Express Entry: What to expect of Canada immigration in 2021

Canada is looking to counteract the negative effects of having one of the oldest populations in the world by setting highly-ambitious immigration plans.

Between 2021 and 2023, Canada wants to welcome more than 1.23 million immigrants who should help the country reverse its currently dipping economy. With 18% of its population over the age of 65 and one of the world’s lowest birth rates at 1.47 births per woman, Canada is looking overseas for permanent residents.

Why is Canada so keen on immigration?

While the United States and several countries in Europe are restricting immigration, Canada is one of the few states in the world that looks to welcome as many immigrants as it can.

Canada has a population of over 37.5 million people at the moment. However, due to its large territory, it is also one of the least populated countries in the world with just 4 human inhabitants per square kilometre.

Since its inception in 1867, Canada has enhanced its number of inhabitants steadily but only accepted more than 400,000 immigrants once, in 1913. Unfortunately, the current economic state of the country and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has urged the authorities to increase their immigration capacity.

What to expect in 2021?

To boost the labor force and economic growth, Canada plans to welcome at least 400,000 immigrants in 2021. The upcoming residents should overturn the descending curve in immigration which saw at least 64% fewer people becoming permanent Canadian residents in August 2020 compared to August 2021. Before COVID-19 spread like wildfire across the world, Canada had planned to welcome 400,000 immigrants in 2020. However, after having to shut its borders, the country will close the year with little over 60,000 new permanent residents.

However, even breaking the record of new immigrants per year might not help Canada improve its fortunes. So, the Canadian government has set even higher goals for the next few years as the country is expecting to receive at least 400,000 new residents in 2022 and in 2023.

The applicants will include people from various backgrounds, such as:

• Federal economic, provincial/territorial nominees
• Quebec-selected skilled workers and business applicants
• Family reunification applicants
• Refugees
• Protected persons
• Humanitarian and compassionate cases

How U.S. citizens and residents can immigrate to Canada

United States citizens have the easiest way of entering Canada. The United States represents the fifth-most popular country of origin for immigration applicants in Canada. Currently, Americans can immigrate to Canada for work or study, as well as through spousal sponsorship. Additionally, they can use express entry or be part of a provincial program for immigration.

U.S. citizens also benefit from less strict restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic in Canada. As a result, they have an easier entry into the country and are exempt from travel restrictions if they have obtained their confirmation of permanent residence after March 18, 2020.

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ArriveCAN app and mandatory daily COVID-19 reporting for Canada arrivals beginning 2020

 The ongoing pandemic has forced the Canadian Government to impose stricter measures for travellers coming into the country.

With no end in sight for the COVID-19 pandemic, the authorities in Canada are looking to smartphone applications to contain the spread of the coronavirus. People traveling to Canada from November 21 on must use the ArriveCAN app to report on their condition before and after arrival.

If you are planning to travel to Canada in the next few months, here is what you need to do!

Before You Leave for Canada

Canada imposes a 14-day quarantine period that applies to all incoming travellers, excluding those who are subject to specific exemptions.

If Canada is the last destination on your trip, you must install the ArriveCAN app before boarding your plane. You can use the app either on your phone or your computer and provide essential data, such as:

• Your contact information
• Your travel itinerary
• Your self-assessment of COVID-19 symptoms
• Your potential quarantine plan

After submitting this information, you will receive an ArriveCAN receipt, which you will have to present to the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) officers before your entry into Canada.

If you fail to comply with these measures, you will be subject to a penalty that may range from a verbal warning to a $1,000 fine. The only exceptions include travelers who could not send their information because of a disability or not having adequate infrastructure.

Already starting from November 4, air travel companies remind their passengers that they must submit their information regarding COVID-19 through ArriveCAN before boarding their flights to Canada.

The authorities also encourage travelers who wish to enter Canada by land or marine to complete the COVID-related forms through ArriveCAN before starting their trip. This way, they will avoid delays at the border entry points.

After arriving in Canada

Once you arrive in Canada, and you enter quarantine, you can submit your information to the Canadian authorities by using the following toll-free number: 1-833-641-0343. You are only required to do so if you are not subject to the Mandatory Isolation Order.

After you arrive in Canada, you have 48 hours to confirm that you have entered the quarantine period at the address you have mentioned to the authorities. Also, you have to complete a daily self-check of COVID-19 symptoms and provide your results through the ArriveCAN app or at the number above, if you cannot use the online application.

The authorities in Canada consider incoming travellers as one of their leading priorities and will use enforcement action to ensure that they provide the necessary information. In their opinion, these measures should diminish the increasing rate of COVID-19 infections by reducing contact between travellers and border officials.

The Canadian Government also mentioned that these measures give more control to the travellers about the information they provide and the measures they take to reduce COVID-19 spread. It also saves the government from having to track the movement of travellers through GPS.

Passengers arriving at the primary international airports in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver may also be able to clear immigration procedures faster because of special ArriveCAN lanes.

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