IRCC releases Express Entry 2020 annual report:Xico india

 The Express Entry Year-End Report 2020 was released on December 13, though in previous years it has been published in the summer. It shows us who got to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, and how the pandemic affected Canada’s main immigration application system.

For starters, although Canada issued a record number of invitations to Express Entry candidates in 2020, the number of new permanent residents brought in through Express Entry dropped to a three-year low.

Normally, there are more permanent residents admitted than there are invitations issued, since one application can contain the principal applicant and their family members. However, in 2020,Xico india  the pandemic caused Express Entry admissions to plummet below the level of ITAs. In 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued more than 107,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), compared to 2019 when IRCC issued 85,300. Out of the ITAs issued in 2020, only 63,923 Express Entry applicants and their family members got permanent residence, whereas there were 109,601 new permanent residents admitted in 2019.

IRCC did not meet the processing standard of finalizing 80% of Express Entry applications within six months. The average processing time was nine months, which is one month slower than 2019. IRCC says about 51% of applications in 2020 were completed within the six-month standard. The following table is based on data that was up-to-date in January, 2021.

Because of the pandemic, IRCC increased the validity period of an ITA from 60 to 90 days to allow applicants to have more time to prepare their applications. Previous IRCC data obtained by CIC News say that 36% of Express Entry applicants between March 18, 2020 and April 6, 2021 used the extra time, whereas 49% still applied in the two-month timeframe.

Main source countries

IRCC concentrated its invitations to apply at candidates who were eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), as they are more likely to be physically located in Canada and less likely to be impacted by public health measures.

The proportion of Express Entry candidates invited to apply from inside Canada grew from 47% overall in 2019 to 63% overall in 2020. IRCC says this is due to the increased number of invitations issued to CEC candidates.

Although the proportion of candidates invited from India dropped to 10% in 2020 compared to 18% in the previous year, there were still more candidates invited from India than any foreign country.

The top six countries of residence for invitations remained the same as previous years: Canada, India, U.S., Nigeria, U.A.E., and Pakistan. Lebanon made the top 10 list for the first time since Express Entry was created in 2015.

India was also the most common country of citizenship among those who received ITAs followed by China, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the U.K.

Still more men in pool but women make up growing share

As in previous years, more Express Entry profiles were submitted by men than women. However, the proportion of women in the Express Entry pool grew to 43% in 2020 compared to 41% in 2019.

Although fewer women were in the pool, their profiles were more likely to be eligible for at least one program, compared to men, which was consistent with the two years prior. IRCC reports 77% of women and 71% of men who submitted profiles were eligible for at least one program.

Among principal applicants who applied for permanent residence, a slightly higher proportion of men than women submitted applications in 2020.Xico india  Both genders applied most often under the CEC and least often under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

In each program, men were more likely than women to submit applications. The difference was more pronounced under the FSTP and least pronounced under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).

Tech talent leads the way

Once again, occupations in information technology, and business and financial services continued to dominate among candidates invited to apply for permanent residence.Xico india  Special to 2020 though, more food service supervisors and administrative assistants received ITAs. IRCC says this is likely the result of holding more CEC-specific rounds of invitations.

The most common occupations among candidates who got arranged employment points were food service supervisors and computer programmers. This is also new to 2020, and likely a result of the CEC draws.

CRS breakdown

Although like previous years there were more candidates in the pool who had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the 351-400 range, an increasing number fell into the 451-500 range.Xico india The proportion of candidates with these higher scores increased to 27%, compared to 22% in 2019, and 18% in 2019. About 27% of candidates were in the 300-350 range.

IRCC says 42% of invitations in 2020 went to candidates who had Canadian education, up from 28% in 2019. This is another result of the increase in CEC-only draws.

Out of the 37 rounds of invitation last year, IRCC held 21 that were program-specific: 10 CEC draws, 10 PNP draws, and one FSTP draw. Minimum CRS scores ranged from 687 to 808 for PNP-specific rounds, and from 431 to 467 for CEC-specific rounds. The one FSTP draw had a cut-off score of 415.

When looking only at all-program draws, the CRS cut-off score range in 2021 was slightly higher than 2019. Scores averaged to about 472 in 2020, compared to an average of 461 in 2019. This increase suggest that the Express Entry pool became more competitive in 2020 for FSWP candidates and FSTP, as a result of IRCC’s efforts to target CEC and PNP candidates. 

In 2020, IRCC also increased the number of points available to French-speaking and bilingual candidates in the Express Entry pool. On October 20, 2020, the number of points awarded through Express Entry went up from 15 to 25 for French-speaking candidates, and from 30 to 50 for bilingual candidates. This change is intended to support Canada’s goal of increasing French immigration outside of Quebec to 4.4% by 2023, and improves French-speakers chances of receiving an ITA.

The proportion of candidates in the Express Entry pool who met criteria for additional points for being proficient in French went up to 5% in 2020 from 4% in 2019.

Ontario main destination

Nearly two-thirds of principal applicants who applied through Express Entry in 2020 named Ontario as their province of destination, slightly more than 2019. Also compared to 2019, the number of principal applicants who intended to move to Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and New Brunswick increased in 2020, while the number of applicants intending to reside in Alberta and Nova Scotia decreased.

