Canada recorded 17,115 new permanent resident arrivals in May, as immigration numbers dropped further behind the levels required to hit ambitious targets.
The number of arrivals, although greater than the same period of 2020, is the lowest monthly total of 2021. Since welcoming 24,675 newcomers in January, numbers have fallen every month.
Canada has welcomed 108,730 new permanent residents in the first five months of the year, up from 84,155 in the same period of 2020.
Data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) earlier this week shows the country welcomed over 70,000 new immigrants in the first quarter of this year. This Q1 2021 figure is well above the 30,000-40,000 newcomers Canada had been landing per quarter since the start of the pandemic.
IRCC is guided by the most ambitious immigration plan in the country’s history. In late October 2020, the department’s minister, Marco Mendicino, announced the 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan.
Canada aims to welcome 401,000 new immigrants in 2021 which would tie the record set in 1913. It looks to welcome even more newcomers over the next two years.
By way of comparison, Canada welcomed just 184,000 immigrants last year, due to coronavirus disruptions, which was well short of the 341,000 newcomers it welcomed in 2019.
The rationale of the current levels plan is to welcome high levels of immigration to support Canada’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
In light of its COVID-19 travel restrictions, Canada is prioritizing transitioning temporary residents to permanent residence during the pandemic.
The main way IRCC is doing this is by holding Express Entry draws that target individuals currently in Canada. Express Entry is the primary way Canada welcomes economic class immigrants. The economic class accounts for nearly 60 per cent of the new immigrants Canada admits each year.
Express Entry draws have targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. The CEC has comprised the overwhelming majority of successful Express Entry candidates in 2021.
On February 13, IRCC invited 27,332 CEC candidates to apply for permanent residence, which was almost six times larger than the previous Express Entry draw record.
In addition, IRCC launched six new permanent residence streams last week that aim to transition some 90,000 essential workers and international graduates to permanent residence. The English-speaking international graduate stream reached its quota of 40,000 applicants in just over 24 hours.
Extra Good Reasons to Apply for Canada
Permanent Resident Visa in 2021
Immigration target set to 401,000 this year, a number never before-
The government has stated that more people will be invited through Canada Permanent Resident Visa this year.
New Immigration Minister introduced this year-
Canada has a record that with every change in Ministry, the rules become more flexible for applicants to apply for Canada immigration.
Recent rule changes in points system-
The recent changes have made it more convenient & favorable for applicants to apply for Canada Permanent Resident Visa this year.
CRS Score will go down to an unimaginary number-
CRS score this year has reduced in each draw & will reduce more, making it a benefit for people with low scores and a wish to migrate to Canada.
PNP will open frequently this year-
Government announced that provinces need more immigrants & a large number of eligible applicants will receive nominations from different provinces for Canada Permanent Residency.
What’s changed?
The passing grade for points remains at 67 out of 100.
Language (maximum 24 points): From 16 to 28 points – the 12-point increase is the single largest category in the point roster. The test itself will no longer be a self-declared test but will go through either IELTS or CELPIP external testing bodies. Secondary language points will be reduced from 8 to 4.
Language levels with corresponding points will include soft skills and workplace language proficiencies like:
Basic: Understands the main points and important details of a conversation and can write routine business correspondence; able to participate in small group discussions and express opinions and reservations about a topic.
Moderate: Understands technical conversations and reading material in their line of work; asks questions, analyzes and compares information in order to make decisions.
High: Participates in business meetings and debates; understands a broad range of general and abstract topics; writes formal and informal notes and summary documents.
Age (maximum 12 points): The old system gave 10 points to anyone between 21 to 49 years and continued awarding points for age until 53. The revised selection grid would favour younger immigrants by awarding a maximum of 12 points for applicants aged 18 to 35, compared to applicants aged 21 to 49 who receive maximum points for age under the current grid, with one point being deducted per year with no points from age 47.
Education (maximum 25 points): Points will be based on Canadian educational credentials so all applicants will have to submit their qualifications to a credential evaluation service. Those wishing to work in regulated occupations will need the Canadian regulatory body to approve them.
A list of assessment organizations designated by the minister will be made available soon. The assessment of foreign educational credentials will provide prospective newcomers with a more realistic understanding of how their credentials compare to education standards in Canada. It will also give them the opportunity to upgrade their education prior to coming to Canada if they choose.
Work experience (maximum 15 points): The number of points allocated for work experience will be reduced to 15 from 21. However, if applicants have at least one year of Canadian work experience, they would get double the points than with the previous system.
Arranged employment (maximum 10 Points): The previous process of Arranged Employment Opinion has been eliminated. All applicants must now apply to Service Canada for Labour Market Opinions (LMO). Adaptability could add an extra 5 points.
Adaptability (maximum 10 points): One-year of skilled work experience will get 10 points under the new rules. Spouses, however, would get 5 points for the same one-year experience. In order to claim 5 points for a relative in Canada, the relative must be at least 18 years of age.