Undocumented Workers in Canada Soon Shall Be Able to Acquire Permanent Residency

Canada welcomes immigrants from all over the world and various backgrounds through some of its most effective immigration programs. Yet, there are about 1.7 million in Canada without a secure status. Thus, in December 2021, the Liberal Government tasked the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to come up with ways to regularise the status of undocumented workers living and contributing to Canadian communities.

The IRCC has since been working on developing a pathway for undocumented workers to acquire permanent residence in Canada. Once the program is developed and implemented, undocumented residents can live and work in Canada hassle-free.

Benefits of the New Canadian PR Program for Undocumented Workers

Undocumented workers are the ones who immigrated to Canada through a temporary work permit. But, they lost their resident status once the permit expired.

It is needless to say how the Canadian immigration system benefitted millions of immigrants from all parts of the world. But, nothing is perfect. Canada isn’t an exception. The immigration system here is more focused on conditional and temporary work permits. A clear pathway for PR and citizenship isn’t available. Thus, workers tend to immigrate to Canada with temporary permits rather than permanent ones. The new immigration program that is soon to be developed could enable undocumented workers to acquire PR status even if they had entered Canada with a temporary permit.

Undocumented workers in Canada suffer from social isolation and abusive working conditions. They end up working exploitative jobs in caregiving, cleaning and agriculture. The new PR program can help them get access to quality living, healthcare and other essential privileges.

What is the role of regularisation programs?

Regularisation programs help undocumented workers or residents gain access to basic rights in Canada. They can get access to quality healthcare, education, and working opportunities more easily. In short, they can live a quality lifestyle in Canada once the PR program is implemented.

The new program is also expected to help out the Canadian government in several ways. The government needn’t have to worry about the population living without status in Canada. Also, they don’t have to fear losing that population from Canada either since it contributes to Canada’s growing economy.

All we can do now is wait and watch when the IRCC launches the new PR program for undocumented workers. If you have any other queries regarding immigration, feel free to consult with our professionals at Onkar Immigration.

Provincial Nominee Program Draw Results Uncovered in Ontario and British Columbia

Are you planning to acquire a permanent resident visa in Canada? Then the Provincial Nominee Programs might be what you need to achieve your Canadian goals. There are ten provinces in Canada. Each province has its own provincial nominee program and eligibility criteria for federal skilled workers. The PNP sends interested candidates an invitation to apply for Canadian provincial nomination.

Ontario and British Columbia disclosed PNP draw results last week. The PNP is one of the most efficient immigration pathways in Canada. It enables skilled individuals to apply for a Canadian PR visa and also helps Canada boosts its labour and economic workforce.

PNP Draw Results in Ontario and British Columbia from 12th to 18th August

British Columbia

PNP in BC sent invitations to at least 223 candidates on 16th August. 177 of them were invited through a general draw consisting of tech occupations. It also included semi-skilled and entry-level candidates. Candidates in the Skilled Worker and International Graduates categories were most likely to receive the invitations to apply from PNP.

The following occupations were also included in the invitation rounds:

• 5 healthcare assistants (at least 60 points)
• 26 early childhood assistants and educators (at least 60 points)
• 15 healthcare workers (at least 60 points)

Ontario

Ontario sent invitations to 30 candidates under the Entrepreneur Stream. The scores of these candidates ranged from 138-160. They were required to sign a performance agreement and attend an interview to apply for the visa.

Once you get through the visa application process, you will get a temporary work permit to immigrate to Canada. After 20 months of arrival, you need to submit a final review after implementing your business plan.

The eligibility criteria for this stream:

• Business experience of 24 months in the last 60 months
• The purpose should be the motive of investing.
• Control over at least one-third of the equity in the business
• Active involvement in business management
• Should create a minimum of two permanent full-time jobs for permanent residents and citizens in Canada

What’s the Connection between Express and PNP?

PNP is an immigration program, while Express Entry is an application management system used for the ranking of candidates in multiple immigration programs. It covers the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Once candidates enter the Express Entry pool, they are ranked and given scores that determine their eligibility.

Onkar Immigration is here to resolve all your queries related to Express Entry draws and immigration programs. Consult with our professionals and get a step closer to your Canadian dream.

A Chance to Reunite with Parents and Grandparents

Now, you can sponsor your parents and grandparents to immigrate and get PR in Canada through the Parents Grandparents Program or PGP. Your family will be eligible for Canadian permanent residence once they meet all the eligibility requirements of the PGP. They may also be eligible for Canadian citizenship if approved under this program.

