Key Immigration Updates in Canada – September 2024
For immigration professionals, staying informed about the latest policy changes and trends is critical to providing clients with up-to-date advice. Here are three important developments that could directly impact your practice:
End of Temporary Public Policy for Visitors Applying for Work Permits
Effective August 28, 2024, the Canadian government has ended the temporary policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits without leaving the country. This policy, initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, provided an essential pathway for visitors stuck in Canada to apply for work permits without having to exit and re-enter the country.
With this change, immigration professionals should be aware that visitors will now need to follow the traditional routes for work permit applications. It’s important to review ongoing applications submitted before the deadline to ensure they are processed under the temporary policy rules. This adjustment may also prompt an increase in questions from clients who were hoping to leverage this now-ended option.
Ongoing Focus on Express Entry and PNP Draws
Canada’s Express Entry system continues to drive skilled immigration, with the latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw held on September 9, 2024, issuing 911 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). These PNP draws have become more frequent, with CRS scores often surpassing 700, reflecting a growing need for specialized talent across Canadian provinces.
For immigration consultants and lawyers, this signals an ongoing opportunity to assist clients in targeting PNP streams and preparing profiles that can meet the high CRS score thresholds.
Immigration Backlog Continues to Affect Applications
As of July 2024, Canada’s immigration backlog has grown to over 2.3 million applications, spanning categories such as work permits, study permits, and temporary resident visas. This backlog poses challenges, especially for temporary residence applications, which have experienced significant delays. The IRCC aims to reduce the backlog by 20-30% by mid-2025, but in the meantime, immigration professionals should prepare for potential delays in client case resolutions.
In this environment, maintaining clear communication with clients regarding potential timeline extensions is crucial. The current backlog highlights the importance of optimizing case management processes to minimize delays and ensure a smoother client experience.
How Visaflo Can Support Your Immigration Practice
Given the fast-paced nature of the Canadian immigration system, efficiency and accuracy are more important than ever for immigration professionals. Visaflo, a cloud-based automation tool designed specifically for Canadian immigration lawyers and consultants.
With the current backlog and the ongoing changes to policies, adopting a tool like Visaflo can make all the difference in managing your workload effectively and keeping clients informed and satisfied.
Ready to take your practice to the next level? Contact us today to learn more about how Visaflo can transform your case management process!