4,500 immigrants, new programs and other news
A positive selection of news from January 10 to 23.
Immigration selections
The year 2022 in Canada began rather positively for immigrants. In two weeks, from January 10 to 23, Canada held several selections, inviting a total of about 4,500 candidates. In some provinces, the draws took place for the first time in the new year.
A major selection took place in the Express Entry system. Canada invited 1,036 participants in provincial immigration programs. This is the second selection in this category for 2022, with scores significantly lowered in the last drawing. The other drawings were conducted by the Canadian provinces.
The province of Ontario selected 1,084 people in three streams at once: for foreign professionals, in-demand workers and university graduates. All invited candidates had to have a job offer. A day later, the region held another drawing — for specialists of priority professions registered in the Express Entry system — and selected 502 participants. Most of the invited candidates were managers and medics.
Saskatchewan, on the other hand, does not boast large selections. In its draw for skilled and in-demand professionals, the province sent only 104 invitations. Health care workers received them. The passing score, however, was low.
British Columbia called for slightly more people — 232 candidates among the province's skilled, low— and mid-level professionals and graduates. All participants required a job offer. Separately, trade managers and catering managers were invited as part of the selection process. A week later, British Columbia held a drawing for IT professionals, sending out 91 invitations.
Another 443 invitations were sent out by the province of Manitoba. Luck favoured qualified professionals in the province and abroad, as well as university graduates. Most of the invitations went to people who were already in Manitoba.
Immigration to Canada
In other great news, Canada has launched two new immigration programs. One of them, to the province of Saskatchewan, allows permanent residence for specialists in high-demand professions. The list mostly includes medium and low-skilled blue-collar occupations. The application requires a job offer in Saskatchewan, one year of work experience, school education and a basic knowledge of English or French.
The second program is the Accelerated Technical Program for immigration to Alberta. It is designed for technical professionals who have received a job offer in Alberta, registered in Express Entry and scored 300 points out of a possible 1,200. The requirements for applicants are quite high, but the program promises permanent residency in Canada in just six months.
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As you can see, the new immigration programs and most selections require applicants to offer a job in Canada. Immigration through education and employment are among the most reliable in 2022. We covered other trends for this year in a separate article.
More details about Canada's immigration plans and goals for the coming year will be known by February. By that time, Canada is preparing to publish its immigration plan for 2022-2024. It was supposed to be announced back in October, but the deadline was pushed back because of the September elections.
So far, it is known that the country will seek to admit 411,000 new immigrants in 2022 and that more people with illnesses will be able to immigrate in the new year as the government raised the upper limit on immigrants' allowable health care costs. Severe illnesses can be a reason to deny a visa, but as of this year, if an immigrant requires less than $24,057 CAD a year to maintain their health, they will be allowed to enter Canada.
Canada is also not oblivious to assistance to newcomers. The Department of Immigration has made a major investment in services for immigrants who choose to settle in small towns and rural areas. The money will fund projects to help them settle and adapt in their new place.
The province of Alberta is about to launch another assistance program. The region has allocated a grant for organizations that will provide newcomers with career mentoring. This will help immigrants find jobs that match their education, experience and skills.
Jobs in Canada
The province of Ontario has a large shortage of medical personnel, especially nurses. The situation is critical, so the region is ready to invite workers from abroad. Foreigners will be able to work in hospitals, clinics and nursing homes under the supervision of a Canadian registered nurse or doctor.
Quebec employers were also allowed to hire more foreign workers — 20% of all personnel. Such measures affected the areas where there is a shortage of specialists: trade, hotel and restaurant business, manufacturing, management, health care and forestry.
Other news
Unfortunately, it was not without a negative event, which for many became a barrier to entry into Canada. New measures went into effect, prohibiting entry into the country without a vaccine. The rules affected family members of Canadian citizens and residents, international students and workers. Only agricultural and food workers, maritime crew members, children under 18 years old, and those who have received an immigrant visa are allowed to enter without a vaccine.
However, let's end the news selection on a positive note. Canada was ranked in two of the world's best countries, both of which ranked in the top 10. Canada was ranked eighth among the best countries based on factors such as safety, quality of life, economic opportunity, financial freedom, and ability to travel and relocate. In seventh place, Canada was ranked as the strongest passport. Holders of a Canadian passport can enter 185 countries without a visa. Compared to the previous year, the Canadian passport has moved up one line.
Alex Pavlenko, founder of the emigration portal Immigrant.Today
