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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Do you need to quarantine when you come to Canada?

Effective, timely and well-executed lockdowns in certain countries have helped slow down COVID-19’s rapid spread, but the novel coronavirus still continues to disrupt millions of lives around the world. Certain European countries are even faced with the prospect of a ‘second wave’ of the virus’ spread. Therefore, Canadian authorities have decided to not relax the mandatory 14-day quarantine restriction they had placed back in March upon all international travellers, Canadian nationals and permanent residents of Canada hoping to enter the country.

The Government of Canada’s stance of denying entry to foreign nationals traveling to Canada for discretionary or optional reasons remains firm, as it continues to urge people to only travel to Canada for non-discretionary reasons or due to unavoidable circumstances. So if you’re planning on flying to Canada be sure to check whether the purpose of your visit qualifies as ‘non-discretionary’, otherwise you’ll be at the risk of being denied entry into the country.

Who can travel to Canada during COVID-19 restrictions in 2020?

Some foreign nationals who are ‘eligible’ to enter into Canada at present: immediate family members, travellers coming directly from the US for unavoidable purposes, temporary foreign workers, certain foreign students, permanent residency applicants whose permanent residency has been approved. It is important to note that according to the Government of Canada, attending a close one’s funeral or meeting a dying relative isn’t considered ‘non-discretionary’.

The government’s stance on foreign nationals trying to gain entry into the country is clear: if you exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19, you’ll be denied entry straightaway. If you are a Canadian national or permanent resident exhibiting mild symptoms of the virus, it’s imperative for you to strictly isolate. Even if you do not exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19 at the port of entry, you will still have to quarantine yourself for two weeks.

It is mandatory for all travellers to furnish a comprehensive ‘quarantine plan’ at the port of entry (POE); which if deemed ‘unsatisfactory’ by the port authorities would almost certainly result in you being denied entry into Canada. An ideal Canada travel quarantine plan consists of:

• Information about your accommodation.
• How you will reach your destination from the port of entry.
• How you’ll transit to procure essential products and services such as groceries or medicines.

There may be huge repercussions to not following or flouting your quarantine plan such as a hefty fine of around $750,000 or even imprisonment of up to 6 months.

However, certain essential service providers who travel to Canada from the US on a daily basis are exempted from the quarantine restrictions. For a smoother and swifter process at the Canadian border, it is best to download the Canada Border Services Agency’s app ‘ArriveCap’; which allows you to submit certain information and details in advance.

As an additional layer of security, you should consider downloading the COVID-19 Alert app on your mobile phone, which employs Bluetooth technology to detect people who are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms around you.

Finally, prepare a comprehensive two-week quarantine plan, and travel to Canada only if it is truly imperative.

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How to call relatives to Canada during COVID-19

The global outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has compelled us all to adjust to a ‘new normal’; into a world where concepts such as ‘social distancing’ and ‘lockdowns’ have become integral. Effective and timely lockdowns have helped Canada slow down the spread of the virus but strict vigilance is still imperative. Currently, it is only possible to invite immediate family members or individuals who are traveling for essential purposes and are coming via the United States or are exempted from travel restrictions, to enter Canada.

What relatives can visit Canada during COVID-19?

The Canadian government has understandably decided to allow only those foreign nationals who are arriving into the country for non-discretionary purposes, apart from an individual’s immediate family members to minimise the exposure of Canadian nationals to the virus which has claimed more than 900,000 lives globally so far. It is important to note that even foreign nationals who have valid visitor visas or electronic travel authorisations are not guaranteed entry into the country if they don’t fulfil the aforementioned criteria.

According to canada.ca, the official website of the government of Canada, the following people are considered as ‘immediate family members’ of a person:

–              Spouse

–              Common law-partner

–              Parent/ Step-parent

–              Dependent child of a dependent child

–              Tutor or guardian

Requirements during visit

These individuals would be permitted entry into the country only if they intend to stay in the country for more than 15 days, exhibit no symptoms of COVID-19 and provide a comprehensive quarantine plan (for 14 days). The quarantine plan will consist of accurate information regarding a person’s accommodation and transport arrangements during the mandatory 2-week quarantine period.

Moreover, if you’re a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, it is not mandatory for you to accompany your immediate family members during their travel to Canada, as long as they can furnish authentic documents proving their relation to you along with a satisfactory quarantine plan. Only professionals traveling to provide essential services, for instance, truck drivers traveling in and out of the country to provide essential products, are exempted from the 14-day mandatory quarantine period.

