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The release of the 2023 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sheds light on the progress, challenges, and future direction of immigration policies in Canada. This comprehensive report outlines key achievements, challenges, and pivotal developments within the immigration system, reflecting the country's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive society.
IRCC Releases its 2023 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration
Under the leadership of former Immigration Minister Sean Fraser and current Minister Marc Miller, IRCC achieved several significant milestones in 2022. The department processed a staggering 5.2 million applications for permanent residency, temporary residence, and citizenship, effectively reuniting thousands of families and addressing critical labor shortages in sectors such as healthcare, trades, and technology.
To address the demographic challenges facing Canada, IRCC strategically focuses on selecting immigrants capable of bolstering the country's infrastructure. Notably, the report highlights that 58.4% of permanent residents admitted in 2022 belonged to economic categories, contributing significantly to Canada's labor force and economic recovery.
Enhancements in the Immigration System
IRCC's strategic adoption of category-based selection in the Express Entry system, per the 2023 report, was a pivotal step in aligning immigration policies with the country's evolving labor market needs. The implementation of the National Occupational Classification update (NOC 2021) further streamlined the identification of labor demands and skills necessary for various occupations across Canada.
Advancements in Temporary Resident Policies
The 2023 report underscores the pivotal role of IRCC's temporary public policies in facilitating the smooth entry and integration of international students and temporary foreign workers. Notably, the report highlights the success of the International Mobility Program Plus in bolstering temporary immigration in Quebec and creating pathways for international workers to contribute to the province's workforce.
Digital Service Delivery Transformation
IRCC's commitment to enhancing digital service delivery is reflected in implementing the Digital Platform Modernization (DPM) program. This multi-year initiative aims to streamline client experiences through efficient business processes supported by cutting-edge digital technology. Notably, the report mentions the significant progress made in developing the new Case Management Platform, set to replace the existing Global Case Management System (GCMS).
Collaborative Efforts and Addressing Challenges
While emphasizing the collaborative efforts of various government partners in achieving IRCC's mandate, the report also acknowledges the existing challenges within the immigration system. It highlights the department's ongoing initiatives to address systemic racism, increase the diversity of front-line staff, and promote inclusivity through the implementation of Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+).
International Engagement and Strategic Immigration Objectives
Canada's active participation in international migration and refugee protection issues is showcased through its involvement in various global organizations, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The report highlights Canada's commitment to promoting safe and regular migration, as well as its continued delivery of capacity-building assistance to support strategic objectives globally.
Additionally, as of the end of 2022, the number of international graduates with a valid PGWP in Canada surpassed 286,000, with a substantial portion successfully transitioning to permanent residence, reaching a record high of over 157,000 in 2021. The ongoing growth in PGWP holders underscores the program's crucial contribution to Canada's workforce and immigration objectives.
The 2023 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration provides an insightful overview of IRCC's achievements and challenges, underscoring the importance of strategic policies and collaborative partnerships in shaping Canada's immigration landscape. Through its continued efforts to foster inclusivity, address systemic challenges, and promote global cooperation, IRCC remains dedicated to building a vibrant and diverse society that thrives on the contributions of immigrants worldwide.
IRCC Announced Changes to its International Student Program
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is to reassess the Post-Graduation Work Permit for the first time in a decade. IRCC announced significant changes to the International Student Program, aimed at strengthening the program and safeguarding students from fraudulent activities.
The new measures mandate Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to verify each applicant's letter of acceptance directly with IRCC, ensuring that study permits are issued solely on authentic acceptance letters. Furthermore, by the fall semester of 2024, IRCC plans to introduce a "recognized institution" framework, providing various benefits to DLIs, including prioritized processing of study permit applications.
Additionally, IRCC revealed plans to conduct a comprehensive review of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) criteria, marking the first overhaul of the program in a decade. The reforms aim to align the PGWP with the nation's labor market needs and regional, as well as Francophone, immigration objectives.
The PGWP allows international students who complete an eligible Canadian post-secondary program to work for any employer in Canada. Valid for up to three years, depending on the duration of the educational program, the PGWP enables students to gain valuable professional experience essential for future Canadian immigration applications.
To qualify for a PGWP, international students must have fulfilled specific requirements, including completing a qualifying study program of at least eight months at a recognized DLI and maintaining full-time student status during the program. Various exceptions and exemptions were introduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing flexibility for certain students.
Based on a 2022 Statistics Canada report, the population of PGWP holders in Canada has seen a consistent annual increase. The study found that 29% of graduates from the 2008 cohort held a PGWP five years after graduation, whereas this percentage notably rose to 52% for graduates from the 2013 cohort.
Statistics Canada's recent study indicates a substantial rise in PGWP holders over the years. The data showed that the total number of PGWP holders between 2008 and 2018 increased from 10,300 to 64,700. The data reveals a significant increase in median earnings for PGWP holders, along with a notable surge in the transition of PGWP holders to permanent residence, emphasizing the program's important role in Canada's immigration landscape.
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