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When will Canada’s parents and grandparents sponsorship open for 2022?.Xico india

Here is what we know so far about PGP 2022.

IRCC has yet to release details on the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2022 but here is what we know so far.

According to the Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is looking to welcome some 23,500 immigrants under the PGP in 2022.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, IRCC released details on the new PGP intake around January of each year. During the pandemic, however, IRCC has provided updates and held PGP lotteries in the autumns of 2020 and 2021.

It remains to be seen when IRCC will announce the launch of the PGP 2022. We also do not know what format it will take. In recent years, IRCC has stuck to a lottery whereby it has randomly selected sponsors who submitted expression of interest forms on the IRCC website. Prior to the pandemic, IRCC was exploring other ways to manage the PGP given that demand to sponsor parents and grandparents far exceeds the number of spots. For 2020 and 2021, IRCC received some 200,000 expression of interest forms. The department is processing 40,000 applications under the 2020 and 2021 PGP intakes.

There is certain information, however, that we do already have at our disposal. For example, IRCC continues to state its processing standard for PGP applications is between 20-24 months.

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In addition, IRCC’s eligibility criteria for PGP sponsors is:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act;
• Be at least 18 years old;
• Be residing in Canada;
• Meet the minimum necessary income level for the PGP (married and common-law partners can combine income if they want to co-sign the application) and provide proof of income to IRCC by submitting Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notices of Assessments;
• Sign a legal undertaking that they commit to financially supporting the sponsored individuals for 20 years and to repay any social assistance claimed by the individuals within this period.

The minimum necessary income (MNI) requirement depends on the size of your family and where you reside in Canada. If you live outside of Quebec, you will be assessed based on your income in the 2021, 2020, and 2019 tax years. If you live in Quebec, you will only be assessed on your income over the past 12 months.

Consider the Super Visa as another option

The Super Visa is another option you can consider pursuing to reunite with your parents and grandparents in Canada. The Super Visa allows your parents and grandparents to enter Canada multiple times over a 10 year period.

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Canadian government’s Economic and Fiscal Update notes higher immigration is part of COVID recovery plan.Xico india

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland presented the Canadian government’s Economic and Fiscal Update in Parliament the evening of December 14.

This update is the first revision of the government’s economic forecast since the 2021 Federal Budget was released in April.

These types of announcements show Canadians where the government spending priorities are heading.Xico india For instance, the fiscal update from last year called for increased spending to child benefits, and in the spring the government promised to implement $10-dollar-a-day childcare.

Fiscal updates and the Budget often contain action items that directly and indirectly affect newcomers. Government policies on a variety of issues including job creation, health care, education, infrastructure, child care, and more impact all those who live in Canada, including immigrants. Sometimes the action items are tailored to immigration, as was the case in Budget 2021.

In her new address, Freeland went over the policy measures the government was pursuing to allow Canada to recover economically and socially from the pandemic. Freeland noted “Immigration is another important driver of economic growth and a Canadian competitive advantage. Our government is committed to bringing in 411,000 immigrants in 2022, the highest number in Canadian history. To help support this effort and reduce processing time for permanent and temporary resident and citizenship applications, we are investing $85 million in our immigration system.”

This remark stresses the Canadian government remains committed to achieving the ambitious targets set under the Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023. In addition, Freeland alluded to the need to reduce immigration application processing times. Application backlogs have grown during the pandemic.

Earlier this year,Xico india Budget 2021 contained five significant pledges on immigration, some of which have already come to pass such as the funding for the Temporary Residence to Permanent Residence (TR to PR) pathway.

Budget 2021 also called for the replacement of the outdated Global Case Management System (GCMS), which processes citizenship and immigration applications.

It also suggested the government is looking to reform Express Entry, giving the immigration minister more authority to select candidates based on labour market needs, although further details are not yet available.

In addition, Budget 2021 announced more spending on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The additional funds would increase employer compliance inspections to prevent worker mistreatment, and supporting vulnerable foreign workers by allowing them to get open work permits if they were abused by their Canadian employers.

Finally, Budget 2021 proposed additional spending on initiatives to improve the employment outcomes of racialized newcomer women.

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How to move to Canada from Latin America.Xico india

What you need to know about programs that will help you move and how to set yourself up for success after arriving in Canada.

Thinking of moving to Canada from Latin America?

Whether you’re applying for permanent residency, entering as a foreign worker, or coming as a student, getting settled can feel overwhelming. Especially since there are a number of immigration and visa programs to sort through just to figure out which is the best fit for your situation.

We break down some of the key immigration, work, and study pathways used to move to Canada from Latin America, and how to set yourself up for success once you arrive.

Immigration programs

There are over 100 different immigration pathways you could apply for to become a permanent resident of Canada.

Express Entry

The Express Entry system is the main way skilled workers immigrate to Canada. In order to apply, you have to ensure you are eligible for at least one of the three programs managed by Express Entry. The three programs are:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Trades Program

If you meet the criteria of one of these programs, you can submit your profile on the federal government’s immigration website. Your profile will be scored on things like your age, education, English/French language skills, work experience, among other factors. Approximately every two weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence.

