expand the measure to the family members of workers from the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, following consultations.
Phase 3 will include consultation with agricultural partners and stakeholders to assess operational feasibility for expanding the measure to family members of agricultural workers.
Canada has issued over 645,000 work permits between January and October 2022—nearly 4 times more than the 163,000 issued over the same period in 2021.
“Should I apply for a work permit or a student permit? Is there a better option for me? Which path should I follow?”. We receive this type of question all the time and, to be honest, there is not a straight answer as a number of factors go into this decision. However, you can use these three questions to help you decide.
By having realistic expectations, you can work efficiently towards your immigration goals. So let’s dive right into it!
Q1: What is my English proficiency? Is it important to work or study in Canada?
This is key to determining the program you can apply to. On one hand, if you have a beginning level of English, perhaps the best and only option is to start a study program before thinking about working. On the other hand, if your proficiency is higher (certified by a standardized test such as IELTS) you can consider other immigration options, like the Provincial Nominee Program.
The IELTS scale (1)
Q2: How much money can I invest? Studying and working are compatible?
Immigrating always involves a considerable cost. However, determining how much you’re willing to invest can make or break your immigration options.
For example, you must consider the annual cost of living in the city or province you wish to live in, the average salary for your desired job, and how long it will take for you to recoup your investment.
In addition, there are other factors to look at such as working while studying, the number of hours you are allowed to work, the industry you are planning to work in, etc.
Check out the cost of living of the most popular cities ranked from lower to higher cost of living.
Maybe you initially planned on working in Canada, but you do not qualify for any program. Don’t let that discourage you! After all, there are several pathways to immigrating to Canada; each step counts toward achieving your ultimate goal.
The Start-Up Visa Program, which was launched in April 2013, invites immigrant entrepreneurs to bring their business to Canada. The program allows entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residence for themselves and their family. This pilot program was aimed at attracting pioneering foreign entrepreneurs who would contribute to the Canadian economy. After evaluation of the pilot, it has been determined that the Start-Up Visa Program is delivering on its goals to bring innovative companies into Canada, which in turn creates more jobs for middle-class Canadian workers in a range of industries. With the success of the pilot, the government has announced that it will make the Start-Up Visa Program a permanent part of the immigration landscape for 2018.
As of July 15, 117 principal applicants have received permanent residence through the Start-Up Visa Program. This represents 68 start-ups that were launched in Canada as a result of this program. At present, there are more than 50 Canadian venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators designated to participate in the program. Entrepreneurs who participated in the program in the first 3 years received over $3.7 million in investment capital from designated entities to help them grow their business in Canada.
Innovative entrepreneurs who wish to apply for permanent residence through the Start-Up Visa Program must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements.
Prove your business is supported by a designated organization;
Show your business meets ownership requirements;
Meet the minimum language requirements (CLB 5 in all areas) in English or French; and
Show sufficient funds to settle in Canada;
If you have an innovative business idea, you may be able to bring this idea with you to Canada. Take our free online assessment to determine your eligibility or contact us today to speak with a licensed immigration consultant.
The Global Talent Stream allows highly skilled workers in certain occupations to receive a temporary work permit in two weeks or less. This new option was announced just a few weeks ago as a pillar of Canada’s Global Skills Strategy, which aims to help innovative companies grow by ensuring they can quickly access the highly skilled talent they need.
This initiative is equally beneficial for Canadian businesses and foreign workers. With two-week-work permit processing, companies are able to fill open positions quickly by hiring foreign talent just as fast as they might hire local talent. The two-week processing also applies for an open work permit for a spouse and study permit for dependent children of the primary applicant. Thus, individuals and their families are able to fast track the application process and begin working much quicker than ever before.
The Global Talent Stream is just one of many options available for temporary foreign workers. Thus, it gives Canadian employers the opportunity to select which of the many work permit options works best for their company and its workforce.
There are two categories of the Global Talent Stream. Category A is available for booming businesses that have been referred by an Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) Designated Partner. A list of partners was released on June 12, 2017 and can be found below. These businesses are required to commit to creating jobs for Canadians, either directly or indirectly. Employers who seek to hire foreign workers in one of the designated high-skill occupations fall under Category B. These businesses must commit to increasing investments in skills and training for Canadians. Working in collaboration; the government, labour market experts, and key stakeholders have come up with the following list of eligible occupations.
List of Partner Organizations for Category A
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
BC Tech Association
Business Development Bank of Canada
Communitech Corporation
Council of Canadian Innovators
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service
ICT Manitoba (ICTAM)
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada – Accelerated Growth Service
MaRS Discovery District
National Research Council – Industrial Research Assistance Program
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
Ontario Ministry of Economic Growth and Development
VENN Innovation
Eligible National Occupation Classification (NOC) Codes for Category B(This list is subject to change based on labor market demands)
0213 Computer and Information Systems Managers
2147 Computer Engineers (except software engineers and designers)
2171 Information Systems Analysts and Consultants
2172 Database Analysts and Data Administrators
2173 Software Engineers and Designers
2174 Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers
2175 Web Designers and Developers
2241 Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians
2283 Information Systems Testing Technicians
5241 Digital Media and Design
Requirements for Businesses and Workers Applying Under Global Talent Stream
Along with the above minimum requirements, businesses wishing to bring in foreign workers under either category of the Global Talent Stream must commit to two additional benefits including, but not limited to, the following: creating jobs, investment in skills and training, transfer of knowledge to Canadians, and improving company performance. Businesses may meet this requirement in any of the following ways: hiring more Canadians, training existing employees in new methods, forming paid internship programs for local students, and increasing revenue and investments. Employers are also required to pay their foreign workers the prevailing wage or higher.
Applicants who are interested in priority processing of their work permit applications must meet the minimum eligibility requirements of the Global Talent Stream. Applications must be made online on or after July 12 and must come from outside Canada. Two-week processing does not apply to applications made from within Canada, although these applicants are able to maintain implied status if applying to do the same work under the same conditions as their initial work permit.
Our team of immigration consultants can help you determine your eligibility and prepare your work permit application. To find out if you qualify for expedited processing of your work permit application, contact us to discuss your options.
If you are employer looking to hire foreign workers to fill labour shortages, click here to find out more.
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