In 2021, the PGP invited 30,000 permanent residents and Canadian citizens to submit applications. The IRCC prioritized those applications which were submitted between noon EDT (13th October 2020) and noon EDT (3rd November 2020).

What are the eligibility requirements of the Parents Grandparents Program?

In 2021, the requirements for applying to the PGP were:

• Had to be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
• Residing in Canada
• 18 years old or more
• Proof of income submission to the IRCC

Proof that income is more than the minimum necessary income level

They also had to formally assure that they could support the family for 20 years financially and repay the social assistance benefits provided to them.

What was the Minimum Necessary Income Requirement for PGP?

The Canadian Government wants to ensure that you are capable of sponsoring your family to determine whether or not you are eligible for the Parents Grandparents Program. Thus, the IRCC has set a minimum income requirement that you have to exceed to be eligible for this program.

Here are the minimum income requirements for the 2021 PGP in Canada except Quebec:

How to sponsor parents and grandparents in Quebec?

The process of sponsoring a parent or a grandparent is slightly different from the rest of the Canadian provinces. You need IRCC’s approval, followed by meeting the immigration sponsorship requirements set by the Quebec Government.

The financial proof of income holds the same importance in Quebec as well. Alongside that, you may have to sign a sponsorship with the province of Quebec.

Is There Another Option for Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents in Canada?

 Don’t worry if the PGP isn’t working out for you. You can still sponsor your parents and grandparents to come to Canada through the Super Visa. It lets your parents and grandparents of permanent residents and citizens of Canada to visit you for up to five consecutive years without the need for visitor status renewal. Parents and grandparents may enter Canada for up to 10 years multiple times with the Super Visa.

Eligibility Requirements of Super Visa

Firstly, you have to be a Canadian citizen or a Canadian permanent resident to use the Super Visa to sponsor your parents and grandparents. You also need to send a signed letter to your family that consists of the following details:

• A copy of your Canadian permanent resident document or citizenship
• An assurance of financial support
• Proof of medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company
• Number of people in your household

Moreover, you also have to show that you meet the income requirements set by the Low-Income Cut Off standards. The minimum income requirements are as follows:

Information about the PGP 2022 isn’t available yet. However, our team stays abreast of all the recent updates and news related to Canadian immigration programs. So, get in touch with us, and we will guide you through the PGP.

New PGWP Extension Policy - The Much-Needed Measure by IRCC

Canada is one of the leading destinations for global talents to flourish. Employers from different fields in Canada are looking for skilled candidates to fill thousands of vacancies in wide range of sectors. Moreover, immigrants play an integral role in fueling the Canadian economy. Thus, on 22nd April 2022, Sean Fraser, the Canadian immigration minister, revealed a new PGWP extension policy. This policy is a measure to negate the negative effects of a long pause in Express Entry CEC draws since 2021. 

What is the new PGWP Extension Policy?

The new PGWP extension policy is for foreign nationals with expired or soon-to-be expired post-graduation work permits from 20th September 2021 to 31st December 2021. It enables them to work in Canada for 18 months extra through a new permit application or work permit extension. 

This policy also benefits the temporary residents in Canada waiting to get through permanent resident pathways. Earlier, they had to quit jobs and wait for their permit extension. The new policy lets them work during the process. 

What are the benefits of the policy?

IRCC shared the following scenarios where the new policy will come in handy:

• Post-graduation work permit expires from 2nd October 2021 to 31st December 2022. Updated address. Passport valid through April 2024. 

Do not respond to the confirmation email from IRCC. You will get the updated work permit through the mail by mid-October. 

• Post-graduation work permit expires from 2nd October 2021 to 31st December 2022. Address and/or passport validity not updated. 

Follow the instructions in the email you receive from IRCC. This will help them know that you need to update your address. You will, however, not get this initial email if IRCC is unable to extend the work permit within 18 months due to passport validity issues. You will get a separate mail in September. 

The IRCC will send you instructions via email about how to update the mailing address and passport validity in your online account. There is two weeks' time to update the details. Once done, you will get the updated work permit by the middle of November through the mail. 

Thus, if your passport isn't valid, you cannot benefit from this new policy. Check the passport’s validity first. Apply for an extension if you see if it expires before 2nd April 2024. Link your application to your online account if you are applying for the permit using a paper application. 

