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Welcoming Parents and Grandparents to Canada through PGP 2021

Canada has announced the Parents and Grandparents program through which Canadians and Permanent Residents can sponsor their parents and grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada.

IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) expects to draw 30,000 people from the lottery over the course of two weeks. The IRCC Web site only takes into consideration individuals who filed an interest for sponsorship form between midsummer EDT on 13 October 2020 and midday EDT on 3 November 2020.

An IRCC directive stated, to avoid utilizing outdated forms or following previous instructions, IRCC advises candidates to wait until they get an ITA before filling out an application. Those who apply but do not receive an ITA will not be repaid their application fees.

Application process for parents and grandparents program

Upon receiving the ITA, – the applicant needs to complete two applications that include-

  • Application for Request of sponsorship
  • Parents’ and grandparents’ application for permanent residency

These two requests can be submitted simultaneously online. The applicant needs to pay an application fee, biometric fee and other fees. The application fees can be paid online that include the following payments such as-

  • Sponsor processing fees, which means fees for the sponsored people and their employees
  • Entitlement to permanent residence fee

The applicant shall also pay the biometric fee charged on filing the application. However, after the application is filed, biometrics is collected. The applicant may also need to pay fees to third parties for carrying out Medical examination and issuing of Police Certificate.

The family members may be asked to provide their biometrics through a letter after paying the biometric fees. The family members are given 30 days to provide biometrics at the nearest collection point. In addition, pursuant to COVID-19, IRCC has put in place particular arrangements or measures for biometrics collecting.

IRCC provides a period of 60 days to receive completed sponsorship applications from invited sponsors. Sponsored parents and grandparents will become permanent residents of Canada and as such would be eligible for all benefits, including free health care.

There exists a high demand among Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their loved ones and receiving a PGP invitation is tough. Previously, IRCC has received about 100,000 website visits displaying interest for submitting sponsor forms within minutes of the policy being launched.

If I receive a PGP 2021 invitation, what should I do?

It is critical that you meet the eligibility requirements for the PGP 2021. The following conditions must be fulfilled to meet the PGP eligibility criterion:

  • You must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a member of a status First Nations.
  • You must also show that you have the Minimum Necessary Income to IRCC (MNI). Your notifications of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the tax years 2020, 2019, and 2018 must be submitted.

In case you fit the criteria and want to move further, you will have 60 days to submit your complete sponsorship application to IRCC, with the necessary payment. PGP is emerging as an opportunity to reunite families as part of family reunification program assisting applicants on humanitarian grounds.

Individuals who live in Quebec and who want to sponsor a parent or grandparent need to have their income assessed by the Quebec Immigration Ministry, which is based on the province’s income standards.

How Can X Immigration can assist you?

If you have been invited to sponsor, please contact us it would be our privilege to paly a part in reuniting families.

To help you with your PGP 2021 application, we will –  

  • Our experienced RCIC consultants will provide free consultation and help you understand the PGP program
  • We will answer all queries from you (sponsor) and the applicant (parents and grandparents)
  • Verify that you meet the PGP 2021 eligibility requirements
  • Gather all required paperwork, supporting documents and fill out necessary application forms
  • Submit your application to IRCC within the 60-day period
  • Keep you informed about the status of your application
  • Communicate with Canadian government on your behalf

Canada: An Educational Hotspot for students

In our life, the drive to experience new things makes us step out of our comfort zones. One such experience is to study in a foreign country. Studying abroad has become increasingly popular among students around the world, and the reasons range from better education, job opportunities or experiencing a different culture.

Few countries like the USA, Australia and the UK are popular amongst students, but it should come as no surprise that Canada is becoming increasingly popular especially amongst the students from Asia.

According to a research conducted by Financial services provider Remitly using Google search data, Canada is the most desirable place to live on Earth. People from 29 countries wish to immigrate to the true North, due to friendly locals, beautiful scenery, safety, low unemployment, and high immigration options. Despite travel restrictions causing severe disruption in international mobility, hopeful immigrants do not seem to be reconsidering their immigration plans and timelines.

The influx of students into Canada has tripled in the last 10 years and currently there are 642,000 individuals on study permits in Canada ranking it 3rd in the world, after the USA and Australia in terms of foreign student population.

The students who choose Canada receive world-class education, tremendous growth and career opportunities and a shot to settle in a developed country, but what does Canada receive in return? Students pay hefty fees to come and study in Canada directly benefiting the colleges/ universities. These international students contribute approximately $22 billion into the Canadian economy by paying taxes, fees and fill about 170,000 part-time and full-time positions.

