20 Oct The immigration minister is positive about the progress in processing applications for permanent residence
The immigration minister is positive about the progress in processing applications for permanent residence
On October 19, 2023, Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), issued a statement in response to the Auditor General’s report on processing permanent residence applications. The report examined how IRCC handles applications and deals with backlogs. In August 2022, IRCC started publishing monthly data to inform the public about their efforts to reduce application backlogs. Since then, IRCC has made significant progress in reducing backlogs through the digitalization of applications, staff recruitment and training, and implementing automation technologies. The immigration minister expressed optimism as many areas of operation now meet service standards. Despite the challenges faced, IRCC has shown progress and remains dedicated to fulfilling its commitments and ensuring Canada continues to be a welcoming and inclusive destination.
Marc_Miller, #Miller, #IRCC, #PR, #permanent_residence
IRCC decreased its workforce in India
On October 19, 2023, the Government of Canada decided to reduce the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) workforce in India from 27 employees to five in response to India’s decision to reduce immunities for Canadian diplomats in Delhi. Despite the reduced staff, IRCC will still accept and process applications from India, although processing times may be affected. Most applications from India are already processed outside the country, with 89% handled through the global network. The remaining IRCC staff in India will focus on urgent processing, visa printing, risk assessment, and oversight of key partners. Indian applicants should expect delays in processing times, responses to inquiries, and the return of visas or passports.
IRCC, #India, #Indian_applicants, #immigration_to_Canada
Canada launched a new pilot program for skilled workers from the Philippines
On October 19, 2023, the Government of Canada launched CAN Work Philippines – a pilot program to help Canadian employers hire skilled workers from the Philippines. The program streamlines work permit processing and allows group appointments for medical examinations and biometrics. It is open to Canadian employers hiring 50 or more workers or for critical occupations in sectors like healthcare, construction, and agri-food. To participate, employers must adhere to fair and ethical recruitment guidelines published by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). IRCC also provides $200,000 to the IOM to promote fair and ethical recruitment standards in the Philippines. These efforts strengthen the partnership between Canada and the Philippines and address labour shortages in Canada’s economy.
Philippines, #Work_permits, #CAN_Work_Philippines, #IOM
Nova Scotia announced a new pilot program for construction workers
The Government of Nova Scotia announced a new pilot program for construction workers to boost growth in the skilled trades and modernize the apprenticeship and trades qualification system. Premier Tim Houston has announced measures to add 5,000 new apprentices in the next three years, increase the number of journeypersons and trades qualifiers by 1,000 annually, and raise the apprentice retention rate from 43% to 60% within five years. The Critical Construction Worker Pilot, part of Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program, will include 21 in-demand occupations in the construction sector, focusing on residential building trades.