Immigration to Canada: 2021 Guide

The year 2021 will mark a significant milestone in the Canadian immigration system, as the country begins implementing its highly ambitious immigration programs to bring in a record-high number of immigrants. Most plans to ensure a seamless process of all these initiatives were concluded last year. There have also been some new measures in the visa application process, travel arrangements, as well as movements in and out of Canada. While these have necessitated some changes, they don’t in any way affect the country’s status as a leading immigrant destination. With all these plans in place, there has never been a better place to migrate to Canada.

Top Immigration Programs in 2021

The Canadian immigration system has various programs you can choose from, regardless of your professional or educational background, nationality, budget, or preference. Some of the easiest and most utilized programs in 2021 are the Express Entry Program that allows you to reside and work in Canada as a skilled worker. We also have Family Class Sponsorship which can be sponsored by a relative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and LMIA Work Visa sponsored by a Canadian based employer.

Others include the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) for those who want to settle in a specific province. AIPP Canada could be another pathway for skilled workers, relatively fast one.

There is also a Canada business visa for entrepreneurs from across the world. A good example is the Canadian Investor Immigration for high net-worth individuals with willingness and wherewithal to invest in the Canadian economy. Apart from these, there are other categories you can explore. They include The Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Humanitarian and Compassionate Application, and Refugee Claims.

Recent Changes in Canadian Immigration You Should Know

As a leading immigrant-friendly country, the Canadian government has always improved its immigration system to ensure immigrants in the country as well as new immigration applicants from all over the world have a hitch-free application process and make the most of their stay in Canada. Some of the recent changes are:

More Opportunities for Permanent Residence Applicants

In October 2020, the country announced its 2021-2023 Immigration Level Plan, which has been regarded as the highest immigration level in its history. Over the next 3 years, Canada will welcome more than 1.2 million new permanent residents in this order – 401,000 in 2021, 411,000 in 2022, and 421,000 in 2023. Though this highly ambitious initiative was earlier scheduled to take place between 2020 and 2022. However, due to the coronavirus-induced interruptions and restrictions on international travel, the plan couldn’t materialize last year, which is why it’s taking off in 2021. This means that more people would have the opportunity to gain permanent resident status and potentially qualify for citizenship after a while. The proposed figure for 2021 is a significant increase to 341,000 permanent residence granted in 2019.

Fast, Efficient Application Process Despite COVID-19

Not only will the system accept more immigrants, but various efforts have also been made to ensure people have a hitch-free application process for applicants and their RCIC representatives, despite the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. For instance, in September 2020, the immigration agency announced several initiatives aimed at speeding up the spousal visa application. The number of decision-makers on application processing was increased by 66%, to ensure that the average of 6000 visas are processed every month. They also digitalized the application process to allow IRCC employees to work from various stations without being affected or delayed by COVID-19 restrictions.

COVID-19 Measures to Observe When Processing Canadian Visa

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Canada, just like other countries, has made some changes to its immigration process to ensure the safety of visa applicants, its immigration officials, and the general public. Before you can enter Canada, you must provide proof of a valid negative COVID-19 test result. This applies to all travelers ages 5 and above, whether you are entering by air, land or sea. The test must be taken within 72 hours of your scheduled departure time to Canada. As part of the COVID-19 measures, you will be required to use an online tool called ArriveCAN, where you will provide mandatory travel information that will help immigration officials determine your eligibility to enter the country.

And once you enter Canada, you will be asked to undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine. Throughout the quarantine period, you will complete daily symptom self-assessments. In some cases, certain applicants are exempted from the mandatory quarantine – if you qualify for this, you will be told during your application process. It is also worth noting that there are still various travel restrictions in place, which means non-essential travel is not allowed. You must prove to the immigration officials that you have a genuine reason for entering the country.

Conclusion

According to the IRCC 2020 annual report, permanent and non-permanent immigration to Canada accounted for over 80% of the country’s population growth in 2019. 1 in 4 workers in Canada are immigrants, and over 400,000 new study permits were issued to international students – doubling the 200,000 permits issued in 2015. There has also been a steady increase in temporary resident programs for tourists, business travelers, and other visitors. All these are clear indications that Canada is one of the most immigrant-friendly environments in the world, and there hasn’t been a better time to move to the country.