Phone: +1 (514) 487-2011
  • CONTACT US
  • NEWS
  • LANGUAGES
    • English English
    • Français Français
    • Español Español
    • العربية العربية
    • Português Português
    • Русский Русский
    • עברית עברית

Canada Immigration and Visa Information. Canadian Immigration Services and Free Online Evaluation.

  • HOME
  • PROFILE
    • Immigration Attorney Profile – Colin Singer is an experienced authority on all aspects of Canadian immigration.
    • Authorized by the Government of Canada – Colin Singer has been a licensed immigration lawyer in good standing with a Canadian Law Society for over 25+ years.
    • Our Team – Our team of more than 25 licensed lawyers, immigration consultants and technical staff is ready to provide you with the immigration advice your need.
    • Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer? – The decision to move to Canada is life-changing. A lawyer can help maximize your chances of success and realize your immigration project.
    • Client References – The Quebec law society regulates the way lawyers are allowed to publish references from former clients.
    • Colin Singer Wikipedia Profile

    • Attorney Colin R. Singer

      Colin R. Singer is a licensed immigration lawyer in good standing with a Canadian Law Society during the past 25+ years.

    • Introduction to Immigration.ca Website


    • IMMIGRATION
      • Express Entry Overview
        • Express Entry Immigration Draws
        • Express Entry for Skilled Immigration
        • Comprehensive Ranking System
        • Invitations to Apply for Permanent Residence
      • Federal Skilled Worker
        • Who Qualifies as a Skilled Worker?
        • Eligible Occupations
        • How Can We Help You Immigrate?
      • Federal Skilled Trades
      • Canadian Experience Class

      • Provincial Immigration
        • Alberta
        • British Columbia
        • Manitoba
        • New Brunswick
        • Newfoundland
        • Northwest Territories
        • Nova Scotia
        • Ontario
        • Prince Edward Island
        • Saskatchewan
        • Yukon
      • Quebec Immigration
        • Quebec Skilled Worker
        • Quebec Business Immigration
        • Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
      • Atlantic Immigration Pilot
        • Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

      • Sponsorship Immigration
        • Sponsor Your Spouse or Common-Law Partner
        • Sponsor Your Parents & Grandparents
      • Criminal Inadmissibility
        • Impaired Driving Convictions
        • Individual Criminality
        • Organized Crime
        • Rehabilitation
        • Temporary Residence Permits
      • Canadian Citizenship
        • Benefits of Canadian Citizenship
        • Language Requirements
        • Residency Requirements
      • Refugee Immigration

      • BUSINESS
        • Canada offers the most established and widely-used investment-based immigration programs conferring permanent resident status


        • Canada Business Immigration
        • Provincial Entrepreneurs Programs
        • Self-Employed Programs
        • Start-up Visa
          • Eight Things to Know About Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program
        • International Business Immigration Programs
        • Buy a Business

        • Quebec Entrepreneur Program
        • Quebec Investor Program

        • Evaluation Form


          Fill out our FREE Immigration Evaluation Form and we will advise you within 48 Hours if you qualify to Immigrate to Canada.



          Click Here

        • TEMPORARY VISA
          • Canada Temporary Visa Overview – Have you made your decision to come to Canada as a temporary resident? Find out if you require a visa or an eTA.
          • Canada Visit/Tourist Visa – Do you want to visit your family and all the beautiful places Canada has to offer? You may need a tourist visa (TRV) to visit Canada.
          • Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – Are you a foreign national exempt from a TRV? You may need an eTA.
          • Canada Student Visa – You have been admitted to your chosen university? It is time to apply for a study permit.
          • Canada Work Permit – You found a sponsoring employer and you are eager to start your experience in Canada? Obtaining a work permit may be the solution for you.
          • Parents and Grandparents Super Visa – If you want your parents or grandparents to come visit for a longer period of time, a super visa may be the best solution.

          • STUDY
            • Why Study in Canada?
            • Student Direct Stream
            • Study in Canada News Articles
            • Study in Canada FAQ

            • Study in Canada: Steps
              • Step-by-Step Guide for International Students
              • How International Students Can Immigrate to Canada
              • Find Universities in Canada
              • Find Colleges in Canada
              • Get Admission to a University or College
              • Language Tests Converter
              • Financial Requirements
            • Work and Study in Canada
              • Work and Study in Canada
              • Internships and Co-Op Programs
              • On-Campus Work
              • Off-Campus Work
            • Work After Graduation
              • Work After Graduation
              • Post Graduation Work Permit
            • Studying in Quebec
              • Conditions to Qualify under PEQ – Graduate of Quebec Stream
              • How to Prove French Abilities under PEQ
              • Financial Requirements to Study in Quebec

            • EMPLOYMENT
              • Employment & Recruitment
                • Canada Priority Residence Program (CPRP)
                • Canada Employers
                • Job Search for Immigrants
                • Recruitment Team
              • Work Permits
                • LMIA-Based Work Permits
                • LMIA-Exemptions
                • Work Permit Exemptions
                • Open Work Permits
                • Global Skills Stream
                • International Mobility Program
                • International Experience Canada Program
                • Working in Quebec
                • Live-in Caregivers
              • The Application Process
                • How to Apply for a Work Permit?
                • What Happens After Submission?
                • How to Change or Extend Your Work Permit?
              • Working While Studying
                • Work on Campus
                • Work off Campus

              • Evaluation Form


                Fill out our FREE Immigration Evaluation Form and we will advise you within 48 Hours if you qualify to Immigrate to Canada.