Source: IRCC, Government of Canada

Students from around the globe choose Canada as their preferred destination but Canada is particularly popular amongst the students from India and China, and the principal cause is the large middle-class population in these countries. Studies show that 2 out of 5 students coming to Canada are Indians. In 2019 an all-time high of around 175,000 study permit applications were received form India, while in the first half of 2021 around 90,000 applications have already been received and it is expected to rise as the world adapts to the new normal after COVID-19.

Closed biometric and VFS centers made it difficult for international students to begin or continue their study abroad journeys in 2020 and early 2021. However, as travel restrictions eased and government offices reopened in mid-2021, study permit processing times continued to improve. We expect the prolonged processing delays to become less common, barring any significant difficulties due to COVID-19 variant outbreaks.

Tips to follow for Shorter Processing Times

  • Take assistance from licensed RCIC consultants to ensure letters of acceptance and other documents can be collected quickly.
  • Make sure that all necessary documents are included with the study permit application at time of submission.
  • Look for current study permit processing times and gain a better understanding of processing delays.
  • Check your email for any communication from the IRCC about missing or additionally required documents.

Canada needs international students as their impact on the Canadian economy is profound; they support the economy and meet the necessary labor market needs in terms of workforce availability. With latest policies like TR to PR pathway, it is clear that Immigrant-focused financial recovery plan is at the forefront of Canada’s post-pandemic goals.

At Can X we assist our clients throughout their immigration journey starting from obtaining a study permit to settling in Canada. If you want professional help from licensed RCIC consultant, contact us.

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.

How to sponsor your spouse to Canada

Family reunification is of utmost importance to the Canadian government. IRCC offers various pathways to sponsor your loved ones for immigration to Canada. If you are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent resident, you can apply for a Spousal Sponsorship application. If you are an international student or temporary foreign worker, you can opt for Spousal open work permit application.

Under Canadian Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023, IRCC aims to roll mats for over 80,000 new immigrants per year through its Spousal, Partner, and Children category. Most of these immigrants will arrive as the spouses or partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The first step to sponsoring your spouse for Canadian immigration is to check your eligibility, and to make sure you can provide financially for your spouse, any dependent children, and yourself.

Here is information on how you can sponsor your loved one for immigration to Canada. 

Spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizen or permanent resident

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, you may sponsor your spouse to become permanent residents of Canada with Spousal sponsorship Application. As a Canadian PR your spouse, common law or conjugal can live, study and work in Canada. When your partner comes to Canada as a permanent resident, you are responsible for financially supporting them when they arrive.

Eligibility Requirements to be a sponsor:

  • Must Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must be a Canadian permanent resident living in Canada or a Canadian citizen.
  • You and your spouse, common law or conjugal partner must sign a sponsorship agreement that commits you to provide financial support to your family member, if necessary.
  • You must provide financial support to a spouse for three years from the date you become a permanent resident.
  • You must provide financial support to your dependent child(ren) for 10 years, or until they turn 25, whichever comes first.

Eligibility Requirements to be sponsored:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be legally married or in common law relationship (living together at least 12 consecutive months)

At Can X, we know how important it is for families to be together. For this reason, we consider applications for spousal sponsorship a top priority. We can help you reach across distance and unite with your spouse.

Spouses or common-law partners of full-time students [C42]

If you are an international student studying full-time with a valid student permit, you can apply for Spousal open work permit application. This permit will allow your partner to work full time while you are studying in Canada. In general, this “open work permit” will have the same duration as the Study Permit issued to the sponsor. If you have a dependent child, you can apply for a temporary resident visa (study /visitor) for your child. This will allow you to unite with your child.

Eligibility Requirements to be a sponsor:

  • Must Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must be a must be a full-time student
  • Public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or CEGEP in Quebec.
  • Private university level school in Quebec
  • Canadian private school that can legally grant bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees.

Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers [C41]

Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers coming to Canada may apply for a Spousal open work permit without having an offer of employment. A dependent spouse or common-law partner is eligible to apply for an open work permit under Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemption code C41 if the principal foreign worker.

Eligibility Requirements to be a sponsor:

  • Must Be at least 18 years of age, and physically resides or plans to physically reside in Canada while working.
  • Must hold a work permit that is valid for a period of at least 6 months.
  • Must be employed in an occupation that falls within National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0, A or B.

In recent days, applications for spousal sponsorship have been delayed due to the global pandemic. However, the new measures announced by IRCC regarding acceleration of processing should help avoid further delays

If you are considering submitting a spousal sponsorship application, or spousal open work permit application, we recommend that you seek advice from a certified immigration consultant to help you in your immigration journey.

We hope this information about ways to reunite with your spouse has been helpful! If you have any queries, please feel free to contact us, we will help you find the right immigration solution for you!

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