Canada’s Immigration Minister Seeks to “Substantially Increase” Immigration Numbers

Canada’s Minister of Immigration, John McCallum, has stated his intention to “substantially increase” the number of new immigrants to Canada in order to fill labour shortages, with a three-year immigration plan expected to be unveiled this fall (autumn).

"Why not substantially increase the number of immigrants coming to Canada? And that is, I think, I hope, what we are about to do . . . the direction in which I would like to go is to increase substantially the number of immigrants," McCallum said last week to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Manila, Philippines.

“We're going to reduce some of the barriers in our immigration system . . . we think it can be simplified. We think there are some rules which are no longer necessary," added McCallum.

"Now, we have to convince Canadians of this. But I think it's a good idea."

Earlier this year, the Liberal government of Canada unveiled its immigration plan for 2016, which projected that Canada would welcome around 300,000 new permanent residents this year. This marked the highest projected immigration level in modern history, and around a seven percent increase on the 2015 plan. The annual immigration plan is typically tabled each fall with objectives for the following year, but the plan for 2016 was delayed by the general election and change of government.

Economic immigration to Canada

Most new permanent residents to Canada arrive through one of the many economic immigration programs, which aim to attract skilled newcomers who have the ability to settle in Canada successfully. These programs include the federal economic immigration programs processed through the Express Entry selection system, as well as the various Provincial Nominee Programs and the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (which accepted 5,000 new applications for processing earlier this week).

While the 2016 immigration levels plan sought to increase the overall number of new immigrants to Canada this year, the economic categories together saw a slight decrease in their overall numbers, with the government seeking first to boost numbers through family reunification and refugee/humanitarian programs.

However, with the Minister of Immigration having associated the desired ‘substantial increase’ in numbers with resolving labour shortages, it is likely that the new plan will seek to increase the number of immigrants through the economic programs, as these programs specify positive labour market outcomes as a primary objective. This may be done without reducing immigration through other categories, as the overall number is expected to increase.

Express Entry: a positive future

When the Liberal government took office almost a year ago, it inherited the Express Entry system from its Conservative predecessor. The 2016 immigration plan was unveiled shortly afterward.

After the first few Express Entry draws in 2015, the number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued and the number of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points required in order for a candidate to receive an ITA stayed relatively consistent, with the lowest CRS cut-off point in 2015 having been 450. Interestingly, however, a majority of people who received ITAs in 2015 had ‘core’ CRS scores of less than 450. Core CRS scores indicate a candidate’s point total without the additional 600 points for a qualifying job offer or enhanced provincial nomination.

Into 2016, the number of ITAs issued per draw has decreased, and there has been a slight increase in the median CRS cut-off score. Proactive candidates have been able to reach these scores by improving their CRS score, which may include attracting the attention of a Canadian province and being issued an enhanced provincial nomination certificate.

Nonetheless, the Immigration Minister’s recent comments about increasing immigration numbers with the aim of solving labour shortages may give current and future Express Entry candidates real hope that Canada will accept more immigrants through the system in the near future, with the consequence that CRS cut-off scores may become lower. In addition, the government has pledged to review the system and make changes where appropriate. These changes may occur at any time, and, as a result, candidates in the pool may see their ranking change for the better, placing them in line to receive an ITA at a subsequent draw.

Immigration Minister has plans in other areas too

During a visit to Beijing earlier in his Asian tour, Minister McCallum announced that the government of Canada plans to increase the number of visa offices in China, in order to facilitate the numbers of Chinese visitors, workers, students and prospective immigrants expected to come to Canada in the future.

Furthermore, McCallum’s department is expected to make a number of other changes before the end of 2016, including modifications to the Canadian Citizenship Act and changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Growing the country — the right move, the right time

“After spending a few months finding their feet in a few areas, it looks like the department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is making positive moves on a number of fronts,” says Attorney David Cohen.

“Minister McCallum’s ambitious goal to increase overall immigration numbers over the coming years is the right move at the right time. The labour market realities and demographic challenges faced by communities from coast to coast demand a positive government response. If you look at Minister McCallum’s provincial counterparts, many are asking the federal government to be allowed to take in more newcomers. There is not a single provincial government saying they have enough people. Quite the opposite, in fact.

“Overall, the federal government and Canadian provinces alike seem to be on the same page with a clear message to spread around the world — the time is right to come to Canada.”

To find out if you are eligible for any of over 60 Canadian immigration programs, please fill out a free online assessment today.

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