                Click Here

              FREEEVALUATION
              Thursday, 24 December 2020 / Published in Canada Immigration, Canada Immigration News Articles, Express Entry, Provincial News Articles

              Canada Immigration Year In Review: How the System Coped With Coronavirus In 2020

              Canada Immigration Year In Review: How the System Coped With Coronavirus In 2020

              Last Updated on December 24, 2020

              Canada and the rest of the world endured a year like no other in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, and immigration was severely impacted.

              Travel restrictions and the closure of the Canada-U.S. border meant newcomers were reduced to a trickle from March, with numbers of new permanent residents way below federal government projections.

              Exemptions allowed in work permit holders, some new permanent residents and certain international students, but for three months at the start of the pandemic, the immigration system essentially stood still.

              Numbers recovered to 15,000 new permanent residents a month by October, still well below the more than 30,000 newcomers a month being welcomed during the same period of 2020.

              With vaccines now approved and being administered in Canada, there is light at the end of the tunnel for 2021.

              A federal government plan to boost immigration levels over 400,000 starting next year means numbers of newcomers are set to skyrocket once the borders can reopen safely. However, it remains difficult to predict when that might be.

              Here, immigration.ca reviews a tumultuous year of immigration developments.


              As the year comes to an end, travel restrictions mean only foreign nationals in a limited number of categories are allowed into Canada.

              Those who can travel include:

              • Immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents staying in Canada for 15 days or more.
              • Extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents staying in Canada for 15 days or more.
              • Person authorized to travel for compassionate reasons.
              • Other foreign nationals
                • Certain people already approved for permanent residence (more later).
                • Certain temporary foreign workers (more later).
                • Certain international students (more later).
                • Other categories including transiting passengers, certain family members of temporary residents and flight crew.

              All travellers must quarantine for 14 days on arrival and present a viable plan for that quarantine to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the border. The plan must include how they intend to transfer from the airport, where they will stay in isolation and how they will access necessities such as food.

              Certain groups are exempt from the need to quarantine, such as truck drivers crossing the Canada-U.S. border.

              Unless travellers can prove they meet the following requirements, they must wait until the travel restrictions are lifted to travel to Canada:

              • Travellers coming from outside the United States must meet specific exemption criteria to travel restrictions.
              • Travellers must be travelling for a non-discretionary reason. This requirement applies to all international and US travellers, no matter what country they are coming from.
              • When the traveller arrives, a border services officer will assess their reason for travel, and determine if they can enter the country.

              Family Members

              Immediate family members are eligible to travel to Canada as long as they can prove they:

              • Are an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered under Canada’s Indian Act.
              • Are staying for 15 days or more.
                • Travellers staying for less than 15 days also need to demonstrate their purpose of travel is non-discretionary.

              Travellers who are an extended family member of a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered under Canada’s Indian Act need written authorization from IRCC to be exempt from travel restrictions.

              Compassionate Reasons

              Those seeking to travel to Canada for compassionate reasons must be authorized by the Public Health Agency of Canada to travel.

              Coming to Canada

              Travellers who meet the requirements listed above need to know the following before travelling:

              • If flying to Canada, travellers need to pass a health check and other airline requirements before an airline will let you board. Travellers with symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to board.
              • As of November 21, 2020, travellers need to submit the following information via the ArriveCAN app or online before they can fly:
                • contact information.
                • travel information.
                • quarantine plan (unless exempt).
                • COVID-19 symptom self-assessment
              • Travellers transiting through a Canadian airport are exempt from the ArriveCAN requirement.
              • When travellers arrive in Canada, a border services officer will assess their health and quarantine plan before allowing entry.

              The number of permanent resident arrivals plummeted in 2020 compared to 2019. Canada welcomed 158,565 new permanent residents in the first 10 months of this year, down from 295,180 in the corresponding period of 2019.



              Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is still accepting permanent resident applications, although it can provide no estimated processing times.

              Applications from citizens trying to return to Canada, vulnerable people and those performing essential services are being prioritized.

              Candidates are required to submit a full application, and advised to wait to apply if they cannot pull together all of the required documents due to COVID-19 restrictions.

              Some of the documents causing difficulties include police certificates, biometrics, passports and medical exams, and applicants are being given a rolling 90-day extension where their application is held up.

              Language tests were initially suspended back in March, although some testing centres have reopened over the last eight months.

              Candidates already approved for permanent residence cannot enter Canada unless covered by an exemption to the travel restrictions.

