Posted on April 04 2020
The global challenges that COVID-19 has presented have affected Canada too. People are instructed to stay within homes. The nation has closed its borders to foreign nations. Only essential travel is allowed.
But one remarkable thing about Canada is that such a crisis has not shut Canada immigration down. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is still receiving and processing applications. Many of Canada’s provincial programs are still inviting applications from aspiring candidates for Canada PR immigration. These are candidates who wish to work and settle in the country’s different provinces.
With these impressive factors in mind, let's explore 5 reasons you should apply for Canada immigration today.
Canada is still seeking immigrants
Canada’s economic, social and industrial sectors have a great dependency on skilled and educated immigrants. Just before the COVID-19 crisis became serious in Canada, the federal government released its immigration levels plan. It aimed to raise annual targets close to 390,000 by 2022.
The need for economic class immigrants and more has been a constant necessity for Canada. Canada will need more immigrants once COVID-19 is brought under control and the economy begins to recover. The newcomers will again boost the population and bring down the average age. This will strengthen the labor market. Meeting the target of 341,000 for 2020 will depend on how fast the pandemic crisis will end. Canada is expected to improve immigration again from 2021 onwards.
Plan long-time and apply now to arrive in Canada post-COVID-19
Those who are planning to migrate to Canada after the COVID-19 crisis should start acting now. A minimum of 6 months is the speculated waiting time for candidates applying now for Canada immigration. The hindered functioning of immigration process departments could increase the wait time. The time taken will depend on the immigration category. The earlier you submit your application, the sooner you will arrive in Canada. Of course, this will need you to make it through all the procedures and processes.
What if you are in Canada on a work permit?
Temporary residents who are already working on a Canada Work visa must consider preparing their application for permanent residence now. It’s necessary if their intention is to stay for a long time. The situation is favorable now. That's because migration draws that have happened since the COVID-19 crisis started have favored in-house candidates.
Through Express Entry, 2 program-specific draws have aimed at provincial nominees and the Canadian Experience class respectively. Saskatchewan targeted its provincial draw at Occupations In-Demand. British Columbia draw excluded fields where the impact of COVID-19 has caused people to lose their jobs.
Canada is moving on the path of a fast recovery
Canada’s federal government has undertaken measures to help people and businesses to survive the COVID-19 crisis. With the success of these measures today, Canada will be in a position to make the fastest possible recovery once the crisis dissipates. Canada will need immigrants to contribute to that recovery process.
The measures taken include the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). It provides $2,000 per month to workers who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19. Employment Insurance is also available to them. The Canada Child Benefit has been increased. The income tax filing deadline has been delayed. Canadian banks have committed to helping those with mortgages. Many of them are offering payment deferrals of up to 6 months.
Small businesses are also getting government backing. There’s an unprecedented 75% wage subsidy for qualifying businesses. This is for up to 3 months, effective from March 15, 2020.
Canada is in need of temporary workers
As soon as the coronavirus crisis strengthened, Canada’s dependence on temporary workers became an important issue. This was in light of their major role in agriculture and other food-related industries. This is why Canada keeps its borders open to temporary workers.
Candidates flying to Canada will face health tests before boarding. They will also follow 14 days of isolation on arrival. But they will still be welcome as farms are facing labor shortages. This owes to some visa offices in Canada having closed and flights canceled. Planes are even being chartered to bring in temporary workers. This step is necessarily taken to avert a crisis in the food supply.
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