Canada’s Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, has reaffirmed his commitment to streamline work permit processing times during recent discussions with the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration.
In a significant development, Minister Fraser revealed that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will harness an $85 million budget to alleviate delays intensified by the pandemic. The minister had previously announced that service standards for work permits, study permits, proof of citizenship, and permanent residence card renewals would be restored to normalcy by the end of 2022.
As per the IRCC webpage, processing times for work permits submitted from most countries are currently falling short of the standard. Despite these challenges, IRCC continues to process a higher volume of work permits. In 2021, Canada issued approximately 420,000 under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), surpassing the 2019 total of about 405,000.
Understanding the Programs:
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): This program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals to fill labor shortages in the country, contributing to the nation’s workforce.
International Mobility Program (IMP): The IMP supports Canada’s broader economic, social, and cultural interests by facilitating the entry of foreign nationals for various purposes.
The processing standard for work permits submitted outside of Canada is typically 60 days, with International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits processed in 56 days. Work permit extensions submitted within Canada have a standard processing time of 120 days. Before the pandemic, IRCC consistently met these standards over 87% of the time. Official data for 2020-2021 service standards compliance have not yet been released.
When the pandemic struck in 2020, IRCC’s operations around the world faced disruptions, leading to a backlog in applications. As of February 1, IRCC is managing over 85,000 work permit applications in its inventory.
Budget Allocation:
During the committee meeting, IRCC Assistant Deputy Minister Daniel Mills explained that the $85 million budget will not directly improve processing times for permanent residents. However, it will empower IRCC to develop essential tools, including electronic application systems and online application trackers. Minister Fraser previously confirmed that processing times for new spousal sponsorship applications have already returned to the one-year standard.
The Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration comprises Canadian politicians from major political parties dedicated to enhancing the immigration system through studies and policy recommendations.
The Significance of Swift Work Permit Processing:
Canada reported nearly 900,000 job openings in November, emphasizing the country’s strong labor market demand. Immigration continues to play a pivotal role in supporting Canada’s economic growth.
Certain industries consistently require foreign talent, and expedited processes are available for work permits in specific sectors. For instance, the Global Talent Stream offers a processing standard of just 10 business days, primarily catering to employers in the tech sector seeking to onboard foreign talent.
Quebec also provides an expedited process for certain job positions on its facilitated occupations list, bypassing the advertising requirement of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. Quebec facilitates these positions without the need for advertising, accelerating the LMIA process.
In 2021, around 25% of granted work permits necessitated an LMIA, while the remaining 75% did not require one.
Remaining in Canada:
Workers applying to extend their status before their work permit expires can stay in Canada under maintained status, abiding by the same conditions as their original work permit. This also applies to study permit holders and visitors seeking to extend their temporary status.
Furthermore, those applying for permanent residence may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), allowing them to stay in Canada until their application is processed.
At Unitia, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the evolving immigration landscape in Canada. If you have inquiries or require personalized guidance, feel free to Contact us at info@unitiaimmigation.com or visit https://unitiaimmigration.com/. Your journey to Canada’s prosperous future begins here.
