Now is the best time to apply for Canada immigration!

Despite COVID-19 special measures, Canada continues to hold regular draws – Express Entry as well as provincial. Even with the limitations and restrictions of the services, 2020 has started off as a big year for Express Entry. 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [IRCC] have confirmed that it continues to accept and process Canada PR applications. 

Moreover, Canada has also granted many exemptions from the travel ban that is in place till June 30. Temporary Foreign Workers [TFWs] are exempt from the travel ban and can travel to Canada. 

Those who got their Canadian permanent residency applications approved before March 18 are also exempt. 

Even with the general uncertainty around COVID-19, there are nonetheless many reasons why there is no better time than the present to apply for Canada PR. 

341,000 immigrants are needed in 2020

The 2020-2022 Immigration Levels Plan was announced about a week before the coronavirus special measures were implemented in Canada. As per the Plan, Canada intends welcoming 341,000 in 2020, followed by another 351,000 in 2021. While for 2022 the target is set at 361,000, scope has been left for the target to be increased to 390,000 for 2022.

Interestingly, more invitations have been issued in the first quarter of 2020 as compared to the first quarters of the previous 2 years. 

High demand for Temporary Foreign Workers [TFWs]

Canada relies on immigrants to help it keep the supply chain in Canada up and running. With this in view, Canada has expedited the hiring process for 10 occupations – NOC 7511, NOC 6331, NOC 8252, NOC 8431, NOC 8611, NOC 8432, NOC 9618, NOC 9617, NOC 9463, and NOC 9462. 

A time-taking step in the recruitment process for these occupations has been waived. This has been done with the aim of speeding up the hiring of TFWs in agriculture, food processing, and trucking occupations.

Make the most of your Canada experience 

Recently, the Government of Canada has been holding program-specific draws. On April 9, a rare 2 draws were held within the same day, specifically targeting immigration candidates under the Canadian Experience Class [CEC] and Provincial Nominee Program [PNP]. 

On April 9, while 3,294 were invited from CEC in Express Entry Draw #142, another 606 were invited with provincial nominations in Express Entry Draw #141. 

People already in Canada might be there on a work permit, thereby making them eligible to apply for CEC. With program-specific draws recently being held in 2020, now is probably the best time for such temporary workers in Canada to make their status permanent in the country.

Apply now, travel later

Additional time of 90 days is being given to those unable to submit completed applications in view of services disruptions because of COVID-19. The government of Canada encourages applications to be filed digitally. 

Express Entry profiles can still be created. The best time to apply is now. Draws are being held and applications continue to be processed. 

Though you might be unable to travel to Canada during the travel ban, you can arrive after everything settles down.

Immigration will help Canada recover from COVID-19

The reliance of Canada on immigration to fill the labour gap will probably be more acutely felt in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crises. 

Canada will need immigrants like never before – international students, permanent residents, and foreign workers – to help it get back on track by spurring economic activity as workers, consumers, and taxpayers. 

The importance of TFWs for Canada can be judged from the fact that chartered flights are being hired to bring important foreign workers to the country. 

Canada has indeed stepped up to the challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is indeed up to immigrants to make the most of the situation.

If you are looking to Work, Study, Invest, Visit, or Migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No. 1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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