COVID-19 screening for relatives visiting Canada

If you or your immediate family members are hoping for successful immigration to Canada, it is mandatory for you to undergo the screening procedures at the port of entry. Any individual who shows COVID-19 symptoms and is traveling for optional purposes, like tourism, wouldn’t be allowed entry.

If immediate family members exhibit mild symptoms, they must strictly self-isolate for 14 days or risk being denied entry. Even if you furnish a valid medical document to the port officials, which states that you have tested negative for COVID-19, you are still expected to quarantine for a minimum period of 14 days.

We believe that apart from being well-versed with the rules and regulations for immigration to Canada, it is important to know about the provincial restrictions in place as different provinces of Canada have put in place specific travel restrictions.

The Government of Canada is still processing permanent residency, student permit, temporary work permit applications, but the pandemic has affected their processing time. However, travel restrictions are applicable for international students and workers too unless they can convince the port officials that they are traveling for non-discretionary purposes.

It is advisable that you invite your relatives to Canada only if they are traveling for non-optional purposes. Refrain from inviting distant relatives for discretionary purposes such as leisure, entertainment, tourism as they may not be allowed to enter Canada (depending on changes in travel advisories).

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These four Canadian immigration programs have relaxed language testing (2020)

March 2020 is when many countries around the world, including Canada, went into coordinated lockdowns to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Since then, it has been very difficult, if not impossible, for applicants to complete the English test for immigration/study. IELTS and CELPIP centres around the world have stopped holding examinations to comply with government regulations.

In light of that, IRCC has issued relaxations in language testing. Find out which four Canadian immigration programs do not require English test results immediately.

Relaxations in language testing

IRCC has announced that they will accept copies of the language test results for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, Agri-Food Pilot, Rural Northern Immigration Pilot and Start-up Visa Program. Original test language results are not required.

This is great news for anyone who has not received the original result from IELTS or CELPIP. You can now submit a scanned copy or printed copy of your language score. Expect this to continue till the IELTS and CELPIP centres in your country don’t start operating normally again.

It is possible that IRCC may ask for original results at a later date so you should keep following up to make sure you receive them.

Keep reading to find out which four immigration programs do not require original English language test results immediately.

Eligible programs eligible under IELTS/CELPIP language relaxation

The four immigration programs that do not require originals results of the language tests are also the ones that have some of the lowest English language requirements.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

This is a fast-track program for those with a valid job offer in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Canadian employers hiring through this program do not have to file a Labour Market Impact Assessment either.

In fact, once the applicant accepts the job offer, he or she is connected with a settlement service provider organization that helps them settle in the province.

Agri-Food Pilot

This program is designed to entice agricultural workers who work in meat, mushroom and other farming. Candidates receive a full-time 12-month job offer in meat processing, harvesting, greenhouse production, farm supervision and other agricultural occupations. The program requires only a CLB 4 from workers.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

This pilot program has been initiated to encourage foreign workers to settle in northern and rural communities across Canada. The program is currently accepting applications for nine cities. Applicants can be qualified in managerial/executive positions and even be invited for job-specific training. The CLB language requirements vary by NOC code but the requirement of original results has been relaxed for all levels.

Start-up Visa Program

This program is designed to encourage foreign entrepreneurs to come to Canada and start a business. The minimum CLB is only 5, which means the program prioritizes business acumen.

Candidates need to prove their business is supported by a designed organization through an investor group.

Covid-19 has had a big impact on applications but IRCC and CIC have continued to process applications through the pandemic. Find out how you can take advantage of the numerous other incentives the government has rolled out for visa applicants.

 

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Applying for Canada Permanent Residence from the USA

H1B visa holders have been trying to settle in Canada in droves since 2016. There has been a lot of uncertainty regarding H1 visa renewals and people who live, work and study in the US are rightly worried if they will even get an American Green Card.

Unsurprisingly, many find Canada the best alternative. With educational and career opportunities aplenty, Canada offers a lot more diversity and a lot more accepting community. That Canada immigration eligibility is easier to meet makes it perfect for H1B visa holders.

In this article we tell you ways to get permanent residency in Canada without fuss.

 

Workers and students residing in the USA are prime candidates for Canadian immigration Express Entry because most already have the documentation and proofs required.

 

In light of Covid-19, Canada has become a safe haven. A world-class publicly-funded system of healthcare, financial support from the government, and measures that have kept the population safe from coronavirus have made Canada an attractive immigration destination. This is in contrast to the USA, which at the time of writing this article, had nearly 500,000 Covid-19 and the most Covid-related deaths!

 

Canada immigration eligibility if you are in the USA

The federal Express Entry system is one of the fastest and fairest points systems that measures your eligibility to become a Canadian PR. It is designed to find and invite skilled workers from around the world.

