Much like the rest of the world, in 2020 Canada experienced the Coronavirus pandemic. In 2021, we expect this to continue affecting Canadian immigration.
Luckily, Canada began the largest vaccination campaign in its history this past December and aims to vaccinate those who want COVID-19 immunization by September 2021. If this follows through, Canada’s immigration system will begin to return to normal. If this is the case, here’s what we can expect from Canadian immigration in 2021:
Changes to Canadian Immigration in 2021
Travel Restrictions May Be Lifted
Travel restrictions were put in place for Canada during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lifting of such restrictions would help newcomer flows recover, which would give the country’s economy a much-needed boost.
Parents and Grandparents Program 2021
IRCC has confirmed that the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) lottery for the 2020 intake will occur in early 2021, most likely in January. With this lottery, IRCC will invite up to 10,000 applicants in the first round of applications to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada. It is also predicted that another PGP lottery will take place towards the end of the year, this time inviting up to 30,000 applicants.
CRS Score May Decrease
It is anticipated that the lowest CRS score might decrease as Canada has not met its target to invite enough immigrants this year. Due to COVID-19, we saw the lowest CRS score this past year was quite high, so we expect that it will decrease in 2021 in order to meet ITA targets.
Special pathways for Hong Kong citizens
Canada will soon introduce two new immigration pathways that will allow people from Hong Kong to apply for a three-year work permit or permanent residency.
Immigrants from Hong Kong who graduated from a recognized university in the past five years will soon be able to apply to work in Canada for up to three years. Also, Hong Kong citizens in Canada will be able to apply for permanent residency if they meet a new set of minimum requirements.
Huge Focus on Economic Programs
It is envisioned that with the increase of numbers the Canadian government has announced for the next 3 years, the impact and demand for skilled labour will increase and employers should look towards the Agri-Food Pilot, Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, Francophone Immigration to facilitate this need. Moreover, employers should look to consider Global Skills Strategy schemes when they want to bring foreign talent over, fast.
2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan
IRCC aims to welcome 401,000 new permanent residents in 2021, 411,000 in 2022, and 421,000 in 2023 through the Government of Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan.
Each year, the annual number of newcomers will increase, which will inevitably make the highest level of immigration levels in modern history for Canada.
Are You Interested in Immigrating to Canada in 2021?
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VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor
Casey
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