Migration to Canada is set to increase in 2022 with numerous immigrants looking to be Canadian citizens.
The pandemic has influenced the Canadian workforce, with several workers being unable to get back to work and the frequent delays in immigration processing. The application and processing of immigrants has faced a backlog as immigrants outside the country struggle to get clearance owing to the pandemic.
The Canadian Immigration has documented about 100,000 permanent residence applications pending in the Express Entry system through 2021. These applications have caused the backlog, and must be completed before the Express Entry processing times go back to their previous levels of operation.
The Canadian Immigration being overwhelmed has seen a decline in immigrants in 2s021, however, due diligence and a faster process will see the transition get a lot smoother and faster. As a result, the Canadian government has come up with new and innovative programs that aim to hasten the immigration process, thus faster processing in 2022.
The Canadian immigration plan has set to increase its level of new immigrants into the country to 1.2 million over the next two years. With annual increases, Canada’s immigration levels will be at their highest in history. The federal department of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) publishes an Immigration Levels Plan every year to govern and increase its operations.
Five Options for Migrating to Canada
Given the recent changes in Immigration, there are five options for migrating to Canada in 2022:
- Express Entry draws program
The Express Entry is a skill based program that aims to award points to immigrants seeking to relocate permanently to Canada. Immigrants who meet the recommended criteria with skills, employment status, provincial nominations, and experience, are awarded points which make them eligible for immigration.
Immigrants who seek to enter Canada with the Express Entry program must have a Bachelor’s or Masters degree and demonstrate English or French proficiency. This program favors applicants who are below the age of thirty. However, the past twelve months has seen the Express Entry program only favor applicants with Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). This has sought to lock out other applicants causing distress and backlog in the Canadian Immigration system.
This plan was formulated by the IRCC to give priority for permanent residency for candidates who were already inside the country as the borders were closed during the pandemic. This has created the backlog in Express Entry applications thus preventing new applicants from applying.
As a result, the IRCC has vowed to resume all program Express Entry applicants after the backlog has been completed. Therefore, this is good news for Express Entry applicants in 2022, hoping the IRCC has a clear and less crowded program by then.
The IRCC (Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has sought to adapt their policies for immigrant applicants to adapt to the current needs. Immigrants are encouraged to be as transparent as possible to give the Immigration officers an opportunity to review their application process as fast as possible.
In 2022, candidates who are issued with an Invitation to Apply (ITA) will be part of the ones who are part of a modern processing platform which enhances and streamlines the entry program. The IRCC is also set to give priority to candidates who meet Canada’s market needs. As a result, there will be changes in the eligibility codes for the entry system to make it better at prioritizing the essential candidates.
Candidates must improve their ratings and rankings in order to increase their score and be eligible to get an ITA.
The presence of the new IRCC portal has made it possible for immigrants to complete their registration and application without hassle. Applicants interested in a visitor visa can start by creating an IRCC account through the portal by signing up their credentials and password.
After creating the account, completing the online application is the next step. The online form provided should be filled and given the supporting documents. The final step is submitting and paying for the application.
The new portal makes it easier for eligible applicants to apply using the Covid-19 guidelines. The applicants whose credentials meet the recommended travel guidelines are able to travel immediately their Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) is issued. This sets them aside for consideration as opposed to those whose can’t be used.
The Covid19 pandemic has affected the state of Canada’s border to minimize the number of applicants set to enter Canada. Many immigrants have faced several exemptions from travelling to the country due to the pandemic. However, 2022 will see these exemptions lifted to enable more immigrants in, only after proof of vaccination. Travelers will be tested as soon as they arrive into the country, and isolated until they receive their results.
With the new Covid-19 variant Omicron, both vaccinated and non-vaccinated users will have to take the Covid-19 test as soon as they arrive, and isolate for fourteen days until the results are in. Foreign nationals from banned countries will not be allowed in, however, Canadian nationals from the banned countries will be allowed in only after a fourteen day quarantine period.
- New Canadian immigration board
Travelers will be able to request or get assistance for with their Canadian immigration application much easier and faster thanks to the new College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants board.
This board will be able to give applicants advice and assistance especially in understanding the provincial and territorial laws, and understanding the citizenship requirements. The consultants will be readily available to answer any questions that an applicant might have.
- Changes in the National Occupational Classification board
The National Occupational Classification board (NOC) ensures that the work experience of skilled applicants and temporary workers fall under the recommended category of the NOC eligibility factors.
The NOC is responsible for understanding the occupational nature of the Canadian market. With five digits of the NOC codes being introduced and 6 TEER levels, applicants will be able to apply for an expanded list of eligibility occupations as there will be a broad spectrum.