              Candidates are exempt if: 

              • Their permanent residence was confirmed before March 18, 2020.
              • Their permanent residence was confirmed after March 18, 2020 and they are an immediate family member sponsored by a citizen or permanent resident.
              • They are currently living in the U.S. and coming to Canada directly.

              Candidates only meet the above exemptions if they are coming to Canada to settle permanently, are able to quarantine for 14 days and, if travelling by air, pass an airline health check.

              Permanent Residence in 2020: Read More

              Canada’s 15,000 New Immigrants In October Less Than Half 2019 Figure


              Canada began accepting permanent residence applications on Monday December 14 from refugee claimants who helped care for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

              Two new public policies were published on Wednesday December 9 outlining the details of the new pathways to permanent residence, which were originally announced on August 14.

              The public policies include one for refugee claimants who work in care homes outside Quebec, and one for those who work in the French-speaking province.

              The province of Quebec was particularly affected by a care home staffing crisis during the early stage of the pandemic. 

              Special Program For Asylum Seekers: Read More

              Canada’s Pathway to Permanent Residence for Asylum Seekers in Care Homes Open On December 14
              COVID-19: Pathway to Permanent Residence for Asylum Seekers in Canada’s Care Homes


              Canada has continued to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system despite the restrictions in place due to the pandemic.

              Indeed, 2020 has been a record year, with Canada issuing more than 100,000 ITAs to prospective skilled worker immigrants. 



              Initially, IRCC switched to inviting only Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program candidates, considering them more likely to already be in Canada and therefore not subject to travel restrictions.

              However, after initially resuming in July, all-program draws have become the norm again since the start of September.

               

              Due to the pandemic, candidates receiving an ITA currently have 90 days to submit a full application.

              Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores for all-program draws remained above 470 until the final three draws of the year, when scores of 469 (twice) and 468 were recorded.


              In October, Canada announced an increase in the number of Express Entry points available to French-speaking and bilingual candidates.

              The decision, announced by Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino, saw the points for French-language increase from 15 to 25, and for bilingual candidates from 30 to 50.

              Express Entry in 2020: Read More

              Canada Express Entry
              Express Entry Immigration Draws
              Canada Passes 100,000 Invitations For 2020 In New Express Entry Draw
              Express Entry Draw: Minimum CRS Score Drops to Lowest of 2020
              Canada Increases Express Entry Points for French-Speaking and Bilingual Candidates

              Aside from COVID-19, perhaps the biggest change out of Quebec in 2020 was a change of immigration minister, with Nadine Girault taking over from Simon Jolin-Barrett.

              Quebec continues to accept applications for permanent residence throughout 2020, but warned processing times were likely to be affected by the coronavirus crisis.

              The province was an important driver behind the decision to offer asylum seekers working in Canada’s care homes a pathway to permanent residence.

              Early in the crisis, Quebec’s immigration ministry moved to extend the stay of international students whose Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) expired as of April 30, allowing them to apply to stay in the province until the end of 2020.

              Quebec welcomes 18,155 new immigrants in the first eight months of 2020, compared to 25,550 during the same period of 2019.

              The governing Coalition Avenir Quebec says it plans to increase immigration levels in 2021 to offset the drop in immigration seen in 2020.

              It plans to welcome a maximum of 30,500 newcomers in 2020, rising to a maximum of 47,500 in 2021.


              Quebec’s 2021 Immigration Levels Plan

              Results Plan 2020 Forecast 2020 Plan 2021
              2018 2019 MIN MAX MIN MAX Rebalancing MIN MAX
              Economic 29,192 23,129 25,500 26,300 14,000 17,000 4,600 27,500 29,300
              – Skilled Workers 24,129 19,098 21,600 22,000 12,800 15,000 3,500 22,900 24,200
              – Business 4,204 3,387 3,300 3,600 1,000 1,600 1,000 4,000 4,300
              – Other Economic 859 644 600 700 200 400 100 600 800
              Family Reunification 12,286 9,686 9,900 10,200 6,700 7,100 1,550 9,700 10,200
              Refugees 8,834 7,248 7,200 7,500 4,400 5,800 850 6,900 7,500
              Other Immigrants 811 502 400 500 500 600 0 400 500
              TOTAL 51,123 40,565 43,000 44,500 25,600 30,500 7,000 44,500 47,500

              Quebec also finally pushed through reforms to the Quebec Experience Program in 2020, after a botched attempt at the end of 2019.

              New reforms were proposed in May 2020, which were softened further in July.

              Changes to Quebec Experience Program

              1) Increased Work Experience

              1. Temporary workers will be required to have 24 months of full-time work experience during the 48 months preceding their request for permanent selection.
              2. Quebec graduates will require 12 or 24 months of full-time work experience to qualify for the PEQ. Mandatory internships as part of study programs count up to a maximum of 3 months of full-time work. For holders of a vocational diploma, the work experience requirement is reduced to 18 months. A transitional measure was inserted allowing international students already in Quebec to qualify for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) “under the conditions in effect before the coming into force of the new regulation”. The measure applies to those who have already obtained an eligible qualification, or will do so before December 31, 2020.

