Title: Updates to Canadian Immigration: Invitations, LMIA-based Job Offer Changes and Longer Work Permits
As the year unfolds, Canada’s immigration landscape continues to evolve with new policies and provinces opening their doors to prospective immigrants. Several significant developments have taken place recently.
In the latest draws from four provinces namely, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, and Quebec, a large number of candidates were extended invitations for provincial nominations for Canadian immigration. Provincial immigration, a big part of Canada’s bid to elevate immigration levels over the next few years, offers an exciting opportunity for many to migrate.
In Manitoba, 399 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) were issued to skilled workers and international students leaning onto the province for lasting roots. Simultaneously, the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEIPNP) extended 188 invitations across the Express Entry, Labour Impact, and Business Impact immigration categories.
Ontario issued invitations to 326 prospective immigrants in its French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream, a part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Lastly, Quebec held its first-ever Arrima draw and issued invitations to 208 candidates. As Canada aims for higher immigration targets, these steps highlight greater opportunities for aspiring immigrants.
Moving on, changes in the way Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points are awarded could affect Express Entry candidates’ prospects. Previously, having an LMIA-based job offer was a way to accrue additional CRS points. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) removed this benefit in June.
As a result, candidates with LMIA-based job offers no longer enjoy preferential treatment, levelling the playing field for all. While this presents a challenging situation for candidates relying on job offers to boost their CRS scores, this change encourages a more balanced Express Entry draws, thus, extending the opportunity to candidates who may not have job offers but possess other favourable qualifications.
Lastly, temporary residents or TRs applying for permanent residence (PR) through the recent public policies can continue to experience the benefit of longer open work permits. According to the new policy, TR applicants under the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway (TR to PR), whose work permit will expire within four months, can apply for open work permits valid for 18 months.
The new policy means that TRs can continue working in Canada while their applications for permanent residence are still being processed. This, therefore, creates more flexibility and stability for TR’s, who often deal with an uncertain future as they await the outcome of their PR applications.
In summary, Canadian immigration policies continue to evolve to accommodate the ever-fluctuating economic and social landscape. These recent developments reflect the government’s commitment to achieving its ambitious immigration targets to meet its labour market needs and promote economic growth. The adjustments made in the Express Entry system, particularly the removal of the LMIA-based job offer points, signify a more inclusive pathway to immigration. Finally, the decision to extend the duration of open work permits for the TR to PR pathway ensures that temporary residents in Canada maintain a stable legal employment status, thus, contributing positively to the Canadian economy. It will be fascinating to see how these and other changes play out in the coming months.