Canada’s immigration plans for 2020 in the works

Immigration Canada has been working in a very interesting and efficient manner lately, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Canada’s immigration policies have braced the hardships that COVID-19 presented. Immigration draws have been happening consistently. Skilled workers have been invited into Canadian provinces to add to the economy and social development of the country.

Looking at how Canada immigration is going to advance into the future, there are very positive indicators seen that look promising.

There has been a successful flattening of the curve of COVID-19 infections in Canada. Besides, the country has started with opening up its economy gradually in an attempt to return to normalcy.

The Canada-US border is expected to reopen on June 21, 2020. After June 30, 2020, travelers from other nations could come back to Canada.

Talking about Express Entry draws, the opportunity for foreign candidates to arrive in Canada as part of their migration overseas, is realized through these draws.

In July 2020, 4 Express Entry draws are expected to happen. These draws will include candidates from:

• The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Though the dates of these draws are not predictable these days under the COVID-19 situation, they typically happen once in every 2 weeks on Wednesdays.

Another observation about the draws conducted by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) post-COVID-19 is that the draws have been inviting PNP and CEC candidates only to apply for permanent residence.

In time Canada will resume inviting global talent through draws held for FSWP and FSTP candidates.

A similar channel for foreign candidates to enter Canada is via Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). PNPs are conducted in response to candidates’ demand and the labor market needs of a particular province.

An exception for this is seen in the case of British Columbia (BC). The BC PNP Tech Pilot draws happen practically every week.

It’s observed that the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) holds one draw every month. The last one was conducted on May 13, 2020.

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) had the habit of conducting draws about 2 times per month in 2020 before the travel restrictions were in place. It conducted the last draw on May 28, 2020.

So far in 2020, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has held 10 draws. The latest round was conducted on June 3, 2020.

As Quebec maintains its own immigration system, they conduct no PNPs. More requirements are going to be added to the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). This will happen in the near future.

Quebec is also planning to introduce 2 new pilot programs for tech workers and nurses’ aides.

Another interesting thing coming up is concerning language testing for those wanting to study in Canada or immigrate to the country.

After IELTS and CELPIP testing centers were closed after the COVID-19 outbreak for months now, more test centers are going to reopen. This will enable more individuals to submit immigration applications and Express Entry profiles.

CELPIP testing is available in Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta, and Hong Kong, as the webpage says. Few other locations are scheduled to open later this month.

Centers for IELTS testing will also open in a few countries this month.

Besides these, Canada will announce if it will renew the Open Work Permit Pilot for the fifth time. The permit will allow spouses or common-law partners of Canadians, who are foreign citizens, to work while their permanent residence application is under processing. The deadline for announcing the renewal is July 31, 2020.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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