Title: Significant Updates on Canadian Immigration News this December
It has been a bustling month in Canadian immigration news with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducting significant draws and making crucial announcements regarding study and work permits.
Firstly, in the third invitation round of December, the IRCC extended invitations to Express Entry candidates. Express Entry is an online immigration application program that allows people from all over the world to apply for immigration to Canada. It manages applications for three economic immigration programs, namely, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
Drawing the world’s attention, the third draw of December demonstrated the Canadian government’s commitment to achieving the ambitious immigration targets set for the year. The specific details regarding the number of invitations issued and their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirement were not immediately available, though candidates eagerly await this news to take their next step towards Canadian permanent residency.
December also witnessed another critical announcement from the IRCC. They confirmed that certain work permit holders could continue their studies in Canada without a study permit. Usually, international students need a study permit to pursue academic, professional, vocational, or other education or training that is longer than six months. However, this announcement means individuals under certain categories of work permits can study without requiring a separate study permit. This could be highly beneficial for immigrants looking to expand their skills or qualifications while taking part in Canada’s active workforce.
Meanwhile, in the province of British Columbia, the provincial government selected more candidates for immigration. The provincial government programs are a popular method for economic immigration to Canada, as provinces can nominate individuals who will contribute to the province’s economy. The details regarding which Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams were involved and how many invitations were applicable are forthcoming.
Lastly, in the province of Manitoba, a significant policy update was met with disappointment. The province announced the end of its open work permit policy for PNP candidates. Previously, the Manitoba PNP had an appeal to international students and temporary foreign workers as it offered open work permits to PNP nominees waiting for their permanent resident (PR) applications to be processed. However, with the discontinuation of this policy, these candidates will have less flexibility and may experience increased uncertainty during their PR application process.
The updates in December continue to demonstrate how diverse and dynamic Canadian immigration can be. Whether positive or negative from the perspective of prospective immigrants, these changes reflect the country’s commitment to regulating immigration process to meet its socio-economic needs. Simultaneously, it ensures that the process is fair, transparent, and manageable, thereby maintaining a welcoming environment for individuals seeking Canadian residency.