How Increasing Canadian Immigration Levels will Benefit the Labour Market

How Increasing Canadian Immigration Levels will Benefit the Labour Market

The Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration has announced its 2018 annual immigration plan, which sets targets for the number of people who can immigrate to Canada next year.

The annual immigration plan includes changes to some aspects of Express Entry, promotes collaboration with provincial and territorial governments about their immigration needs, and establishes priorities in the economic migration programs.

The Forum of Ministers also discussed expanding its Francophone language plan and improving the resettlement outcomes for refugees and displaced persons.

Taken together, these moves signal Canada’s intention to implement multi-year immigration planning that benefits the labour market.

At a meeting held in Toronto in mid-September, the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI), agreed on short-term and long-term planning goals for Canadian immigration. The FMRI is comprised of members of the federal, provincial and territorial governments. The meeting foreshadows greater collaboration and better long-term planning for all immigration categories.

Although the Ministers only announced changes for 2018, the plan unveiled by the FMRI indicates that the country will move from an annual immigration plan to a three-year planning approach that can better address Canada’s labour needs, demographic changes, and international responsibilities with respect to refugees.

A quota for 2018 immigration has yet to be announced. However, the overall target for immigrants in 2018 will be at least 300,000 new permanent residents, and the total is likely to rise. Federal Minister of Immigration Ahmed Hussen noted that 300,000 was the baseline for 2016 and 2017 and that the terms of a multi-year plan would not see the number decrease.

Express Entry Changes

The Express Entry program enables immigrants to move to Canada as permanent residents through the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class programs. There are also programs which seek provincial nominees with special skills and immigration to Quebec. Immigrants who score the most points are eligible for express entry into the country.

The government is now awarding more points to applicants who already have siblings in Canada and to those who possess strong French language skills. These changes to Express Entry are expected to benefit the labour market by making it easier for skilled immigrants to obtain permanent residency throughout Canada.

Provincial and Territorial Immigration

The meeting also signalled a new era in immigration planning for the provinces and territories. The federal government will consult closely with the provincial and territorial governments in order to coordinate priorities for each region and to foster more information sharing between government entities. The federal government will work with provinces and territories to set multiyear immigration levels.

After the meeting, a representative from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said the collaborative approach is needed to provide better support for the settlement of all immigrants, ensuring successful outcomes and a more united Canada. It is expected that the annual immigration plan will eventually be replaced with a three-year approach to provide for better long-term planning.

Economic Migration

In 2017, Canada allocated 172,500 of its baseline admissions to economic immigrants selected from the Federal Skilled Workers, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Business Programs and Provincial Nominee Programs.

The majority of immigrants to Canada in 2018 will remain economic migrants. While the government is expected to stick to its 300,000 total baseline in the near future, the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration gave strong indications that the overall number of Canadian immigrants would increase in 2018, with the number of slots given to economic migrants also expected to grow. The provinces and territories have revised and updated their targeted occupation priorities list in preparation to meet the needs of the local labour markets for 2018 and beyond.

Francophone Immigration

The Ministers discussed expanding the promotion of Francophone immigration to communities outside of Quebec, which will increase the number of Francophone immigrants and expand the French language throughout Canada. This is in line with other recent initiatives to boost Francophone immigration such as:

• The IRCC’s changes to Express Entry to award Francophone candidates extra points, which will expand the pool of French-speaking skilled workers.
• Ontario’s French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream, which will facilitate Express Entry to Ontario for candidates who speak English and French.
• The federal government’s temporary worker stream called Mobilité Francophone, which makes it easier for employers outside of Quebec to find and hire French-speaking skilled workers.

Refugees and Displaced Persons

The FMRI explored options for improving the settlement process for refugees and protected persons. More than 12,000 asylum seekers have entered Canada in 2017, most often through Quebec and Manitoba. The number of asylum seekers is lower than it was in 2016 when Canada adjusted its target numbers to account for the crisis in Syria.

The FMRI gave special consideration to establishing a Pan-Canadian approach to asylum seekers who arrive in Canada outside of official border crossings. Better collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial governments is expected to promote more stable and orderly migration, while also maintaining Canadian border security.

