In today’s discussion, we’re covering an important statement by Mark Miller, which provides insights into upcoming changes in Canada’s immigration policies. He shared details regarding the *Express Entry* system and the proposed adjustments to how permanent residency will be processed.
Changes in the Express Entry System
Mark Miller also shared how the route to accessing the *Express Entry* process will be changed. For example, children were able to access the *Express Entry* process and get 50 to 200 extra points on their application. This helped individuals in getting closer to permanent residence as well, so some of the people would easily qualify through that process.
However, Miller said the government is now looking to close this route. The reason for doing so is that many fraudulent cases were found in which employers and agents collaborated with each other to sell *Lmia* (Labour Market Impact Assessment) positions. In some cases, *LMIA* was sold for amounts as high as $20,000 to $30,000 that led to fraudulent visa applications. These people who got work permits usually end up working in areas where the employer has no real need for them. Thus, many fake *Lmia* cases have been found, and action is being taken upon them.
Focus on Genuine Permanent Residency Applicants
Mark Miller explained that the intention of the government is to shift away from all these fraudulent *LMIA* cases that utilize this *Express Entry* route. And now, it’s focused upon the real applicants wherein all the permanent residency processes have a higher bar so only that person would go to forward.
Permanent residency must first be granted to those with a genuine need, like the students who are educated in areas matching Canada’s workforce needs. According to Miller, the students that will be given priority would be those who graduate from universities and colleges in Canada. They will be eligible to have work permits and eventually, permanent residency.
Impact on Asylum Seekers
Miller also raised the issue of the increase in asylum applications. As of now, there are over 200,000 asylum applications, and no final decision has been made on those cases. The government is targeting a reduction in the number of people who end up staying in Canada based on asylum claims. This is because the decision on asylum cases is left to judges, and the government has very little power over those decisions.
The Canadian government will increase the stringent decision-making procedure when granting asylum. This is in line with taking a more penetrating approach that is aimed at establishing the truth in all asylum cases before accepting such a case. It is all encompassed in the immigration plan with a view of sustainable immigration and control of immigration to this country.
Future for Student Immigration
The student immigration in Canada will focus on the number of students who come to study in the country. The strategy is to give preference to people who come from areas where the demand for labor is really felt, that is, technology, healthcare, and engineering. Graduates from established universities and colleges with work permits will have a direct route to permanent residency. In this way, the government is expected to bring into the country individuals who will benefit the Canadian economy in the long run.
The government is focusing on the students so that it does not have an unsustainable immigration system flooding the market with people who don’t meet the necessary criteria. This also helps ensure that Canada remains an attractive destination for international students, who are an important part of the economy.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, there are very significant shifts in Canada’s immigration policies regarding the *Express Entry* system and asylum seekers. The government has now taken the approach of sealing loopholes that have been misused to make fraudulent applications and shifting the immigration process to more sustainable and genuine pathways like students who are aligned with the country’s labor market needs.
As new developments and changes occur, we will continue to update you with how these policies may affect prospective migrants who wish to join Canada. Stay tuned for even more information, and keep in touch if you wish to know more about recent immigration processes.
Thanks so much for reading, and it’s until the next update!