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Category Archives: News

What to do if your application is assigned to an Inactive Immigration Officer

Mismanagement has put nearly 60,000 applications in processing limbo, according to a recent Access to Information and Privacy request. Officers in consulates around the world were assigned active cases, including those from Indian, United States, Philippine, and Brazil airports, border ports, and processing centres.

Following CBC News’ story about how Canada’s immigration department assigned thousands of applications to inactive employees and placeholder codes, the department explained its processing system. In an Access to Information request earlier this year, CBC requested information on all inactive employees and placeholder codes assigned to applicants. Data from IRCC’s Global Case Management System (GCMS) – the worldwide system used to process citizenship and immigration applications – revealed IRCC’s “inactive users” in October. According to the data, there are 59,456 open, pending, or re-opened applications assigned to 779 codes.

There were 9,540 applications assigned the most heinous code, SM10353. The last time this Sydney, Newfoundland-based placeholder or former employee used the system was on March 23, 2021. Among the others are:

  • TD7976, an Ottawa-based company with 5,782 assigned applications, last logged in in October 2020.
  • The most recent login for Edmonton-based TH04332, which has 3,937 assigned apps, was in February 2011.
  • About 3,756 applications have been allocated to CB01126, based in Sydney, Newfoundland, and Labrador.
  • With 3,388 assigned applications to CB00580, situated in Edmonton, last logged in in January 2012.
  • The last login for RK01404, based in India, had 2,201 assigned applications, was in March 2021.
  • With 2,167 assigned applications, CA9999, situated in Edmonton, last logged in in August 2015.
  • With 1,897 assigned applications, Sydney, Newfoundland-based LB6660 last logged in in December 2016.
  • RA9519, a Vancouver-based with 1,864 assigned applications, last logged in in February 2016.
  • With 1,710 assigned applications, RL7901, situated in Ottawa, last logged in in November 2015.
  • D9151, an Edmonton-based company with 1,702 assigned applications, last logged in in August 2013.

What are ‘placeholder’?

Inactive users’ codes are described as “placeholders,” “catchment areas,” “group reference numbers,” and “batch codes” by the IRCC. Both terms refer to queues for holding applications waiting for the next stage of processing. This is the equivalent of a mailbox in an office building. Depending on their expertise and line of business, immigration officers pull files from these “mailbox” bins.

What happens when someone is assigned an inactive code?

If a file is assigned to one of these bins, it is waiting for an employee to work on it. Suppose an immigration officer comes in to review a permanent residency (PR) application, for instance. It goes back into a bin and waits for another officer at one of IRCC’s partners abroad, like its New Delhi visa office, to finish the step if more information is needed. A PR application will be placed in a bin again if all steps are approved. Depending on where the applicant is located, the appropriate office would pick it up from the “mailbox,” to finalize the application. There are many types of applications, and that’s just one example. A simple application, such as a visitor visa, may spend less time in line and need fewer officers’ touches. It’s very likely that all applications that enter GCMS at some point will be assigned these placeholder codes.

What is the typical retention period for these bins?

It depends on each case, but officials estimate that applications can remain assigned to these placeholder codes for months at a time. Simple applications like visitor visas may take up to a few hours.

When an employee leaves IRCC, what happens?

It is up to the manager to reassign all active immigration applications to another officer with similar skills when an employee leaves IRCC. IT employees do regular program runs to ensure that anyone who hasn’t logged in for a while isn’t attached to open files if that hasn’t been done before their ID is deactivated. This is referred to as a “failsafe” practice by officials.

What should you do if your application is taking longer than usual?

You can check the processing times for your immigration category to see if your application falls within the normal range. Processing times can be found on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few things you can try to do.

Apply for GCMS notes

The Global Case Management System (GCMS) is an electronic data management program that is used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to track the progress of applications from overseas as well as within Canada. In GCMS, immigration officers record their notes and concerns about applications. It is likely that applying for GCMS notes under ATIP will trigger the processing of the application if it is assigned to an “inactive code”.

Submit Case Specific Inquiry

You may submit a Case Specific Inquiry (CSI) to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to inquire about the status of your immigration application or to request that certain issues be addressed. You can submit a CSI through the IRCC’s website. Consider submitting a CSI if you are experiencing delays in the processing of your immigration application. Please provide as much information as possible about the specific reasons for the delay and any circumstances that may have contributed to it. In addition, you should include any correspondence you have received from IRCC. Submission of a CSI does not guarantee expedited processing of your application. However, it may help bring your situation to IRCC’s attention and result in your application being processed more quickly.