Ministers stressed that Canada will remain open and welcoming to all while continuing to insist on strict security measures. The Ministers emphasized that anyone who arrives in Canada would receive due process, but there was no guarantee that a person would be granted asylum.

To find out if you are a candidate for immigration to Canada as an economic migrant, asylum seeker, family member or any other class, contact the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.

The Ultimate Express Entry Document Checklist

The Ultimate Express Entry Document Checklist

In 2015, Canada launched a new application tool, called Express Entry, to make it easier for skilled workers to obtain legal permanent residence. Express Entry is an online system which allows those who want to immigrate to Canada to fill out a profile listing their age, language skills, job qualifications, education, language abilities and more. The profiles are then awarded points based on criteria which prioritize those who have qualifications in high-demand labour fields. People with the highest scores are periodically invited to apply for a Canadian Permanent Residence Visa, which is processed within six months.

The first step in the Express Entry process is to create an online profile. Qualified applicants will then be given an invitation to apply (ITA). Within 90 calendar days of being issued an ITA, you must submit a complete electronic application for permanent residence.

It is important to have all of your documentation prepared in advance. This Express Entry checklist will ensure you have the required information and supporting documentation for each step in the Express Entry process.

Step 1 – Express Entry Profile

During the Express Entry profile creation process, you must have two documents:

⇒    Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

⇒    Language test results

You can receive an ECA by contacting one of the organizations designated by the Canadian government.

Language tests are required for all three Express Entry Programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class).

 

Step 2 – Application for Permanent Residence

Once you have received an ITA, the online system will generate a personalized Express Entry document checklist listing the documents that apply to your situation.

The following documents are mandatory:

⇒    Copy of birth certificate or other equivalent document attesting to birth date

⇒    Marriage certificate (if applicable)

⇒    Divorce certificate or legal separation agreement (if applicable)

⇒    Evidence of common law marriage or cohabitation (if applicable)

⇒    Adoption certificate (if applicable)

⇒    Job offer letter from employer

⇒    CV/ Résumé

⇒    Proof of educational credentials

⇒    Provincial or territorial certificate of qualification

⇒    Police certificates for all countries you have lived in for more than six months

⇒    Copy of the biographical data page of a passport or travel document

⇒    Proof of work experience, which includes letter from each employer

⇒    For self-employed applicants, articles of incorporation or other evidence of business ownership and evidence of self-employment income

⇒    Proof of funds

Special Documents

For some situations, you need special documents to complete your federal skilled worker document checklist:

Family Information Forms

You will need to complete one of the two Family Information Forms, IMM5707 or IMM5645, depending on your family status.

Medical Exams From Panel Physician

If you intend to work in health services, child care, or primary or secondary education, you will need a medical exam from an approved physician.

You also need a medical exam if you have lived or travelled to any of the countries with health risks on the list compiled by the Canadian government.

Digital Photo

You must provide a digital photograph. The total size should be a minimum of 35mm x 45mm. The photo must show a front view of the head to the top of the shoulders, with the face in the middle of the photo. The size of the head should be between 31mm and 36mm from chin to crown.

The digital dimensions of the photo must be at least 420 x 540 DPI. The minimum resolution must be 600 pixels per inch. To upload to the Express Entry online system, the file format should be JPEG or JPEG2000.

Step 3: Checklist of Fees for Express Entry

To submit a complete application, you must pay processing fees for yourself and every person who will come with you to Canada. To pay fees, you must have a valid credit or debit card.

⇒    Application processing fees : $550 CAD

⇒    Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) : $490 CAD per person. If your application is granted, you will need to pay the RPRF. There is no fee for dependent children.

If you are looking to apply for Express Entry, contact the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld for your best chance at success.

Trump Ending DACA Could Lead to Increase of ‘Dreamers’ in Canada

Trump Ending DACA Could Lead to Increase of ‘Dreamers’ in Canada

Many people have recently heard about DACA in the news. But what is DACA, who are the dreamers, and what is happening under Trump’s reign?

