Canada Immigration – Overview of Changes in 2022 and Emerging Trends
The year 2022 was a ‘happening year’ for the Canada Immigration system as several changes will positively influence the emerging trends in 2023. Canada began conducting Express Entry draws in July 2022 after a long gap of 18 months because of the pandemic.
These are crucial changes in Canada’s immigration system for understanding how the emerging trends will drive immigration in 2023.
Resumption of all-program Express Entry draws
Canada’s Express System manages applications under Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). The all-program draws were on hold since December 2020. Canada began conducting all-program Express Entry draws in 2022.
IRCC announced the Immigration Levels Plan
Canada committed to bringing 500,000 new permanent residents each year by 2025 as per its Immigration Levels Plan 2023-25. The Provincial Nominee Program emerged as the main contributor to the immigration of permanent residents, surpassing Express Entry. The provincial nomination will continue to be a significant resource for Canada to bring permanent residents.
Express Entry eligibility undergoes crucial changes
Implementing the 2021 National Occupation Classification (NOC) will significantly influence the way the IRCC classifies and describes occupations. The 2021 National Occupation Code will cause a shift to TEER codes highlighting criteria of training, education, experience, and responsibilities. IRCC enhanced Express Entry eligibility by adding 16 new occupations.
Off-campus work hours of international students
Canada allowed international students over 20 hours per week of off-campus work as a temporary measure to address labor market gaps. The new facility will be in force till December 31, 2023. International students can take up off-campus work for unlimited hours during the academic semesters.
Passing of Bill C-19 to focus on targeted occupations
Bill C-19 empowers the immigration minister to boost the immigration of select groups of in-demand occupations within the Express Entry pool. It will help Canada focus on specific occupation categories according to the current labor market requirements.
Open Work Permit eligibility extended to families of Temporary Foreign Workers
The facility to hold Open Work Permit is now available for families of Temporary Foreign Workers. It was earlier available for families of high-skilled workers. The provision will come into force in January 2023 in three phases.
Emerging trends
Canada seeks to address record labor shortages through several measures for boosting immigration of specific categories, such as healthcare and technology.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (IRCC) proposes to balance immigration by encouraging newcomers to live in provinces with less population density. IRCC will expand Provincial Nominee Programs and reinforce Atlantic Immigration.
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