Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has published the latest processing times on its website. The new data includes the processing time for both Express Entry and non-Express Entry applications. The changes come after IRCC digitized more programs and implemented new technologies. Its efforts are expected to reduce wait times in the long run. IRCC has announced a number of changes to its policies and procedures. This includes introducing a new application form (IRCC WebForm) for family members and reducing IRCC application processing times. It also extends the OWP facilitative measure to 2023 and lifts the annual occupational caps for program participants. In addition, the IRCC will provide temporary work permits for foreign nationals whose PGWP expires in 2023 or earlier.
The IRCC is also increasing its funding for service providers to help newcomers find employment and access services. The money will be distributed over the next four years and will go towards initiatives such as assisting racialized women, providing language training for newcomers, and supporting pre-arrival services. The IRCC will also be launching a new website that will make it easier for immigrants to connect with services in their area.
Express Entry System Updates
In March 2023, IRCC hit three key milestones in the Express Entry system and issued invitations to apply for permanent residence to 21,667 candidates. These numbers are more than double the number of invitations issued during the same period last year. The department also conducted an all-program Express Entry draw for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The IRCC is now back to processing applications within six months, but the agency has warned that getting through the massive backlog will take a while. The agency expects to finish up its processing of applications received before the pandemic began, and it will continue to prioritize priority cases.
IRCC Updates for International Students
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a series of measures that will help international students. These include extending off-campus work hours and expanding post-graduation work permit eligibility. These changes will allow students to support themselves while they study and increase their chances of obtaining permanent residence in Canada. However, IRCC warns that students should continue to be aware of their immigration status.
If you have a study permit that expires in 2023, you can apply for a co-op work period of up to one year if your IRCC application was received before October 7, 2022. This temporary public policy allows most full-time international students to work off campus up to 20 hours per week while studying and during scheduled breaks such as summer vacation. Students who wish to apply for the co-op work period should contact their academic advisor by their normal communication methods to request permission. It is important to understand how taking time off will impact your immigration status and how this can impact future applications for a post-graduation work permit.
Students should continue to carefully monitor their IRCC application status and take advantage of on-campus career services. They should also save pay slips and work schedules to document their off-campus work hours, in case they are required to provide them as evidence during the process of applying for a post-graduation work visa. In addition, students should also consider tracking their off-campus work hours on the UBC Student Dashboard and include these details in future immigration applications. If you have any questions, please contact your Academic Advisor or a career consultant at the Centre for Student Involvement and Careers.
IRCC 2023-24 Plan
IRCC’s 2023-24 plan includes enhancing Canada’s economic immigration programs to meet local labour needs better. This will include a new Municipal Nominee Program and more regional and sector-based economic immigration programs. The department also plans to expand the Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus, which rewards firms that undertake investments, internationalization, or company and workforce transformation activities.
Lastly, the department will continue to leverage immigration to support Canada’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes ensuring labour protections and employment standards apply to temporary foreign workers. It will also continue to develop and implement the Global Skills Strategy (GSS) to ensure a competitive and inclusive Canadian labour market.
IRCC Processing Times Updates
The IRCC is now back to processing applications within six months, but the agency has warned that getting through the massive backlog will take a while. The agency expects to finish up its processing of applications received before the pandemic began, and it will continue to prioritize priority cases.
IRCC is ALSO focused on improving internal processing strategies and implementing innovative solutions to reduce wait times. These initiatives will help the department reach its goal of processing 80% of applications within a service standard, which is a measure that indicates how long it takes for the department to process an application. This is an important milestone in achieving the department’s goal of making Canada a safer, more prosperous, and diverse country.
The COVID-19 pandemic created a huge backlog for IRCC, and the agency struggles with processing times. The IRCC has been implementing new processes to ensure the agency can keep its processing times low in the long term. These include digitizing more applications, establishing processing time projections, and publishing monthly data on its website.
IRCC Updates for Permanent Residence
IRCC updates for permanent residence are important for those who have applied or intend to apply for Canada PR. The Canada immigration rules are subject to change frequently, so it’s imperative to understand the changes and latest updates before you apply for permanent residency. These changes and updates may affect the applicants in various ways, especially those applying for Canada PR this year. To keep up with the latest Canada immigration updates, you can follow IRCC’s social media accounts.