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The federal government introduced this program in 2012 under Barack Obama’s legislation.

Last week the Trump administration announced its plan to get rid of DACA. It is a program that protects undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. These children have a temporary right to live, work, and study in the United States. Individuals are vetted for any criminal history, education, or military participation. People who pass the vetting process have deferred deportment for two years. But they have a chance to renew as they become eligible for college enrollment, work permits, and driver’s licenses.

“Dreamers” are individuals protected under DACA, and there are currently over 780,000 approved Dreamers living in America. People had to be less than 31 years old on June 15, 2012, to apply for DACA, and lack immigration status. To be a Dreamer, an individual had to have arrived in the U.S. before he or she turned 16 and have lived there continuously since June 2007. Most Dreamers come from Central America and reside in California, Texas, New York, and Florida.

What will happen to DACA now?

During Trump’s 2016 campaign trail, he was adamant that he would immediately terminate the DACA amnesty for undocumented immigrants. His recent motion to end protection for individuals who illegally entered America as children will undoubtedly initiate a new wave of immigration and asylum requests. This decision could anticipate Dreamers moving to Canada from the US.

Trump’s controversial decision to end DACA has been met with backlash. Many states have called Trump out for being unethical. The Trump administration argues that DACA is unconstitutional and threatens American jobs and culture. In response, many states have threatened lawsuits against the administration, claiming Trump’s decision is outrageous and unlawful.

Many immigration advocates and Democrats have outwardly expressed the need to keep DACA instated, as Dreamers contribute to society and entered the US through no decision of their own. As it stands, North Americans are waiting to hear the final consensus regarding DACA.

Pressure on Canada

Analysts warn that Canada’s stressed immigration system faces further pressure handling the backlash surrounding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals immigrants. If a fraction of the Dreamers look towards Canada for protection, Canada needs to consider the consequences surrounding Dreamers moving to Canada from the US both legally and illegally. However, many candidates will not qualify for Canadian status under normal immigration requirements and many will have to claim refugee status, which is a long uphill battle for individuals.

As Trump moves forward with his plans to reform immigration policies, Canada must consider what will happen to DACA and it will affect the country.  It may be necessary for the federal government to implement a system where Canada offers Dreamers support.

The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada have seen a drastic increase in asylum requests from Mexicans in 2016. This is partly due to Canada’s decision to remove a visa requirement. This decision allows more Mexicans to enter Canada and seek asylum.

No one is sure how drastically immigration predictions will change. As of now, Dreamers have time to plan as Trump has given Congress six months to agree to a deal. The pressure on Canada will continue to grow as the deadline approaches, placing stress on Canadian citizens and Canada’s immigration and refugee policies.

Canada shutting the door to DACA Dreamers would further hurt individuals who will potentially have their protection taken away from them. Prime Minister Trudeau has previously stated he welcomes asylum seekers, including victims of false hope under governmental flaws. Canada should expect the inundation of thousands of Dreamers looking towards Canada for freedom and protection.

Are you looking to immigrate to Canada? Contact the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld to see how we can help with your immigration application.

Express Entry Amendments Led to Increase of Invited Candidates Based on Human Capital Factors

Express Entry Amendments Led to Increase of Invited Candidates Based on Human Capital Factors

Canada’s Express Entry immigration selection was amended in November 2016, allowing more candidates an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency. With Express Entry based on human capital factors alone, additional points needed for PR in Canada are not needed to receive a provincial nomination or job offer.

Before amendments came into effect on November 19, 2016, three in five invited candidates met the minimum points required for Canadian PR based on human capital, under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). However, from November 2016 to February 2017, the number of invited candidates meeting minimum points required for PR in Canada increased to 90%.

Senior staff at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed these statistics at a conference last spring. The presentation revealed that more potential candidates outside of Canada, specifically individuals eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) received invitations to apply for express entry than prior to immigration amendments in November.

The conference also revealed that more candidates with Natural and Applied Sciences (including STEM professions) were invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada, up 35% from 28%. At the same time, the number of invitations for candidates in lower skill level occupations decreased from 11% to 3%.