              2) Knowledge of French for Spouses
              Spouses of principal applicants will have to demonstrate a level 4 oral knowledge of French. This measure will only come into force in a year.

              3) Proof of French Ability
              A certificate of success of an advanced intermediate level French course offered in Quebec by an educational institution will no longer be admissible as proof of knowledge of French.

              4) Processing Time
              Target processing times will increase from 20 days to 6 months, given “the significant increase in requests submitted in the PEQ”.

              Quebec also announced plans for three new immigration pilot programs targeting specific occupations during 2020.

              Each pilot program will last for five years and include up to 550 candidates per year and their family members, according to the Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI).

              1. Beneficiary Attendant Pilot

              The pilot for the permanent immigration of beneficiary attendants is designed to tackle what Quebec calls the “glaring lack of manpower in this field”.

              2. Food Processing Pilot

              The pilot for food processing provides a pathway to permanent residence for temporary foreign workers in a sector with “significant labour needs”.

              3. Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology and Visual Effects Pilot

              The pilot for workers in artificial intelligence, information technology and visual effects aims to attract international talent, plus allow temporary workers already in Quebec to become permanent residents. Artificial intelligence workers will make up half of the 550 candidates, with the remaining quota divided equally between the other two groups.

              Quebec Immigration 2020: Read More

              Quebec Immigration
              Quebec Immigration Draws
              Quebec Expression of Interest

              Quebec to Increase Immigration in 2021 to Boost Economic Recovery from Coronavirus Pandemic
              Quebec Gives Work Permit Break To International Students Whose Study Permits Expire This Year
              Quebec Immigration Announces Application Fee Increases for 2021
              Quebec Updates Salary Guide For Employers Hiring Temporary Foreign Workers
              Quebec Businesses Get New Arrima Employer Portal To More Easily Hire Highly-Skilled Immigrants
              Quebec Experience Program: MIFI Softens Reforms, Reduces Work Experience


              Canada’s provincial immigration programs have reacted in different ways to the coronavirus crisis.

              Measures were implemented by most provinces to help applicants affected by the pandemic.

              IRCC announced in September that Provincial Nominee Program candidates who lost their employment offers due to coronavirus have a year to find a new job and still qualify for Canada immigration. 

              While most provinces have worked to get back to issuing Invitations to Apply and provincial nominations on a regular basis, only Alberta has announced it plans to limit immigration to help provide jobs for locals during the recovery.

              British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program

              The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) quickly moved to close its Vancouver office and cancel all in-person interviews as coronavirus set in during March.

              A number of measures were introduced for candidates impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns, including the ability to put applications on hold for up to 24 weeks, capped until August 30, 2020.

              BCPNP draws began excluding 31 jobs effectively deemed no longer in demand due to the impact of restrictions.

              But, unlike many provinces, weekly B.C. draws for both skilled immigration streams and the B.C. PNP Tech Pilot continued without a significant break. The Tech Pilot has been extended again into 2021.

              BCPNP: Key Articles and Pages

              British Columbia Immigration
              British Columbia Immigration Draws
              BC PNP Tech Pilot
              COVID-19: British Columbia to Exclude Certain Jobs from Immigration Draws Until End of 2020
              Coronavirus: British Columbia Caps Time Applications Can Be Put On Hold
              British Columbia’s Successful BC PNP Tech Pilot Extended To June 2021

              Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program

              Ontario was another province to follow the federal government lead and continue to invite candidates and issue nominations despite the coronavirus crisis.

              The province reached its 2020 nomination allocation, including 450 extra spaces, in December.

              The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) also launched and later met its intake limit for a new Regional Immigration Pilot, designed to get skilled immigrants moving to smaller communities.


              Summary of Ontario NOIs 2020

              Stream Notifications of interest
              Human Capital Priorities Stream (HCP) 6,716
              French Speaking Skilled Worker Stream (FSSW) 902
              Skilled Trades Stream (ST) 1,464
              Entrepreneur Stream 113

              The province also effectively created a new stream for manufacturing jobs by adding 13 NOC codes to the target occupations under the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skilled Stream.

              Ontario will launch an Express of Interest system for several of its streams in 2021.

              OINP: Key Articles and Pages

              Ontario Immigration
              Ontario immigration Draws
              Ontario Immigration Maxes Out 2020 Nomination Allocation – Including 450 Extra Spaces

              Ontario International Student Stream: Candidates Affected By Error Will Be Allowed to Register
              Ontario Meets Intake Limit for Regional Immigration Pilot
              Ontario Immigration to Introduce Expression of Interest System
              Ontario Adds 13 New Manufacturing Occupations to Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skilled Stream
              Coronavirus: Ontario Immigration Issues Extensive Advice For Candidates and Employers

              Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program

              Manitoba escaped major lockdowns during the first wave of coronavirus, but was fully in the eye of the storm by the time the second wave of COVID-19 began to spread in Canada.

              Immigration draws for the oldest provincial program continued uninterrupted. This including the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) conducting its 100th draw on October 8.