• Post-graduation work permit expires from 2nd October 2021 to 31st December 2022. Address or passport validity cannot be updated. 

You can wait to apply till the renewal of your passport. You can also extend the work permit to your passport's expiration date. The right way is to apply online for a work permit extension. 

• Post-graduation work permit expires from 2nd October 2021 to 31st December 2022. No contact from IRCC. 

This happens when you are ineligible for this new policy. You can be eligible if any information about your admissibility to Canada requires further review. You can, however, apply online for a work permit extension. 

• The post-graduation work permit will expire or has expired from 20th September 2021 to 1st October 2022.  

In this case, too, you have to apply online. Temporary residents with an expired temporary status should apply for its restoration at the same time. The new policy lets them restore the status even if it expired 90 days ago. If you have left and want to apply from abroad, you are eligible if you are approved to return to Canada. 

Note to remember: Submit the work permit applications for this new policy online by 31st 

December 2022. 

Can the foreign nationals work in the interim?

Foreign nationals with an expired or soon-to-expire post-graduation work permit will get an email from the IRCC that will allow them to work in the interim. This is going to start on 8th August 2022. 

You may need this email later to show that you are authorised to work in Canada temporarily for employers. So, attach this to your post-graduation work permit while applying for jobs. 

This policy of working in the interim will be effective until 31st May 2023. If you are eligible for this new policy, you can continue working or return to the workforce while your work permit application is in process. 

Remember:

The new policy provides you with an opportunity to work for an additional 18 months. But, it doesn’t restore the temporary resident status. That means you should apply for the status restoration when you apply for the new work permit if your status has expired. 

You still have the chance to come to Canada again and acquire authorisation to work even if you are currently outside Canada and have a valid temporary resident visa. 

How will the policy benefit temporary residents who applied for Permanent Resident pathways?

Here are the eligibility criteria for temporary residents to apply for an open work permit:

• Applicants who have applied for ‘temporary resident to permanent pathways’
• Applicants with non-finalized permanent residence application 

About 2500 applicants applied and got an open work permit with an expiration date of 31st December 2022. They will receive an email from the IRCC with the procedure for updating the work permit with longer validity date. They don’t have to do anything if they have an updated mailing address and they still live in Canada. 

You will not get the email if your passports expire before 31st December 2024. You can still apply for the work permit on the same day you apply for passport restoration of the expiry date. 

Onkar Immigration is here to solve your queries regarding the new PGWP policy. Our team equips you with the knowlede and resources required to make the most of this new policy.

Everything you Need to know about the New NOC System 2022

The Canadian Government updated the NOC system in 2016 to provide more opportunities for professionals to live and work in Canada. This isn’t new. Canada updates the occupational classification system once every ten years. You must stay abreast of the changes in the new NOC system 2022 to ensure you successfully get through the Expres Entry programs. 

The New NOC System 2022 | What are the Changes?

Initially, the NOC classified occupations on the basis of five skill levels:

• O- Managerial occupations 
• A- Professional occupations (university education mandatory)
• B- Skilled trades (college education or apprentice training mandatory)
• C- Semi-skilled occupations (occupational training or secondary school mandatory)
• D- Semi-skilled and unskilled jobs (no formal education required. On-job training mandatory)

This classification system will change from 16th November and be replaced by the new numerical classification.  

The changes in the new NOC system include:

• The current skill type and level structure in the NOC system will be replaced with the TEER system
• Occupation codes will consist of 5-digit codes
• The eligibility criteria also change as per the new TEER structure 

What are the new TEER categories included?

According to the Executive Committee of IRCC, the new NOC system will adopt the TEER structure as given below: 

A few jobs may change to a different category of TEER. 

But, mostly, the jobs will stay in the TEER category equal to the skill level as shown above. 

TEER 2 or TEER 3 categories may include the jobs eligible for Skill level B. 

Here is the type of occupation for each TEER in the new NOC system. 

Which Programs are Affected by the New NOC System?

The new NOC system will affect the eligibility criteria of the following programs:

• Express Entry (FSWP, CEC and FSTP)
• Atlantic Immigration Program 
• Temporary Foreign Worker Program 
• Caregivers Program 
• Out-of-Status Construction Workers 
• Provincial Nominee Program 
• International Mobility Program 
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot 
• Agri-Food Pilot 

To know more about the changes in the eligibility requirements of different programs, connect with Onkar Immigration. We will guide you through all the changes related to the new NOC system.