Introduction:
The latter part of 2023 promises to be a dynamic season for developments within Canada’s immigration landscape. As we enter the fall and prepare for the festive season, anticipation is building around key changes and initiatives from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the broader Canadian immigration system. These pivotal shifts are set to impact the course of immigration policy priorities, permanent residence quotas, and various programs such as those for international students, work permits, and family sponsorships. Let’s dive into what to expect in the coming months.
New Ministerial Mandate Letter:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau may soon issue a new Ministerial Mandate letter to shape the future of Canada’s immigration policies. These letters serve as directives to guide ministers in achieving government objectives during their tenure. In the context of immigration, this letter holds the key to how IRCC operates and its strategic direction. Following the recent cabinet shuffle, led by the appointment of Marc Miller as Canada’s new immigration minister, the mandate letter will influence critical decisions that impact immigration policies. While we await these guidelines, Minister Miller is expected to uphold the commitment to welcome newcomers, strengthen family reunification, and support Canada’s economic growth and recovery, as outlined in the previous mandate letter.
Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026:
In compliance with legal requirements, IRCC is set to unveil the Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026 by November 1st. This blueprint will outline the annual targets for permanent resident admissions across different immigration classes, including economic, family, refugee, and humanitarian. With Canada’s increased immigration drive, as demonstrated by a target of 500,000 new permanent residents annually by 2025, expectations are high for this plan. Minister Marc Miller has indicated that the targets are unlikely to decrease, given the pressing need and the role of immigration in bolstering the economy.
Office of the Auditor General Report on Processing Immigration Applications:
To ensure efficient processing of permanent resident applications and support Canada’s economic goals, IRCC’s internal operations will be scrutinized in an audit by the Office of the Auditor General. The audit will assess the department’s performance in achieving its objectives, as well as areas requiring improvement. Expect the results of this audit by year-end, shedding light on the department’s effectiveness in supporting the nation’s economy, reuniting families, and assisting humanitarian class applicants.
Express Entry:
The Express Entry system has experienced significant changes in 2023. Category-based selection draws, introduced in May, have garnered attention. These draws prioritize specific candidate attributes over high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. Among these categories, special emphasis has been placed on candidates with work experience in STEM professions, highlighting IRCC’s commitment to attracting tech talent. The majority of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been through all-program draws, demonstrating continued support for candidates from various programs, including the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP):
In recent years, IRCC has annually disclosed details of the Parents and Grandparents Program in the fall. In 2022, sponsors were selected through a lottery system to address application backlogs stemming from the pandemic. The targets for PGP admissions have shown significant growth, reaching 36,000 by the end of 2025. For the 2023 cycle, IRCC aims to invite up to 15,000 potential sponsors who had expressed their interest in 2020. This program is set to play a vital role in family reunification.
International Students:
Canada is poised to welcome 900,000 international students in 2023. As part of this commitment, IRCC is conducting a review of the International Student Program (ISP) in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada. The Trusted Institutions Framework is also expected to be unveiled soon, offering a two-tier model for study permit issuance. This framework aims to enhance the integrity of the ISP, offering a fast track for designated learning institutions that meet IRCC criteria. Further information about the ISP’s strengthening measures is expected in the fall. Additionally, a decision regarding the policy allowing certain students to work full-time, set to expire on December 31, is under review.
Tech Talent Strategy:
IRCC unveiled a new Tech Talent Strategy on June 27 to attract newcomers in tech occupations. This includes the launch of an Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program. This stream will grant employer-specific work permits to foreign workers in select, in-demand occupations. IRCC’s commitment to digital nomads working remotely for foreign employers will also be further detailed, potentially paving the way for a dedicated pathway for these workers. This opens doors for tech professionals and digital nomads to join Canada’s thriving workforce.
Conclusion:
As the year unfolds, these anticipated immigration developments will play a pivotal role in shaping Canada’s immigration landscape for the remainder of 2023. For a comprehensive guide and support on your immigration journey, whether for study, work, or family reunification, Unitia Immigration Consulting Inc is here for you. Reach out to us at info@unitiaimmigation.com or explore our services at https://unitiaimmigration.com/ to embark on your path to Canada today.