              MPNP: Key Articles and Pages

              Manitoba Immigration
              Manitoba Immigration Draws
              Manitoba Immigration Conducts 100th Provincial Draw, Issues 191 LAAs

              Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program

              Saskatchewan was another province to escape the brutal impact of the first wave of COVID-19 in Canada, but bear the brunt of the second wave.

              The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program postponed Entrepreneur Expression of Interest draws from March onwards as a result of the pandemic.

              Draws continued through the Saskatchewan Expression of Interest system, targeted at the province’s Occupations In-Demand and Express Entry categories.

              Earlier in the year, before the crisis began, the province moved to abandon its use of application intake thresholds and repeated a call to be given more power over its immigration system.

              SINP: Key Articles and Pages

              Saskatchewan Immigration
              Saskatchewan Immigration Draws
              Saskatchewan To Abandon Use Of Immigration Application Intake Thresholds
              Saskatchewan Continues To Push Ottawa For More Immigration Power

              Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program

              Alberta has so far been the only Canadian province to expressly state it would be reducing immigration as part of its coronavirus response.

              Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) draws stopped in June 2020 after the announcement of Premier Jason Kenny’s recovery strategy.

              The province also announced it would not meet its federal government nomination allocation for 2020. It chose to nominate 4,000 candidates, 64 per cent of the 6,250 spaces allocated by Ottawa.

              Alberta also announced two new programs aimed at international graduate entrepreneurs in 2020.

              The International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream opened on October 26, 2020, while a new Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa Stream aimed at graduates from U.S. universities is due to open in January 2021.

              AINP: Key Articles and Pages

              Alberta immigration
              Alberta Immigration Draws

              Alberta Immigration Launches Two New Programs Aimed at International Graduate Entrepreneurs
              Alberta Immigration Says It Will Not Meet 2020 Federal Nomination Allocation
              Alberta Immigration Introduces Series of Coronavirus Special Measures
              Alberta Engineering Technologist Regulator Leads Way On Foreign Credential Recognition

              Nova Scotia Nominee Program

              Nova Scotia managed to escape the brunt of the coronavirus crisis, along with the Atlantic region in general. Case numbers were low in both the first and second wave, although they were the highest in the region.

              The province has had a quiet year in term of immigration, with the major news being the permanent closure of the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream in December. 

              The stream was unpopular and was usurped by the Labour Market Priorities stream, though which draws were conducted throughout the year.

              NSNP: Key Articles and Pages

              Nova Scotia Immigration
              Nova Scotia Immigration Draws
              Nova Scotia Announces Permanent Closure of Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream
              Nova Scotia Appeals To Canada’s Federal Government For Help Bringing In Doctors
              Atlantic Immigration Pilot Candidates: Submit Work Permit Applications Online

              New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program

              New Brunswick was another province to escape the full force of the coronavirus pandemic during both waves in 2020.

              The province moved early to restrict inter-provincial migration, although was later part of the ‘Atlantic bubble’ with its three neighbours of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador and Prince Edward Island.

              New Brunswick officials announced bold plans to increase immigration to 10,000 newcomers per year at the start of 2020.

              Later in the year, the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) announced a new pathway to permanent residence specifically for transport truck drivers, under NOC 7511.   

              NBPNP: Key Articles and Pages

              New Brunswick immigration
              New Brunswick Immigration Creates Specific Pathway For Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 7511)
              Coronavirus: New Brunswick Restricts Inter-Provincial Migration
              New Brunswick Plans To Grow Economy By Boosting Immigration To 10,000 Per Year

              Prince Edward Island Provincial Nomination Program

              Prince Edward Island also managed to keep its coronavirus case load to a minimum, although there were disruptions to draws through the PEI Provincial Nomination Program.

              The PEI immigration office provided essential services only during the first wave, when monthly skilled worker draws were all but halted.

              The province did leverage the PEI PNP to bring in healthcare workers and truckers to support its pandemic response.

              PEI PNP: Key Articles and Pages

              Prince Edward Island Immigration
              Prince Edward Island Immigration Draws
              Prince Edward Island Leverages PEI PNP To Support Healthcare and Trucking Industries

              Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program

              The Newfoundland & Labrador Office of Immigration continued to provide essential services for newcomers and employers during the coronavirus crisis. Application screening and processing continued at reduce volume.

              The Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) upped its game in terms of attracting technology workers in 2020.

              Multiple IT jobs were added to its in-demand occupations and it announced a new PNP stream targeting tech sector workers.

              Changes were also made to requirements for the province’s International Graduate Category.

              Key Articles and Pages

              Newfoundland & Labrador Immigration
              Newfoundland Adds Multiple IT Jobs to List of In-Demand Occupations
              Newfoundland Immigration Changes Requirements for International Graduate Category
              Newfoundland To Open New PNP Stream Targeting Technology Sector Workers
              Newfoundland Immigration Releases Coronavirus Guidelines


              The number of people becoming Canadian citizens has effectively ground to a halt during the pandemic.

              Citizenship confirmation ceremonies and citizenship tests were initially completely suspended. 

