IRCC focused on inviting CEC candidates earlier in the epidemic to meet its aim of admitting a record-high number of immigrants in a single year despite travel limitations. Because CEC candidates are frequently already in Canada, they are not subject to the travel limitations imposed by Canada between 2020 and 2021. Last year, Canada welcomed almost 405,000 permanent residents, the biggest number in the country’s history. IRCC has also focused on engaging PNP candidates to support provincial immigration targets during the pandemic.
Backlogs in the immigration system, including Express Entry, have resulted from the combination of this shift in Express Entry policy and pandemic-related challenges. As a result, IRCC has not solicited FSWP or CEC applicants since December 2020 and September 2021, respectively.
Meanwhile, the IRCC plans to reach 55,000 Express Entry Permanent Residents in 2022, which is about half of the 2021 target. The reason for the temporary reduction in Express Entry destinations is to allow you to discontinue the Temporary Permanent Resident (TR2PR) program and meet other requirements. Between May and November 2021, the IRCC welcomed up to 90,000 foreign graduates and basic workers to apply for permanent residence through the TR2PR scheme. According to the Immigration Level Plan 2022-2024, Express Passage arrivals will be distributed over the next two years, with the IRCC aiming to accommodate more than 110,000 new arrivals via the Express Section by 2024.
April’s major announcement
Sean Fraser unveiled a range of initiatives to alleviate Canada’s labour shortfall on April 22nd, 2022. The announcement by Minister Fraser focused primarily on the economic necessity for immigration as Canada recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the high demand for talented employees in Canada, the government is taking steps to help attract and retain international talent.
Invitations to FSW, CEC, and FST candidates will resume in early July
The great majority of new Express Entry applications will be processed within 6 months of their submission. According to the IRCC, Express Entry processing durations currently range from seven to more than twenty months.
Beginning this summer, those possessing a PGWP that expires between January and December 2022 will be eligible for an additional open work permit of up to 18 months. The IRCC is working on a simpler procedure and will provide further information in the coming weeks. According to the IRCC, around 95,000 PGWPs will expire in 2022, and up to 50,000 PGWP holders could profit from this new open work permit. Applicants will no longer need to stay in Canada for the duration of their application’s processing.
Applicants who apply for an open work permit while waiting for their permanent residency application to be approved will be granted work permits valid until the end of 2024. This will ensure that all applications for permanent residency are completed before applicants need to apply to extend their temporary status again.
Immediate family members listed in a principal applicant’s permanent residence application who are outside of Canada will be eligible for their own open work visa to support family reunification.
How can ICC Immigration help you?
As IRCC has come up with more opportunities for the foreign immigrants, it gives you the chance to extend your work permits as well as to grant invitations for Express Entry. If you wish to discover your chances, know the eligibility criteria you may contact ICC Immigration. Our team of experts will help you calculate your Express Entry CRS score and make you aware about the procedures.