Contact IRCC Call Centre

Contacting the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Call Centre may help you to get information about the status of your immigration application or to address any issues or concerns you have about the application process. The IRCC Call Canter can be reached at 1-888-242-2100, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm local time, excluding statutory holidays. Consider calling early in the morning or using a speakerphone. Note the date and time you called, the agent’s name, and the exact information they provided. Request that the agent email the information they provided. The immigration agent with whom you speak is different from the officer who will review and decide your application.

Contact your local Member of Parliament (MP)

MPs have access to a hotline and email accounts with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (and other government functions). They can use these communication lines to contact IRCC and ask for information. This is especially important if your case seems to have stalled (you have not heard from Immigration for a long time after the estimated wait time), to determine when your case may have been heard. It can sometimes result in your application being resumed if it has been in limbo for far too long without any progress. It is not necessary for you to be a permanent resident or a citizen to access this resource. You may find your local MP by visiting the following site:

https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=res&dir=cir/maps2&document=index&lang=e

Contact IRCC via email

IRCC does not generally respond to email inquiries related to specific immigration applications. Contact the IRCC Call Centre or submit a Case Specific Inquiry (CSI) through the IRCC website if you have specific questions about your application. If all other attempts to resolve the issue have failed, you may consider sending an email to IRCC. For Temporary Resident Visas (TRV) you may email IRCC at [email protected]. Include your family name, given name, Unique Client Identifier (UCI) Number (also referred to as a Client ID Number), application number and date of birth in your email.

How Can X can help?

Can X Immigration and Consulting Inc. is a Canadian-based consulting firm that provides immigration and consulting services. With our expert advice and immigration services, we have been helping clients from all over the world for many years. It is our commitment to provide our clients with courteous and knowledgeable support at every stage of the process.

Start your Immigration journey with Can X

Canada to Expand Transitions to Permanent Residency

Honorable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, has proposed expanding options to permanent residence for international students and temporary foreign employees. The new five-pillar approach intends to increase the number of foreign workers and international students who transition to permanent residence and have substantial work experience in fields where there is a persistent labor shortage.

The strategy was developed in response to Motion 44 proposed by Randeep Sarai, Liberal Member of Parliament for Surrey Centre in May of 2022. The motion requested that the government develop and publicly release a plan to expand economic immigration to meet labor needs with workers of all skill levels.

Temporary foreign workers and international students are essential contributors to the Canadian economy, which is why the government is working to create more avenues to permanent residency. Foreign workers contribute to economic recovery and growth by addressing immediate labor needs, providing a diverse variety of skill levels and educational backgrounds, and supporting company expansion, innovation, and productivity. International students are an important source of talent, helping to expand Canada’s labor force, enhance productivity, and offset the impact of the country’s ageing population.

Five Pillar Strategy

Pillar 1

The enhanced immigration levels targets set in the Immigration Levels Plan 2022-2024 are intended to give Canada with a larger, permanent labor supply. This strategy expands chances for more temporary workers to become permanent residents, thereby addressing labor market shortages and fueling our post-pandemic economic growth.

Pillar 2

Through recent changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Express Entry system will be reformed, including increased flexibility in immigration selection tools under Express Entry. The Department will also review the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System criteria, specifically the points awarded for Canadian work experience and education, language proficiency, and a job offer. These revisions set the stage for the upcoming version of Express Entry, which will include more options for workers of all skill levels to transfer to permanent residence.

Pillar 3

This includes implementing changes to permanent economic immigration plans to aid in the transition of workers in high-demand occupations from temporary to permanent residence. On November 16, IRCC plans to adopt the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021. This new occupation classification system will make 16 new occupations eligible for Express Entry while eliminating three previously eligible occupations. The government also intends to improve newcomers’ access to information to ensure that they meet the necessary qualifications and connect them to federal, provincial, or territorial immigration programs; remove barriers for physicians and other high-demand workers; and improve pilot programs to support permanent residency pathways for caregivers and agri-food workers.