An Express Entry applicant starts by filling out an application on the basis of which he/she/they are allotted points (Comprehensive Ranking System or CRS points system). This takes into account their education, qualifications, industry experience, language ability (English and French), prior criminal record and other factors. A certain financial threshold must be crossed also, but it is relatively low and someone working or studying in the USA should be able to meet that easily.

Learn more about applying through Express Entry.

 

Immigration assessment – responses within 1 hour

 

Canadian immigration eligibility under PNPs

Another popular route for immigration to Canada is through Provincial Nominee Programs. Basically, provinces run their own immigration programs to find skilled workers for their industries. We have discussed PNPs many times on this blog. You can read about a few here and here.

Some PNPs tie-in with Express Entry too: these may increase your CRS score or help you jump the CRS queue. Speak to an immigration lawyer about this; many people don’t realize their skills qualify them for these PNPs.

Examples are the many tech PR programs. Canada has been building its IT and technology industries rapidly in recent years and the high demand for professionals means there are many secret PR routes.

 

Read more

Convert Canada tourist visa into student visa |  How to break the PR queue

 

Tips for applying for Canada permanent resident from USA

First things first: speak to professional immigration expert. Preparation is key and you cannot afford an application delayed because of documentation.

• Prepare documents before you apply
• Ensure funds reflect in your bank account for at least 6 months before application
• Check if your spouse/dependents are increasing your CRS score
• Find the latest PNP programs
• Maximize your English/French language score
• Take CELPIP instead of IELTS
• Get sponsored to come to Canada

 

At the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld we have helped 3000+ people and 1100+ settle in Canada legally. We are a full service immigration practice registered with the Law Society of Ontario. We help people from around the world get their Canadian visa with creative immigration solutions. Get a free online immigration assessment immediately.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) and effect on Canadian immigration (Latest news)

The novel coronavirus crisis has hit every country around the world. The COVID-19 disease has forced countries to adopt unprecedented measures. Most countries are in some state of lockdown. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Canada and other countries have imposed restrictions on international arrivals.

Here’s the latest immigration news from Canada (valid for April 2020). Find the latest news from IRCC /CIC here.

Are you stuck at the Canadian border?

Call the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld immediately. Our lawyers and expert immigration staff is helping people understand their status and whether they can come/return to Canada at this time.

Our offices are functioning normally. Of course, we are limiting in-person meetings in keeping with the directives of the Canadian government.

 

Who can enter Canada in April 2020?

At this time (30 March 2020) Canada has severely restricted the entry of foreign travellers into the country. At the time of writing, only the following people are being allowed to enter Canada.

• Canadian citizens and permanent residents
• Immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents
• Permanent resident visa holders (can come to Canada to complete landing and landing interview)
• International students – those holding a valid Canadian study permit or have a letter of invitation dated on or before March 18, 2020
• Work permit holders
• Temporary workers who have a letter of introduction from IRCC
• Permit-exempt work
• Accredited officials under R190(2)(a) and their families
• Protected persons under subsection A95(2) (refugees)
• Transit passengers
• Crew members on vessels
• Persons of national interest

 

If you are travelling or planning on travelling to Canada during the COVID-19 crisis, make sure you speak to an immigration lawyer first! There are a number of restrictions on who can come, and you don’t want to be quarantined at an airport or be forced to return to your country and be quarantined.

 

What happens once you come to Canada?

As of 26 March 2020, anyone coming to Canada will have to mandatorily self-isolate for 14 days, under the Quarantine Act. Anyone who fails to adhere to this can face a fine of $750,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months.

“Essential workers” are exempt from the 14-day self-isolation.

 

How to enter Canada during the COVID-19 outbreak and travel restrictions?

After the coronavirus outbreak, there are only two likely ways to enter Canada:

• By road from the United States of America. However, all ‘non-essential’ travel between the two countries has been barred.
• By air to Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, Calgary International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport. These are the only flights that are receiving international flights.
• Sea routes are highly inadvisable given cruise ships and passenger transport ships are being quarantined off the cost for weeks at a time.

 

Is your immigration application taking longer than normal?

COVID-19 has placed an unexpected and large administrative burden on the Canadian government. Do not be surprised if your express entry, invitation to apply, student visa/permit, work permit or provincial nominee application has longer than normal processing times.

Once the COVID-19 crisis eases around the world, IRCC and provincial immigration departments will take a few weeks to get back up to speed and clear the backlog.

 

If you or your loved ones are facing an immigration emergency, speak to Ronen Kurzfeld today. We can help with deportation orders, last minute appeals and any other immigration problems.

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