              While a limited number of ceremonies are now taking place online, language and knowledge tests are yet to resume.

              In the first six months of 2020, a total of 62,696 people became Canadian citizens, compared 127,580 in the same period of 2019.

              Other developments included Canada changing the rules on qualifying for Canadian citizenship to help non-biological parents with children born abroad.

              The change in interpretation of the Citizenship Act allows non-biological parents to pass down citizenship to their first-generation children born abroad.

              Canada had started the year expected to enact a 2019 pledge to abolish the fee for citizenship, a Liberal government policy that has fallen down the list of priorities due to the pandemic.

              Citizenship in 2020: Read More

              Canadian Citizenship
              Canada Resumes Citizenship Knowledge Tests With New Online Platform
              Candidates Wait for Canada’s Federal Government to Abolish Citizenship Fee
              Canada Changes Rules on Who Qualifies for Citizenship at Birth
              Canada Plans To Change Citizenship Oath To Reference Indigenous People


              Canada quickly introduced an exemption to travel restrictions for temporary workers, soon after the travel restrictions and border closures were put in place in March.

              This was in recognition of the vital role temporary workers play in keeping Canada’s economy ticking, including working on farms to maintain the food supply.  

              Temporary workers coming to Canada are exempt from travel restrictions provided their travel is essential.

              They are considered essential if they have a valid work permit and normally live in Canada, or if they have a letter of introduction for a work permit, a valid job offer and are ready to start work after their 14-day quarantine.

              As a result of the exemption, temporary worker numbers did not fall as dramatically as numbers of new permanent residents.

              Through the International Mobility Program, 127,230 temporary workers arrived in the first eight months of 2020, compared to 193,860 in the same period of 2019.

              Through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, 66,175 temporary workers arrived in the first eight months of 2020, compared to 78,195 in the same period of 2019.

              Temporary Workers in 2020: Read More

              Ottawa Aims to Help Canada Employers Hire Visitors with Temporary Policy Change
              Coronavirus: These Essential Temporary Workers No Longer Need To Submit Biometrics
              Canadian Employers Must Pay Mandatory 14-day Quarantine When Hiring Temporary Foreign Workers
              COVID-19: Special Measures For Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program
              COVID-19: Agriculture Employers to get $1,500 for Each Self-Isolating Temporary Worker
              Coronavirus: Chartered Flights Bringing Important Temporary Foreign Workers To Canada


              International students have been the subject of a number of policy changes during 2020 and the COVID-19 crisis.

              As of October 20, 2020, international student have been allowed to travel to Canada provided they are attending a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by their provincial or territorial government. They must still quarantine for 14 days on arrival.

              A full list of eligible post-secondary schools is here.

              Initially, international students were allowed to travel to Canada provided their Study Permit was granted before March 18, 2020.

              A new 2-step process was introduced for students starting in fall 2020 who had to begin their courses online. The process involved approval in principle for candidates beginning their studies online, with full approval to be granted at a later date when the candidate arrived in Canada.

              Changes were also made to the Post Graduation Work Permit for students who needed to switch to taking their courses online.

              Students in one of the following categories remain eligible for the PGWP if at least half of their program is completed in Canada:

              1) Study permit holders who had already begun their studies in Canada, but left Canada and are continuing their courses online.

              2) Candidates approved for a study permit for a program starting in spring, summer or fall 2020, who will begin their program online instead of trying to travel to Canada.

              International Students in 2020: Read More

              Canada Student Visa
              Student Direct Stream
              International Students Increasingly Important to Canada’s Colleges and Universities: Study
              Designated Learning Institutions With Approved COVID-19 Readiness Plans For International Students
              Canada’s Coronavirus Travel Exemption For International Students Begins Today, October 20
              Canada Relaxes Coronavirus Travel Restrictions For Extended Family, International Students
              International Student Stuck in Express Entry Pool? Consider Canada’s Start-Up Visa
              Canada Adds Coronavirus Travel Exemption For International Students From U.S.
              Canada Offers More Detail on Coronavirus Measures for International Students

              Canada immigration in 2021 hinges on the reopening of borders and how quickly the coronavirus vaccines have an impact on global case numbers.

              The federal government certainly has bold plans for when the borders do reopen.

              After issuing a record number of Express Entry ITAs in 2020, IRCC is positioning itself for a flood of newcomers at some point in the next year.


              Canada’s 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan

              2021 2022 2023
              Overall Planned Permanent Resident Admissions 401,000 411,000 421,000
              Economic Federal High Skilled 108,500 110,500 113,750
              Federal Business 1,000 1,000 1,000
              Economic Pilots: Caregivers; Agri-Food Pilot; Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot 8,500 10,000 10,250
              Atlantic Immigration Pilot 6,000 6,250 6,500
              Provincial Nominee Program 80,800 81,500 83,000
              Quebec Skilled Workers and Business See the Quebec immigration plan To be determined To be determined
              Total Economic 232,500 241,500 249,500
              Family Spouses, Partners and Children 80,000 80,000 81,000
              Parents and Grandparents 23,500 23,500 23,500
              Total Family 103,500 103,500 104,500
              Refugees and Protected Persons Protected Persons in Canada and Dependents Abroad 23,500 24,500 25,000
              Resettled Refugees – Government-Assisted 12,500 12,500 12,500
              Resettled Refugees – Privately Sponsored 22,500 22,500 22,500
              Resettled Refugees – Blended Visa Office-Referred 1,000 1,000 1,000
              Total Refugees and Protected Persons 59,500 60,500 61,000
              Humanitarian and Other Total Humanitarian and Other 5,500 5,500 6,000

              The immigration levels plan presented to parliament at the end of October projects more than 1.2 million newcomers over the next three years.

