New Business Immigration Measures: What Your Employers Need to Know

The Future of Canadian Immigration is Bright

On July 28, 2022, the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration met to consider opportunities for the future of immigration to Canada and initiatives to respond to pan-Canadian labour shortages. Ministers discussed ways to maximize the effectiveness of the immigration system to meet economic and regional needs, including increasing provincial/territorial involvement in the selection process and input into Express Entry modernization, avoiding duplication, increasing the allocations of the Provincial/Territorial Nominee Programs, and providing timely multi-year allocations before March 31^st, 2023.

Skip Courier Wait Times: In-Person Option Available at Visa Application Centers (VAC) in India

As of August 1^st, applicants residing in India that have been approved for a work permit, study permit or visitor visa to Canada may now submit their passports (with prior appointment) and collect their passports with visa stamped (walk-in) at VAC’s in India.

Get Ready: Major Overhaul Coming to the National Occupation Classification (NOC) System

On November 16, 2022, IRCC is switching to the 2021 version of the NOC. This means that:

• the current NOC 2016 skill type and skill level structure (NOC 0, A, B, C and D) will be replaced with a 6-category system representing the training, education, experience and responsibilities needed to work in an occupation;
• 4-digit occupation codes will become 5-digit codes;
• IRCC will update the eligibility criteria for all programs that use the NOC

Relief for Some Post-Graduation Work Permit Holders

Foreign nationals whose post-graduation work permit expired or will expire as of September 20, 2021, to December 31, 2022, will have the opportunity to work in Canada for an additional 18 months by either extending their work permit or applying for a new one. Those currently in Canada will also be allowed to work in the interim period while their permit is being extended or a new permit is being issued.

IRCC Taking Steps to Address the Growing Backlogs

On August 24, The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced that IRCC will hire up to 1,250 new employees by the end of the fall to increase processing capacity and work through the backlogs of applications. In addition, IRCC is implementing changes to keep processing times low by digitizing applications for more programs and implementing technology-based solutions to achieve faster processing times over the long term.

“COVID Certificate” Requirement Finally Lifted for All Travellers Arriving in France

As of August 1^st, 2022, travellers are no longer required to present a COVID certificate upon arrival in France or have proof of a compelling reason for travel.

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