Canada changes immigration rules, raising concerns among applicants

Changes to Canada’s immigration system have created uncertainty among prospective immigrants and temporary residents, with new rules affecting skilled worker selection, permanent residency applications and refugee claims.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on October 16 that changes to the Express Entry system will take effect on November 3, placing greater emphasis on eligible Canadian work experience and qualifying job offers in high-wage occupations.

Under the new rules, eligible candidates may receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for qualifying Canadian work experience or a job offer in an eligible high-wage occupation. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) will no longer be required for qualifying job offers to receive points, subject to the programme’s conditions. However, not all job offers will qualify for additional points, and meeting the criteria will not guarantee permanent residency. 

The changes aim to align skilled worker selection more closely with Canada’s labour market needs. Applicants must still meet the other eligibility requirements of their respective immigration programmes.

Meanwhile, stricter eligibility rules for refugee claims have come into effect under Bill C-12, which received royal assent on March 26.

Under the legislation, certain asylum claims will not be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada if they are made more than one year after a claimant’s first entry into Canada after June 24, 2020. Certain claims made more than 14 days after entering Canada between official ports of entry along the Canada-US land border will also be deemed ineligible for referral. Exceptions may apply in specific circumstances.

Changes to the online refugee claim process are also scheduled for November 3. Applicants who started but did not submit their claims within the required period may need to answer additional questions and review previously provided information.

The changes do not apply equally to all immigration categories. Permanent residents, international students, temporary foreign workers, skilled worker applicants and asylum seekers are subject to different rules and eligibility requirements.

Applicants have been advised to rely on official Canadian government information rather than incomplete or misleading claims circulating on social media. Those with applications in progress should check how the changes affect their cases and seek advice from an authorised immigration consultant or lawyer if necessary.

Keeping documents up to date, understanding the applicable requirements and meeting deadlines remain important for applicants navigating Canada’s changing immigration system.