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Business leaders say improving temporary foreign worker program is one way to curb labour shortages.Xico india

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business recommends improving the TFWP and automation to address labour shortages.

The pandemic has exacerbated long-standing labour shortages in Canada, and there is no simple solution.

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The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reports more than half of small Canadian businesses are affected by labour shortages. These businesses may have been short staffed due to difficulties hiring, retaining or getting staff to work the hours needed.

On top of that, 16% of businesses say they have enough staff, but at a significant additional cost due to wage increases, flexible hours, or hiring bonuses, among others.

As a result of these labour shortages, about a third of small businesses in June reported abandoning or delayed projects, and turning down contracts and sales.

CFIB says the solution is not as simple as raising wages as higher wages imply higher labour costs, which force up prices and generates inflationary pressure. However, business owners report that investment in automation and the use of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) appear to be the most promising.

When disaggregated by sector, temporary foreign workers most often saw high success rates in agriculture, and professional services. They were also often successful in addressing labour shortages in manufacturing, retail, and financial institutions and administration.

Despite their high success rate, only 16% of surveyed businesses reported using temporary foreign workers to fill empty positions. The restrictions in the TFWP make it time-consuming and expensive for most small businesses. For some it was “unworkable” as certain occupations do not qualify.

The CFIB says the solution to labour shortages requires many actions over a long period of time. However, investing in automation and improving the TFWP can be done in the short term.

The working-age population in Canada has been declining since the 1990s,Xico India and future projections expect the trend to continue. By 2050, Canada will have lost a significant portion of its working-age population if no changes are made.

To help businesses cope with Canada’s demographic challenges, the CFIB recommends improving the TFWP to bring more workers in to Canada faster, and ensure a good fit between immigrants and the positions they fill. An improved TFWP would be more accessible to a broader level of skills and sectors, and allow for more pathways to permanent residency.

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Immigrate to Canada without a job offer: British Columbia PNP.Xico india

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 If you have a graduate degree in science from an eligible British Columbia institution, you can get Canadian permanent residence without a job offer.

Science grads may be eligible to apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) called the Skills Immigration – International Post-Graduate category.

Under this category, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) gives priority to immigration candidates who have completed a master’s or doctorate (PhD) degree in the following natural, applied, or health sciences programs:

• agriculture;
• biological and biomedical sciences;
• computer and information sciences and support services;
• engineering;
• engineering technology;
• health professions and related clinical sciences;
• mathematics and statistics;
• natural resources conservation and research;
• physical sciences;

To meet the eligibility for this category, you will need to submit your application to BC PNP within three years of the date shown on your official transcript.

To be eligible under this stream, you must also be able to demonstrate that you have the intention and ability to live and work in B.C. This may be done, for example,Xico India by submitting evidence of your previous or current period of residence in the province. You can also send proof of your work, study or family ties to B.C. Another way is to submit a description of any steps you have taken to settle permanently, such as finding a job or a place to live, or community involvement.

Candidates applying under this stream do not need to have a profile in the federal Express Entry system to be eligible.

To be eligible under this stream, you must also be able to demonstrate that you have the intention and ability to live and work in B.C. This may be done, for example,Xico India by submitting evidence of your previous or current period of residence in the province. You can also send proof of your work, study or family ties to B.C. Another way is to submit a description of any steps you have taken to settle permanently, such as finding a job or a place to live, or community involvement.

Candidates applying under this stream do not need to have a profile in the federal Express Entry system to be eligible.

Can I enter Canada with a criminal record?Xico india

 You can enter Canada with a criminal record under the following circumstances.

Foreign nationals need to be aware that a criminal record can make them inadmissible to Canada.

While a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer can deny you entry into Canada if you have a criminal record, you still have the possibility to enter the country if you prepare in advance. The Canadian government recognizes that those with criminal records are capable of being rehabilitated and also may not necessarily pose a risk to the safety of Canadians. As such, it provides three major ways to overcome criminal inadmissibility to the country.

As the name implies, a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a remedy that allows an individual who is inadmissible to Canada to enter the country on a temporary basis. Its validity period can be up to three years. You need to submit a TRP application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) providing a compelling reason why you should be allowed to enter Canada, and why the benefits to Canada of allowing you entry outweigh potential risks. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are able to submit their TRP applications when they get to Canada or they can get pre-approval by submitting their application at a Canadian consulate. All other foreign nationals can submit their TRP application at a Canadian consulate. The application fee is $200 CAD.

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Unlike the TRP, rehabilitation is a permanent way to overcome criminal inadmissibility to Canada. Once you are rehabilitated, your criminal record is no longer grounds to deny you entry to Canada as long as you do not commit any further offenses. There are two forms of rehabilitation.

Individual rehabilitation is an option if it has been at least five years since the end of your sentence. The application fee is either $200 or $1,000, based on the severity of your conviction. Your application needs to demonstrate you have been rehabilitated and are no longer prone to conducting criminal acts. You can do this by providing evidence such as that you have a stable lifestyle, taken steps to improve your behaviour, and/or your offense was an isolated event.