For some time, Canada has been rolling out the red carpet to incoming global talents. This year the country had resolved to bring in 4,31,000 permanent residents to the country and by August 2022 alone they have touched the phenomenal figure of 3,00,000. This shows Canada’s inclusive nature, and the willingness to accept anyone who can assist in strengthening its economy further. Looking at the country’s assimilating nature, the new measures to modernise its immigration system are indeed noteworthy. So, let’s understand the steps taken by Canada to ease the process of immigration one by one.
Ease The Process Of Medical Exams
Clearing medical exams happen to be one of the criteria for foreign migrants and this used to consume some time of the aspiring foreign migrants. However, the country is planning to simplify the process of medicals to reduce the wait time of the migrants as well as the cost involved in the same. However, full details regarding how Canada is trying to do the same are still awaited.
Widen The Ambit Of Virtual Interviews
The Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) resorted to telephonic and video interviews with sponsors and applicants to expedite the process of uniting the family during the pandemic. They brought in close to 70,000 children, spouses and partners as a result of the virtual interviews. In order to offer spousal sponsorships without any hiccups, the country has decided to stick to telephonic and video exchanges in future as well. Importantly, Canada is also planning to extend the scope of virtual interviews by introducing the same in overseas offices so that people don’t have to travel to visa offices for the same.
Digitalize For The Convenience Of The Applicants
It is interesting to note that the IRCC is all set to move towards a total digital application regime for the majority of permanent residence initiatives from September 23 onwards. There will be alternative formats for those who need accommodations as well. This is going to further ease the immigration procedures as a majority of permanent residence applicants have good access to the online application portal.
Extending The Scope Of Application Tracker
This year in February, the IRCC unleashed a fresh application status tracker allowing permanent residence applicants, sponsors and their representatives in the spouse, partner and dependent child categories to conveniently keep track of their application status online. This service is poised to be extended to other permanent residence and temporary residence programs from spring 2023 onwards as well. Also, beginning this fall, the IRCC will be publishing futuristic estimates of the time taken to process an application as well.
Streamlining The Citizenship Process
Last year, ie 2021, in August, the IRCC brought in a tool permitting the submission of certain citizenship applications online. The tool also allowed adults over 18 to apply in unison. Going further, the IRCC is even planning to increase the scope of this tool further by providing online applications to minors under the age of 18, most probably by the end of the year.
So, do you think these measures are going to bring more relief to migrants? Will Canada set new benchmarks in welcoming foreigners in future? What do you feel? Feel free to write to us.
