What to expect from Canada immigration?

Big announcements can be expected in the month of June 2020. With the COVID-19 curve flattening out in Canada and the reopening of the economy, the travel restrictions will, in all probability, be lifted on June 30, as per schedule.

In addition to the reopening of borders for international travellers, other developments in Canada immigration are also worth watching out for.

Let us see as to what the month of June this year holds for Canadian immigration in general.

Express Entry

4 Express Entry draws can be expected to be held this month.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [IRCC] has been holding program-specific draws since the travel restrictions were imposed by the Government of Canada on March 18.

The last all program Express Entry draw – inviting candidates from the Federal Skilled Trades Program [FSTP], Federal Skilled Worker Program [FSWP], and the Canadian Experience Class [CEC] was held on March 4.

As many as 12 draws have been held in the period between March 18 and May 28. These have alternated between inviting candidates from the Provincial Nominee Program [PNP] and the Canadian Experience Class [CEC].

With travel restrictions in place, Canada has shifted its focus in federal Express Entry draws to immigration candidates that were more likely to already be in Canada as compared to those from overseas.

Resumption of FSTP and FSWP draws can be expected in the near future. With the travel restrictions being lifted towards the end of June, all program Express Entry draws might be held even sooner than that.

Provincial immigration programs

Despite the travel restrictions in place in Canada since March 18, regular draws have been held under the Provincial Nominee Program [PNP].

The latest draw to be held by British Columbia – on June 2, inviting 279 immigration candidates – is the largest draw to be held by the BC PNP since March this year.

British Columbia also holds weekly Tech Pilot draws. While earlier extended till June 2020, the details on the future of the BC PNP’s Tech Pilot are expected to be released this month.

Other PNP draws held recently include the draws by the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Typically, Alberta releases details of the draws some days after they are held. As per details released a few days ago, Alberta invited 191 in the latest Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program [AINP] draw held on May 13. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System [CRS] score required was only 300.

Saskatchewan is another province that held a PNP draw towards the May-end. 252 immigration candidates were invited by Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program [SINP] in a May 28 draw.

Quebec, though not a part of the PNP, has its own immigration stream. Recently, Quebec has announced the introduction of certain reforms in its Quebec Experience Program [commonly referred to as PEQ for Programme de l’expérience Québécoise]. Quebec also intends launching 2 new pilot programs for tech workers and nurses’ aides.

Additional language testing centres scheduled for re-opening

The closure of IELTS and CELPIP testing centres have posed a hurdle to individuals wishing to study abroad in or migrate overseas to Canada.

With more test centres resuming operations, more people can be expected to submit their Express Entry profiles and Canada immigration applications.

IELTS indicator test can be taken in the meanwhile.

Renewal of Open Work Permit Pilot

The Open Work Permit Pilot allows foreign national spouses and common-law partners of Canadians to work during the time that their Canada PR application is under processing.

The deadline for the announcement of the Pilot’s renewal is July 31.

The month of June indeed has much to look forward to in terms of Canadian immigration. While there are many announcements forthcoming, the most awaited will probably be that of FSTP and FSWP draws being resumed. That might come sooner than June 30.

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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