              But all of that relies on bringing the pandemic under control.

              As the year comes to an end, COVID-19 is still raging all over the world, most notably in the United States where it is spreading relentlessly.

              With such significant variables having a dramatic impact on Canada’s immigration system, 2021 promises to be one of the most unpredictable years ever.


              Tagged under: 2020 Year In Review, Canada immigration, coronavirus, COVID-19, Express Entry, Irregular border crossers, pandemic, Provincial Nominee Programs, Quebec Immigration, temporary workers

              Are you eligible to Immigrate to Canada?

              Find out if you are eligible to immigrate to Canada in less than 48 hours by filling our FREE Online Evaluation form. Click Here. 

               

              Close

              Express Entry

              • Express Entry Immigration
              • How Express Entry Works
              • Immigration Draws
              • Express Entry for Skilled Immigration
              • Create an Online Express Entry Profile
              • Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
              • Candidate Pool
              • Job Bank
              • Invitations to Apply for Permanent Residence (ITAs)
              • Job Offer
              • Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs)
              • Does My Work Experience Meet Requirements?
              • How Does Age Affect My Canada Immigration Application?
              • What Settlement Funds Do I Need?
              • Language Tests Converter
              • Provincial and Territorial Nominee Programs (PTNP)
              • Comprehensive Ranking System – Point Grid
              • Boosting Your Score Under The Canada Express Entry Immigration System (Video)
              • How to Gain 50 or 200 Points Under Express Entry (Video)
              • Express Entry: How to find a job in Canada (Video)
              • How to Immigrate to Canada Under Express Entry with CRS Scores Under 400 (Video)
              • Latest CRS Score

              CANADA NEWS ARTICLES

              Recent Posts

              • What To Do If You Didn't Get Selected For Canada's Parents and Grandparents Program

                What To Do If You Didn’t Get Selected For Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program

              • Nova Scotia Immigration Targets Financial Offers Under NOC 1114 In New Draw

                Nova Scotia Immigration Targets Financial Offers Under NOC 1114 In New Draw

              Site Search

              Subscribe to Our Newsletter

              Interested Candidates

              Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free evaluation form We will provide you with our evaluation within 1-2 business days.

              • Free Evaluation Form

              Interested Agents

              Immigration.ca welcomes affiliations with qualified agents. Follow the link below to find out more.

              • Contact Us

              Interested Employers

              Kindly contact us here to receive further information.

              • Contact Us


              News

              Read more news about Canada Immigration.

              • Latest News

              Follow Immigration.ca

              facebook
              twitter
              Follow
              youtube
              linkedin

              What You Can Read Next

              What To Do If You Didn't Get Selected For Canada's Parents and Grandparents Program

              What To Do If You Didn’t Get Selected For Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program

              20 January 2021 By Colin R. Singer in Canada Immigration News Articles, Family sponsorship immigration
              Nova Scotia Immigration Targets Financial Offers Under NOC 1114 In New Draw

              Nova Scotia Immigration Targets Financial Offers Under NOC 1114 In New Draw

              19 January 2021 By Colin R. Singer in Canada Immigration News Articles, Nova Scotia, Provincial News Articles
              Canada’s Prime Minister Makes Bringing In Healthcare Workers A Top Priority

              Canada’s Prime Minister Makes Bringing In Healthcare Workers A Top Priority

              19 January 2021 By Colin R. Singer in Canada Immigration, Canada Immigration News Articles, Coronavirus
              Prince Edward Island Publishes 2021 Expression of Interest Draw Dates, With First One On Thursday

              Prince Edward Island Publishes 2021 Expression of Interest Draw Dates, With First One On Thursday

              18 January 2021 By Colin R. Singer in Canada Immigration News Articles, Prince Edward Island news, Provincial News Articles
              Immigrants Needed to Fill Jobs As Canada’s Economy Recovers Post-COVID-19

              Immigrants Needed to Fill Jobs As Canada’s Economy Recovers Post-COVID-19

              15 January 2021 By Colin R. Singer in Canada Immigration News Articles, Canada job, Coronavirus

              Canada Immigration

              • Home
              • Profile
              • Immigration
              • Temporary Visa
              • Study
              • Employment
              • Immigration.ca News

              Immigration.ca Network

              • Latest CRS Score
              • SkilledWorker
              • Investment Immigration
              • Buy a Business & Move to Canada
              • GRN Montreal
              • Canada Immigration News
              • Colin Singer

