Useful changes to immigration rules and programs

Immigration laws can be an actual minefield with constantly changing rules, plenty of misinformation and immoral individuals who are present everywhere. I hear at least one incident everyday regarding illegal recruitment practices, wrong advice given to prospective immigrants by immigration professionals. While there is always a way to fix a problem, the process is long and may see huge delays and in some cases, might also damage the chances of applicants of successful immigration.

Let’s get some things clear right now that might be useful to people planning to move to Canada.

In the past few years, changes have been implied to several immigration rules and programs. A recent change to immigration law includes adjustments to the Federal Skilled Worker Program. As per the modifications, restriction has been imposed on processing of applications with

1. An arranged employment, work experience, or Canadian credentials,
2. Or experience in one of the occupations stated in the 38 high demand list.

Applicants have to score a minimum of 67 points, which are calculated considering age, education, language ability, work experience, arranged employment and some other factors.

Another change was that occupational restrictions under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) were removed. As a result of this, applicants in regulated professionals such as engineering and nursing can now be processed under the program.

A new category has been added to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) which will allow temporary skilled workers working in the US in specified occupations to file their application under the AINP without any requirement of a prior job offer or any family connections in Alberta.

A new Canadian Experience Class was also introduced. This accepts applications for permanent residency from international students who possess a minimum of one year of full time skilled work experience in Canada and also accepts applications from highly skilled temporary workers who have more than 2 years of recent work experience in Canada.

From now onwards, international students are also eligible for an open work permit under the Federal Post-Graduation Work Permit Program after completion of their studies, without any restrictions on the employment type and without any requirement of a prior job offer. Also, the maximum duration of work permit has been made three years throughout the country. In addition to all this, it is also possible for international students to get an off campus work permit while they study in Canada.