Immigration Update

Canada introduced program delivery update for healthcare workers permanent residence pathway

On June 2, 2021, the Government of Canada introduced the COVID-19 program delivery update for the Healthcare workers permanent residence pathway. The Government updated the instructions to add information related to the Ministerial stay of removal pursuant to paragraph 50(e) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). In addition, minor adjustments have been made to the guidelines for some aspects of application processing. These are preliminary review and triage; eligibility; admissibility; and making a final decision. This pathway is for eligible refugee claimants who provided direct patient health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will be accepted until August 31, 2021. #COVID_19,#Health_care_workers #Health_care_workers

BC PNP extends the Tech Pilot

On May 28, 2021, British Columbia announced that the BC PNP Tech Pilot has been extended indefinitely to provide B.C. tech employers with the continued ability to recruit and address workforce needs by prioritizing 29 in-demand tech occupations. The program was renamed BC PNP Tech. BC PNP Tech will continue with the existing job offer criteria. The job offer must be for a single job in one of the 29 occupations eligible under the BC PNP Tech; must be at least one year in duration (365 days); and must be at least 120 calendar days remaining on the job offer at the time of application. Longer duration job offers, including indeterminate (permanent, or with no set end date) job offers, will continue to be eligible for the program. #British Columbia, #Tech_pilot, #BCPNP_Tech

Canada introduced new eligibility criteria for International Mobility Program

On May 27, 2021, the Government of Canada introduced new eligibility criteria in International Mobility Program for Specific Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) holders currently residing in Quebec. New instructions update the eligibility criteria to allow applicants who are on maintained status or eligible for restoration as a worker to qualify for this Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemption. Now, to be eligible for a work permit, foreign nationals must have a CSQ at the time of their initial work permit application under this exemption if they have not yet submitted their permanent residence (PR) application. If applicants have submitted their PR application before the expiry date of the CSQ, they still qualify for LMIA exemption if the application is still in process. Work permit applications and renewals may be issued under this LMIA exemption, even if the CSQ is expired.

Canada introduced updates to the temporary public policies for the new TR to PR pathways

On May 26, 2021, the Government of Canada introduced a new program delivery update for the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway (TR2PR). New instructions include several clarifications of the requirements to the temporary public policies for candidates in all four pathways. The updated instructions relate to the entry into Canada and status of the applicants, language proficiency, current work experience, factors to consider for employee and self-employed individuals, intent to reside outside of Quebec, and education requirements for international graduates. These policies aim to facilitate the granting of permanent residence foreign applicants (both English and French-speaking) who have work experience in Canada in an essential occupation or the health or health services field or have recently graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution and reside in Canada, outside of Quebec. #IRCC, #PR, #TR2PR, #essential_workers, #international_graduates, #international_students, #healthcare_workers