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Category Archives: Semi Skilled Worker

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

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.

Express Entry : Canada invited 521 PNP candidates on September 15, 2021 draw

A total of 521 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 15, 2021. The cut-off CRS score in this draw was 732. In the previous PNP only draw, minimum cut off was 764 points and 635 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.

CANADA on the road to recovery from COVID-19

Statistics Canada Labour Market Survey states that the Canadian labor market continues to improve with 94,000 jobs being created in July. This lowered the unemployment rate to 7.5% thanks to the relaxation of the measures imposed in the country to combat Covid-19.

The Canadian labor market lost some 68,000 jobs in May this year with an 8.2% unemployment rate, while stricter health restrictions were continuing or being implemented in many regions of the country to curb the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the pace decelerated in June to 7.8%. As the restrictions are easing up the unemployment rate is decreasing. 

Data produced by the Canada Department of Labor Statistics, published on 9 July, depicts that the unemployment rate was 7.5%, a slight decrease in contrast to unemployment rates in May.

Source: Statistic Canada

Ontario is the province where most of the jobs were created in the month of July. Ontario and Nova Scotia were the most affected provinces that recorded declines in total employment levels. According to the Statistics Canada report, the extension of the order to remain at home imposed by the authorities in Ontario was the main cause of job losses. Ontario’s nonessential business started opening as soon the restrictions eased up, in turn creating jobs.

As reported by CBC news on June 4, part-time job numbers were drastically reduced but according to this month’s survey most of the jobs created are part-time, for people aged 15 to 24, which is helping younger people to find employment and increase the growth of the Canadian economy. The services-producing sector accounted for all of the job gains, with increases in food and accommodation services, as well as finance, insurance, real estate, rental, and leasing.

Employment in Manitoba and Nova Scotia increased by 7400 and 3700 jobs, respectively. This rise in the employment rate is among health care and social assistance working full time.

Statistics Canada also indicated that the number of Canadians working from home decreased by 400,000 and now stands at 4.7 million people. Of this number, 2.6 million work at home as a result of the pandemic.

In a nutshell, the government’s decision to lift restrictions in every province has helped the labor market in job creation.

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.

Source: Statistics Canada: Labor Force Survey, April, May, June and July 2021