Pillar 4

IRCC will support communities in attracting and retaining newcomers, including through Francophone immigration. The government aids Francophone minority groups outside of Quebec with initiatives targeted at attaining the 4.4% French-speaking immigration objective by 2023. A new Municipal Nominee Program is also being developed to assist municipalities in attracting and retaining newcomers to meet their local labor needs. In addition, the government is continuing to collaborate with provinces, territories, and Canadian employers on pathways to permanent residencies, such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Pillar 5

IRCC has reporting a decrease in its August 31 inventory. Still, Canadian immigration backlog is at 2.6 million. The government plans to “modernize the immigration system through technology advances”.  The government is expanding processing capacity, improving client experience, and modernizing the immigration system. These measures are aimed at ensuring that newcomers are welcomed as permanent residents as soon as feasible.

Need immigration services! Contact us for consultation and assistance.

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) at CAN X IMMIGRATION can help you with your Visa and permit with a free assessment and consultation.

Canada: Dream destination for Indian students

A recent report by the Canadian Bureau for International Education found that the number of international students in Canada has been on the rise in recent years. And it’s no surprise because, with its reputation for quality education and welcoming culture, Canada is an attractive destination for students worldwide. Thousands of Indian students are choosing to call British Columbia and Canada home, which has caused a significant increase in new study visa applications since 2015.

Overseas students are granted a variety of Canadian study permits. India and South Asia have historically been significant contributors to Canadian immigration; more than 5% of British Columbians are Punjabi native speakers. However, postsecondary education and the promise of the Canadian dream have recently been the most important drivers of immigration.

Source: IRCC Canada

Applications for student visas from India were almost on a level with those from China in 2015. Seven years later, applications from India accounted for about half of all student visa applications between January and June, while those from China, the country that sent the second-highest number of international students, remained largely steady.

In British Columbia, there were nearly 509,000 university students. according to a ministry spokesperson, during the 2020/21 academic year. 151,185 of those students were international students. According to a 2017 report, British Columbia was home to one-quarter of all international students in Canada.

Quality of Canadian education

One of the biggest reasons is the quality of Canadian education. Canada has some of the world’s top universities, and many are located in major cities like Toronto, Surrey, Vancouver, and Montreal. Another reason why Indian students are coming to Canada is because of the lower cost of living. As in Canada, the cost of living and tuition fees for international students are generally lower than in other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom which makes it easier for Indian students to afford their studies. Canada is a very multicultural country, and many Indians are living here already. This makes it easier for Indian students to adjust to life in Canada and feel at home here.

Source: World’s Highest and lowest tuition fees I Statista

Work opportunities in Canada

Indian students are increasingly choosing to study in Canada, attracted by the country’s reputation for quality education and its opportunities for post-graduation employment. Canada is now the second most popular destination for Indian students after the United States.

The biggest factor is the chance to gain international experience and exposure. By studying abroad, students can develop skills and networks that will be valuable no matter where their career takes them. Canada offers the PGWP as part of its efforts to attract and retain international students. The PGWP is a non-restricted work permit that allows international graduates to work for any Canadian employer without the need for a job offer.

Canada is also seen as a welcoming and diverse place to live and study. Indian students feel at home in Canada’s multicultural environment, and appreciate the fact that they can continue to practice their own culture and traditions while also learning about others. Canadian universities offer excellent educational programs that are highly regarded around the world. Students know that by studying in Canada they will receive a top-quality education that will prepare them well for their future careers.

The work opportunities available to graduates of Canadian universities are another big attraction for Indian students. Canada has a strong economy and is always looking for skilled workers to fill jobs in a variety of industries.

Immigration policies of Canada

Canada has more relaxed immigration policies than many other countries. This means that it is easier for Indian students to get a student visa to come to Canada. Additionally, the cost of living and tuition in Canada is often cheaper than in other developed countries.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a more efficient and faster application process for a Canadian study visa. Residents of seven countries are currently served by the SDS program (China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, Vietnam, Antigua & Barbuda, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago).

Finally, Canada is a multicultural country with a large Indian population, which can make Indian students feel more at home.

Indian students who come to study in Canada can be sure that they will receive a world-class education and have the opportunity to build a successful future in this great country. Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) at CAN X IMMIGRATION can help you with your Study Visa with a free assessment and consultation.

