Canada immigration: A look back at 2019

The year 2019, without doubt, was one of the least eventful years in terms of Canada immigration. The federal government introduced few major changes in the immigration system and that kept the matters almost stable. The two major controversies related to Canada immigration were those regarding the scrapping of applications for Quebec Skilled Worker Program and the application process for the Parents and Grandparents Program.
Quebec scrapped 16000 applications for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program ahead of starting to invite applications through Arrima, the new Expression of Interest system launched for the program. However, the candidates whose applications have been scrapped were given priority in the following Arrima draws.
When the Parents and Grandparents Program was opened on January 28, 2019, the online Interest to Sponsor form was available only for a few minutes. According to IRCC, almost 100,000 tried to access the form, the maximum number of applications to be accepted was only 20,000.  This led to widespread criticism that the first-come, first-served system was largely unfair to applicants.

Express Entry system

The year 2019 was a stable one for the Express Entry system. The draws remained almost consistent in size and the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score witnessed a gradual increase over the year. The total number of ITAs issued in the year is 85300.

Express Entry-aligned PNP streams

In 2019, Ontario began Tech Draws through the Human Capital Priorities Stream, which is linked to the federal Express Entry. Nova Scotia launched a new Labour Market Priorities stream exclusively for doctors. New Brunswick also launched an Express Entry stream dedicated to candidates who are already living and working in the province in 2019. Another major development was Saskatchewan increasing the number of eligible occupations under its Express Entry stream.

Looking forward to 2020

It is expected that many major developments will take place in Canada in the year 2020. Canada’s plan is to gradually increase the immigration levels and according to the 2018 immigration levels plan, Canada would be admitting 350,000 newcomers per year by 2021. The Liberals have also proposed a new Municipal Nominee Program aimed to help smaller communities. The programs will have a minimum allocation of 5000 per year. Further, Canada government has plans to make the Atlantic Immigration Pilot permanent. Further, Canada will be abolishing the $630 citizenship application fee.
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