The coronavirus pandemic that took the world by storm continues to impact the immigration system of Canada significantly. In 2019, Canada welcomed as many as 341,000 new immigrants. The country continued to accept new immigrants at the same pace in 2020, but the coronavirus crisis completely upset its immigration system. Further, the travel restrictions imposed since March 18, 2020, limit the number of people from other countries who can enter Canada now. Though various forms of immigration, such as the Express Entry System and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), are functional, uncertainty continues in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. However, some certainty is in place, which will benefit both the country and newcomers to Canada in 2021-2023 and subsequent years.
The pandemic has to be over for the Canadian immigration system to return to normal. However, the availability of several vaccines gives hope that the pandemic will end soon. Besides that, Canada started the largest vaccination drive in its history last December, intending to vaccinate all those who wanted protection against COVID-19 by September 2021. This could help the country return to normal and bring back the immigration system to its pre-pandemic status. Another aspect is ensuring that the global population and foreign nationals coming to Canada do not have coronavirus infections.
How Covid Travel Restriction Affect Canada Immigration
The travel restrictions imposed by the Canadian government in 2020 would indicate the COVID-19 policies might continue to be enforced when the rate of spread of the infection starts to subside. For instance, the country might maintain the 14-day quarantine requirement and the need to have a ‘COVID-19 negative’ test report before entering Canada. This would enable the government to limit the spread of the infection within its borders.
However, the coronavirus crisis does not in any way affect Canada’s strong commitment to welcoming new immigrants, international students, and temporary foreign workers. The country now proposes to double the number of immigrants given the crisis. According to Canada’s new Immigration Levels Plan for 2021-2023, the government aims to welcome more than 400,000 new immigrants each year. This is by far the highest level in Canada’s history.
It may not be possible for Canada to achieve the target this year when the pandemic is continuing. However, the goal of welcoming more immigrants to the country encourages federal and provincial governments to hold draws and take up the processing of applications. Furthermore, it enables the country to provide approval to prospective immigrants to move over at a later date.
Additionally, the availability of vaccines allows the government to bring about changes to travel restrictions. For instance, it is a good idea to explore the possibility of lifting travel restrictions for vaccinated immigrants and those who provide a ‘COVID-19 Negative’ test report. This would improve the flow of immigrants into the country and boost the economy. The idea behind the proposed Immigration Levels Plan is to support the country’s post-COVID recovery plan.
PGP Sponsorship
Another good news is IRCC’s confirmation regarding holding the lottery for the 2020 ‘Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)’ intake in 2021. As a result, as many as 10,000 applicants are likely to submit sponsorship applications for bringing their parents and/or grandparents to Canada. Besides that, IRCC is also expected to open the PGP intake window for 2021 and hold another lottery and call for 30,000 applications from immigrants for sponsoring parents and grandparents.
It is, therefore, a fair expectation that the IRCC and Canadian provinces and territories will work together and put in their best efforts in normalizing the country’s immigration system at the earliest. All said and done; it is fair to expect that this year will be less turbulent than the previous year.
For any kind of clarification or queries regarding Canada Immigration 2021-2023 and related legal concerns, contact the Immilaw Immigration Law Professional Corporation and plan accordingly.
