Changes in Canada's immigration policy, immigrants worried

Several changes to Canada's immigration system have caused concern and uncertainty among immigrants and temporary residents alike. New rules for applying for permanent residence, selecting skilled workers, and claiming refugee status are forcing many applicants to reconsider their plans.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on October 16 that effective November 3, there will be changes to the way skilled workers are assessed under the Express Entry system. The new system will give greater weight to qualified job offers in certain high-paying occupations and relevant work experience gained in Canada. Qualified job offers will also be eligible to receive points without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) certificate under certain conditions. However, not all job offers will be eligible for this benefit.

The new rules emphasize selecting skilled workers based on the needs of the Canadian labor market. Applicants can receive additional points based on their salary and professional qualifications if there is a suitable job offer in a specific occupation. Similarly, work experience gained in Canada in certain high-paying occupations will also play a role in the assessment.

However, receiving benefits under the new rules does not guarantee permanent residence. The applicant must also meet other eligibility requirements for the relevant immigration program.

On the other hand, there have also been changes in the way asylum applications are reviewed. After Bill C-12 became law on March 26, the conditions for accepting asylum applications in certain circumstances have become stricter.

Under the new rules, some asylum applications made more than one year after first entering Canada after June 24, 2020, and some applications made more than 14 days after entering outside of a designated port of entry at the Canada-U.S. land border, will not be forwarded to the Refugee and Immigration Board for a hearing. However, individuals may be eligible for a pre-removal risk assessment.

In addition, changes to the online refugee application process will also be effective from November 3. Those who have only started the application process without submitting their application by the deadline will have to answer some new questions and review previous information.

While changes to immigration laws and application processes have caused many to worry about the future, not all changes apply equally to everyone. Permanent residents, international students, temporary foreign workers, skilled immigrants, and refugee applicants all have different rules and eligibility requirements.

Emphasis has been placed on following the official instructions of the Government of Canada rather than relying on incomplete or misleading information circulated on social media. 

Those concerned believe that in addition to government information, they should seek the assistance of an accredited immigration consultant or lawyer if necessary to understand how the new rules will apply to those whose applications are in the process.

In this time of changing immigration systems, it is most important for applicants to have accurate information, keep necessary documents up to date, and adhere to the established deadlines.