News from the Provincial Nominee Program and the Ad Hoc Task Force

Updated: Jan 23, 2018 | Tags: Canada Entry Requirements, Canada Immigration

A step forward for Ontario in the Provincial Nominee Program

For the forthcoming year if 2018, Ontario has announced an increase in the Provincial Nominee Program allocation. Numbers are set at 6,600 for immigrants who will now be nominated as part of the Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream. This figure, granted by the Canadian Government, is up on the 2017 allocation by 600.

Invitations to apply for Candian permanent residence

The program is inviting those to apply who qualify for various Canada immigration schemes such as the Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class. Invitations are based on a points system, with those who have at least 400 Comprehensive Ranking System points (and meeting other criteria) being invited to apply. This invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence means that individuals won't have to rely on a Canada visa, Canada ETA or use any other means of entry to stay in Canada.

Invitations are also being issued for the Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker and Skilled Trades Streams, as well as 5 others. These include scenarios where employers have made job offers to individuals, situations relating to international students, and those possessing in-demand skills.

The Intergovernmental Task Force meets again

In other news, the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration has recently had a meeting to evaluate progress and ongoing work to manage Canada immigration. This especially related to irregular migration where people are entering the country without a Canada visa or Canada ETA. Minister Marc Garneau, chairing the Task Force, expressed his appreciation to the meeting for the concerted efforts by governments and community bodies to help manage immigration. Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship spoke of progress over recent months in speeding up processing times, granting health program cover, and issuing work permits. He noted that important work had been accomplished in these areas, especially for processing interview backlogs for migrants. Numbers had fallen from some 6,000 in August 2017 to less than 250 by the middle of December 2017.

Work permits granted

In addition, nearly 10,000 work permits have been granted to irregular migrants to help them earn a living. The time it takes to process applications is, on average, less than 30 days. With continued efforts at many levels by government and non-government organisations, information is now being better shared and there is a greater capacity to handle applications and help individuals. As a result, senior officials have agreed to meet regularly to keep the momentum going.

Working in partnership with the U.S.

Minister Hussen gave information about ongoing outreach programs with the U.S. for information sharing to create the right public impression of Canada immigration. In the same vein, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has begun an advertising program targeting certain U.S areas to spread information about the risks of unauthorised border crossings, emphasizing that illegally crossing the border is not an option for gaining official entry into Canada. Minister Hussen noted that contingency plans were in place to address irregular movement in the future in areas like Quebec and other provinces.

Public Safety Canada

Public Safety Canada has carried out tabletop exercises to check and validate the plans they have in place, working alongside partners from Manitoba and British Columbia. Further exercises are planned in February for Quebec. A spokesperson for the Government of Quebec stated that they are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to deploy resources if numbers of refugee claimants rise at their border crossings. The situation during the 2017 summer stressed the importance of federal and provincial governments sharing information and collaborating. This means that intervention plans will be better coordinated and relevant to individual events and circumstances.

The Quebec Government has made sure that the services they provide are relevant and effective, particularly when it comes to delivering and protecting basic social services and temporary housing, integrating refugee claimants into labour markets, and providing access to permanent accommodation.

News from the Government of Ontario

The Government of Ontario noted that even though there have been no reported interceptions of migrants, asylum seekers are coming to the province through secondary migration channels. They also welcomed continued working partnerships to formulate plans to meet provincial needs, ensuring any municipalities affected receive help early on. The Government ended by saying that contingency plans must seek to address long-term needs while seeing beyond immediate issues. They closed by saying they were looking forward to participating in more tabletop exercises with federal partners.

Minister Hussen wrapped up the meeting by expressing thanks to his provincial colleagues for their close collaboration over recent months. The Task Force will continue to collaborate and share information to move forward.