IRCC has stated that the goal behind the November amendments was to place a greater emphasis on human capital, applicable skills, and overall experience. Stakeholders argued that 600 additional CRS points for qualifying job offers distorted the balance with human capital. In order to find a balance between the current labour market and immigration outlooks, IRCC reduced the points rewarded for a job offer significantly. The points needed for PR in Canada is now reduced to 200 points allocated for a job offer if the occupation is listed in Major Group 00 of the National Occupation Classification. Otherwise, 50 points are awarded for a job offer of any other job classification.

As a means to encourage more international graduates to pursue an invitation to apply for permanent residency, IRCC allocated up to 30 CRS points to any potential candidate who studied in Canada. IRCC has stated that these reforms resulted in 46% of ITAs sent to international students from the period of November to February, up from 31% before amendments. These changes have resulted in more refined methods for former international students to claim permanent residence.

The IRCC conference also provided critical information on the ratio of ITAs that result in an approved application during the first two years of Express Entry. Around 47,000 applications for permanent residency were received, with 85% of invitations to apply for express entry resulting in an application. The approval rate during the final decision stage is 97%, resulting in the majority of ITA invitees being approved for permanent residency.

2017 will be a breakout year with dramatic changes implemented regarding immigration and permanent residency. A major trend is the overall number of ITAs increasing significantly since late 2016. The IRCC has stated this has resulted in reducing the minimum CRS point cut-off threshold, reaching a low of 413 on May 31. As more skilled workers are encouraged to apply for PR in Canada according to IRCC objectives, the diversity of candidates who will be approved to integrate into Canada will greatly expand.

Are you seeking permanent residence through express entry? Contact the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld to ensure your application is at its highest quality.

Immigration Documents and Canadian Passports to Include ‘X’ Gender Designation

Immigration Documents and Canadian Passports to Include ‘X’ Gender Designation

Beginning on August 31, 2017, the process of applying for a Canadian passport will change dramatically. Canadians no longer need to designate their gender as male or female, rather individuals can identify as gender ‘X’. Furthermore, Canadian immigration documents, including Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), will include an ‘X’ gender designation.

This movement has transpired due to recent social movements supporting individual expression in gender identity. Through introducing an ‘X’ gender assignment in documents required for Canadian immigration, the Canadian government is taking proactive steps towards advancing equality for Canadians regardless of gender expression.

For decades, LGBTQ communities have expressed their fears and problems travelling and immigration due to their gender identity. Legal issues surrounding LGBT rights in different countries around the world have promoted unethical and impractical immigration policies.

Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, supports including an ‘X’ gender designation on Canadian passports and all government-issued documents in the imminent future, which has been enthusiastically received by civil rights activists.

Canada will be considered the first country in the Americas that permits citizens to identify as gender ‘X’, following the footsteps of other countries such as Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. This proactive government initiative aligns Canada with other global leaders in changing the way citizens identify themselves on Canadian passports and allows foreigners to identify themselves through Canadian immigration documents confidently.

By including an ‘X’ gender designation, Canada is taking an important step forward in ensuring the LGBTQ community is represented properly, acknowledging adversities faced by trans, intersex, and non-binary individuals.

The future advancement of safety and freedom of expression regarding non-binary, intersex, and trans communities will require further national and international movements with the support of governmental and private organizations. Canada is amongst other tolerant nations who are removing existing prejudices and obstacles that prevent gender autonomy, self-expression, and freedom of speech.

The progressive “option X” choice will benefit many individuals who are in the process of applying for a Canadian passport, however many additional steps must be taken to support Canadian and global civil rights further.

Global representatives of the LGBT community commend Canada’s introduction of the gender ‘X’ inclusion on Canadian passports and documents required for Canadian immigration. It is likely that this approach will be adopted by other countries who place value on diminishing some of the many obstacles surrounding human rights and providing accurate reflections on self-identity.

A change to Canadian citizenship law means immigrants to Canada will soon be able to transition to citizenship quicker and easier than before. Get help with your Canadian citizenship application from Toronto immigration lawyer Ronen Kurzfeld.