An overview of what we can expect in the immigration sector over the next 12 months.
The recent census showed that immigrants now account for their most significant share of Canada’s total populace (23%). This surpasses a previous record set 100 years ago.
The Canadian government appears steadfast as it continues to support immigration and welcome newcomers into the country. Canada hopes that increased immigration will help the country to develop economically and socially. It hopes to reunite families and aid vulnerable populations with Canada’s humanitarian aid.
The following gives a glimpse of the future of Canadian immigration in 2023.
Client Experience: We hope that the IRCC application backlog will continue to decline
The total backlog of applications at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada has been decreasing steadily since September 2022. CIC News data shows that IRCC’s backlog has fallen by 400,000.
IRCC also received $ 85 million additional funding to “reduce app inventories.” Between March 2019 and November 20,22, “frontline operations staff” increased by 2,521 employees. These factors will continue to impact IRCC’s service standards in 2023 positively.
For 2023, the Immigration Levels Target Plan
Canada set a record-high goal for immigration within the Immigrant Levels Plan in 2023. This suggests that IRCC is capable of managing the backlog and welcoming a large number of newcomers.
The 2023 Immigration Levels Plan Target (465,000) is broken down by immigration category.
- Express Entry 82,880
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): 105,500
- Parents and Grandparents: 28500
- Spouses/Partners and children: 78,000
Four key Canadian immigration routes are outlined.
Programs of Provincial Nominees in 2023
We learned that the PNP was set to surpass Express Entry as Canada’s most popular immigration route towards the end of the year. The PNPs are essential in helping Canada meet specific labor market requirements increasing in prominence across the country. Canada will likely welcome 23,000 more PNP immigrants in 2023 than Express Entry applicants.
Express Entry in 2023
To further reinforce Canada’s determination to address specific labor market gaps and needs, IRCC will likely introduce targeted Express Entry draws by 2023. Instead of giving out Invitations To Apply (ITAs) based on the candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System score (CRS), these draws will target candidates with specific occupational experience, language skills, and educational background.
Grandparents and Parents Program in 2023
Canada will continue to support family reunification in 2023. This can be seen in Canada’s Grandparents and Parents Program (PGP). According to Canada’s most recent Immigration Levels Plan, the PGP will be combined with other immigration routes, such as the Super Visa, to allow more than 28,000 newcomers next year.
Notification: Official details regarding the selection process that IRCC will use to select the PGP for 2023 have yet to be made available.
International Students in 2023
October saw IRCC change its policy on off-campus hours for international students studying in Canada.
From November 15th, 2022, to the end of 2023, international students who have an off-campus work authorization in their study permit will now be able to work more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session.
This change is intended to assist Canada in dealing with labor shortages. Canada currently faces “historic labor shortages” and a low unemployment rate by historical standards. It will allow more than half a million international students to work longer hours while attending classes from now until the end of next.
What will these developments mean for Canada in 2023
Canada’s population is greatly benefited from immigration, and this should continue into 2023.
Canada should ease more of the labor market pressures by allowing for an increase in newcomers through targeted Express Entry draws and PNPs. Canada will see an increase in skilled immigrants, particularly those working high-demand jobs. This will help it benefit from the natural cycle of spending when people are employed.
Temporarily lifting the off-campus hour’s rule could result in more international students coming to Canada. This move is expected to make Canada a more desirable destination for international students. This policy change could lead to more international students staying in Canada after graduation. It will also mean that more international students contribute to Canada’s economic and labor market improvement (like Express Entry and PNP immigrants).
Therefore, all Canadians should be more optimistic about a bright future and a productive labor force in 2023.
Note: All Canadians need to watch the Canadian economy and labor markets to determine how immigration will impact the country in the coming 12 months.
