Recent Changes to The Canadian Immigration System Will Help Strengthen Canada’s Workforce, Economy, And Society

Canada recognizes the importance immigration plays in strengthening our country, both socially and economically. As part of Canada’s 2017 Immigration Plan, more newcomers are coming to Canada this year to fulfill demographic and labour market demands. There are also plans to further increase immigration targets in the future. To continue thriving economically and socially and to meet the growing demands of an aging population, Canada will need to promote economic immigration for years to come. Canadian immigration lawyers are already hard at work helping immigrants apply and settle.

As reported by CIC News, Canadian Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to economic immigration and has plans for welcoming more newcomers. In the first half of 2017, Canada’s targeted economic immigration admissions rose by 7.41% from 2016.

New programs targeting skilled immigrants, such as the Global Talent Stream (GTS), seek to fast-track the immigration process for in-demand skilled temporary foreign workers. These will attract more workers who can contribute to Canada’s economy and fulfill labour market demands.

Increase in Invitations to Apply

The number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued in 2017 already exceeds the total number issued for all of 2016. Last year, 16,033 ITAs were sent out during the first 15 draws; in comparison, 47,876 ITAs have been issued for the first 15 draws of this year.

The minimum score required to obtain an Express Entry ITA using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) was at a record low for seven of the 15 draws this year. Additionally, a more recent change to the CRS awarded additional points to applicants with French language skills and applicants with siblings in Canada.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

The launch of a federal-provincial immigration pilot seeks to improve the economic immigration system, bringing skilled newcomers to Atlantic Canada. This program is also intended to strengthen the workforce for these provinces. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) aims to welcome up to 2,000 principal immigrants. They, along with their their families, will settle in Atlantic provinces. Principal immigrants will have job offers from employers and a settlement plan specific to their family.

Canadian immigration officials can learn from this pilot program and apply this knowledge to further improve the economic immigration system. This is especially true for those provinces facing economic challenges as a result of labour shortages and low working-age populations.

Changes to the Canadian Citizenship Act

Hussen also stated that permanent immigration, ending with Canadian citizenship, is an important part of strengthening Canada’s economy and society. And recent changes to residency requirements will make it easier, decreasing the waiting time to apply for citizenship.

These changes provide a greater incentive for those looking to immigrate to Canada, and will give immigrants a better chance at becoming a Canadian citizen after settling, working, and establishing a new life here.

With the continued promotion of immigration, especially for fulfilling labour market demands, Canada has a bright future.