Express Entry : Canada invited 681 PNP candidates on October 13, 2021 draw

A total of 681 candidates who had already received an additional 600 points with a provincial nomination were invited to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency in the Express Entry draw which took place on October 13, 2021. The cut-off CRS score in this draw was 720. In the previous PNP only draw, minimum cut off was 742 points and 761 candidates were invited by IRCC.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is the application process for skilled workers in Overseas or Canada who want to settle in Canada permanently. This is the fastest and most popular pathway for newcomers seeking a new life in Canada. Interested Candidates are required to submit an online application to express their interest by creating Express Entry (EE) profile and, providing information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and some other details. After submitting the profile, candidates get a score to determine their place in the pool using the point-based system called Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS system considers skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other factors (e.g. having a sibling in Canada, Canadian education or a valid job offer in Canada, etc.) to award points. Highest ranking candidates from Express Entry pool are regularly invited to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence. Express Entry manages applications for permanent residence under these federal economic immigration programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Express Entry streams of the Provincial Nominee Programs

The Provincial Nominee Class (PNC) allows provincial and territorial governments to choose immigrants according to the economic needs of the province or territory. Nine Canadian provinces and two territories have provincial nominee programs which:

  • Establish its own standards and processes by which it chooses its nominees,
  • Try to nominate those candidates who would be most likely to settle effectively into the economic and social life of the region.

PNP has two (2) steps

  1. First apply to the province or territory where you want to live and be nominated.
  2. After a province or territory nominates you, you must apply to IRCC for permanent residence. An IRCC officer will then assess your application based on Canadian immigration rules.

All Canadian Provinces have their unique immigration programs that can either support a Federal Immigration application via ‘Express Entry’ or through a stand-alone PNP application. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) gives provinces and territories an active role in immigrant selection as it authorizes them to nominate for permanent residence individuals who will meet specific local labour market needs.

Need help staying in Canada!

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to challenging times in Canada and around the world. Many people are under distress and anxiety. We understand! We may help you figure it out, so you can have peace of mind. You could be an international student, worker, or visitor looking to extend your stay in Canada. You may be seeking a pathway to permanent immigration. Or you may be looking to reunite with a loved one. Or you may want to be a Canadian Citizen. Whatever the reason, contact us to discuss your immigration needs, and we’ll provide our insights and help as much as we can during these difficult times.

Express Entry : Canada invited 761 PNP candidates on September 29, 2021 draw

A total of 761 candidates who had already received an additional 600 points with a provincial nomination were invited to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency in the Express Entry draw which took place on September 29, 2021. The cut-off CRS score in this draw was 742. In the previous PNP only draw, minimum cut off was 732 points and 521 candidates were invited by IRCC.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is the application process for skilled workers in Overseas or Canada who want to settle in Canada permanently. This is the fastest and most popular pathway for newcomers seeking a new life in Canada. Interested Candidates are required to submit an online application to express their interest by creating Express Entry (EE) profile and, providing information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and some other details. After submitting the profile, candidates get a score to determine their place in the pool using the point-based system called Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS system considers skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other factors (e.g. having a sibling in Canada, Canadian education or a valid job offer in Canada, etc.) to award points. Highest ranking candidates from Express Entry pool are regularly invited to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence. Express Entry manages applications for permanent residence under these federal economic immigration programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Express Entry streams of the Provincial Nominee Programs

The Provincial Nominee Class (PNC) allows provincial and territorial governments to choose immigrants according to the economic needs of the province or territory. Nine Canadian provinces and two territories have provincial nominee programs which:

  • Establish its own standards and processes by which it chooses its nominees,
  • Try to nominate those candidates who would be most likely to settle effectively into the economic and social life of the region.

PNP has two (2) steps

  1. First apply to the province or territory where you want to live and be nominated.
  2. After a province or territory nominates you, you must apply to IRCC for permanent residence. An IRCC officer will then assess your application based on Canadian immigration rules.

All Canadian Provinces have their unique immigration programs that can either support a Federal Immigration application via ‘Express Entry’ or through a stand-alone PNP application. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) gives provinces and territories an active role in immigrant selection as it authorizes them to nominate for permanent residence individuals who will meet specific local labour market needs.

Need help staying in Canada!

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to challenging times in Canada and around the world. Many people are under distress and anxiety. We understand! We may help you figure it out, so you can have peace of mind. You could be an international student, worker, or visitor looking to extend your stay in Canada. You may be seeking a pathway to permanent immigration. Or you may be looking to reunite with a loved one. Or you may want to be a Canadian Citizen. Whatever the reason, contact us to discuss your immigration needs, and we’ll provide our insights and help as much as we can during these difficult times.