Canada has long been known for its welcoming attitude toward immigrants, and the country’s immigration policies continue to evolve to reflect this. As an immigration consultant, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in Canadian immigration policy. Here are some of the most recent changes:
- Expansion of the Parents and Grandparents Program
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a popular immigration program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for immigration. In August 2022, the Canadian government announced that it was expanding the PGP, with an increased intake of 40,000 applications per year. The government also announced changes to the eligibility criteria for the program, including a lower income requirement for sponsors.
- Introduction of new pathways to permanent residency
The Canadian government has introduced several new pathways to permanent residency in recent years. In September 2022, the government announced a new pathway for essential workers in healthcare and other sectors, as well as a pathway for international graduates of Canadian institutions. These pathways are intended to make it easier for skilled workers to become permanent residents and contribute to the Canadian economy
- Changes to language requirements
Language proficiency is an important factor in Canadian immigration, and the Canadian government has recently made changes to the language requirements for certain programs. In September 2022, the government announced that it was lowering the language requirement for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program from Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 to CLB 5. The CEC program is for skilled workers with Canadian work experience, and this change is intended to make it easier for more applicants to qualify for permanent residency.
- Increased processing times
One challenge that many immigrants face is lengthy processing times for their applications. In 2022, the Canadian government has been experiencing a backlog of applications, which has led to increased processing times for many programs. For example, the processing time for spousal sponsorship applications increased from 12 months to 17 months in 2022. As an immigration consultant, it’s important to keep your clients informed about these delays and manage their expectations accordingly.
Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in Canadian immigration policy is essential for immigration consultants. By staying informed about changes to eligibility criteria, language requirements, and processing times, you can provide your clients with the most accurate and helpful advice. The Canadian government’s continued efforts to attract and retain skilled immigrants make it an attractive destination for those looking to build a new life in a welcoming and diverse country.
- Changes to the Express Entry system
The Express Entry system is a popular pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers in Canada. In 2022, the Canadian government made several changes to the system, including an increase in the number of points awarded for French language proficiency and an increase in the maximum age of dependents who can be included in an application. The government also announced plans to launch a new pilot program to provide more opportunities for skilled workers in the agriculture and food processing sectors.
- Immigration levels plan for 2023-2025
In October 2022, the Canadian government announced its immigration levels plan for the next three years. The plan calls for the admission of over 1 million immigrants over the next three years, with a focus on economic immigration programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Provincial Nominee Program. The government also plans to increase the number of refugees and protected persons admitted to Canada each year.