              Other Links

              • Agents and Affiliates
              • Find Our Affiliates
              • Canada Case Law
              • Immigration Wiki
              • Immigration Manuals
              • Operational Bulletins
              • International Business Programs
              • Universities Evaluation Form
              • Colleges Evaluation Form
              • Podcasts
              • Videos
              • eBook Series
              • Publications
              • Wikipedia

              Help

              • Free Immigration Evaluation
              • Immigration Discussion Forum
              • Immigration FAQ
              • Contact Us
              • Telephone Consultation
              • Download Our New Mobile App
              • Link to Us
              • Sitemap
              • Disclaimer
              • Privacy Statement
              • Fraud Alert

              Contact

              Tel: +1 (514) 487-2011


              Fax: +1 (514) 487-2385



              Canadian Citizenship & Immigration Resource Center (CCIRC) Inc.

              Montreal Head Office
              4999 Ste-Catherine St. W, Suite 515
              Montreal, Quebec
              Canada, H3Z 1T3

              Toronto Office (By appointment)

              Mana Hosseini, B.A., M.B.A., JD
              President, Start Up Visa
              Business Advisory Group

              181 University Ave, Suite 2200
              Toronto, Ontario
              Canada, M5H 3M7

              Email: [email protected]
              Tel: +1 (514) 487-2011 
              Fax: +1 (416) 644-4675


              ©Copyright CCIRC Inc. 2020. All rights reserved.

              TOP
              • CONTACT US
              • NEWS
              • LANGUAGES
                • English English
                • Français Français
                • Español Español
                • العربية العربية
                • Português Português
                • Русский Русский
              Immigration.ca Logo
              • Free Evaluation
              • Home
              • Profile
                • Immigration Attorney Profile
                • Authorized by the Government of Canada
                • Our Team
                • Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer?
                • Client References
                • Colin Singer Wikipedia Profile
                • Back
              • Immigration
                • Canada Immigration Overview
                • Express Entry Overview
                  • Express Entry
                  • Federal Skilled Worker
                  • Federal Skilled Trades
                  • Canadian Experience Class
                  • Back
                • Provincial Immigration
                • Quebec Immigration
                • Business and Investment Immigration
                • Atlantic Immigration Pilot
                • Sponsorship Immigration
                • Refugee Immigration
                • Criminal Inadmissibility
                • Citizenship
                • Back
              • Temporary Visa
                • Canada Temporary Visa Overview
                • Canada Visit/Tourist Visa
                • Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
                • Canada Student Visa
                • Canada Work Permit
                • Parents and Grandparents Super Visa
                • Back
              • Business
                • Canada Business Immigration
                • Provincial Entrepreneurs Programs
                • Self-Employed Programs
                • Start-up Visa
                • International Business Immigration Programs
                • Buy a Business
                • Quebec Entrepreneurs Program
                • Quebec Investor Program
                • Back
              • Study
                • Canada Study Assessment
                • Why Study in Canada?
                • Student Direct Stream
                • Study in Canada: Steps
                  • Study in Canada: Steps
                  • Step-by-Step Guide for International Students
                  • How International Students Can Immigration to Canada
                  • Find Universities in Canada
                  • Find Colleges in Canada
                  • Get Admission to a University or College
                  • Language Tests Converter
                  • Financial Requirements
                  • Back
                • Work and Study in Canada
                  • Work and Study in Canada
                  • Internships and Co-Op Programs
                  • On-Campus Work
                  • Off-Campus Work
                  • Back
                • Work After Graduation
                  • Work After Graduation
                  • Post Graduation Work Permit
                  • Back
                • Studying in Quebec
                  • Conditions to Qualify under PEQ – Graduate of Quebec Stream
                  • How to Prove French Abilities under PEQ
                  • Financial Requirements to Study in Quebec
                  • Back
                • Study in Canada News Articles
                • Study in Canada FAQ
                • Back
              • Employment
                • Employment & Immigration Programs
                  • Employment & Recruitment
                  • Canada Priority Residence Program (CPRP)
                  • Canada Employers
                  • Job Search for Immigrants
                  • Back
                • Work Permits
                  • Work Permits
                  • LMIA-Based Work Permits
                  • LMIA-Exemptions
                  • Work Permit Exemptions
                  • Open Work Permits
                  • Global Skills Stream
                  • International Mobility Program
                  • International Experience Canada Program
                  • Working in Quebec
                  • Live-in Caregivers
                  • Back
                • The Application Process
                  • How to Apply for a Work Permit?
                  • What Happens After Submission?
                  • How to Change or Extend Your Work Permit?
                  • Back
                • Working While Studying
                  • Work on Campus
                  • Work off Campus
                  • Back
                • Back
              Free Immigration Evaluation
              Click Here

              Free Immigration Evaluation Forms

              • Skilled Worker Assessment
              • Business Immigration Assessment
              • Start-up Visa Assessment
              • Family Class Sponsorship Assessment
              • Canada Study Assessment
              • Telephone Consultation
              Send this to a friend