PM Trudeau announced his government’s “targets” for immigration yesterday. Headlines around the world are cheering Canada’s decision to welcome 1.3 million new immigrants over the next three years.
But there is not much to celebrate for working class migrants.
Here’s what you need to know. If you have a question that is not answered below, please email us at info@migrantworkersalliance.or
- What is Immigration Level Plan?
The Immigration Level Plan is the annual targets set by Canada on the number of people that will be granted permanent resident status. It is divided into categories: economic, family and humanitarian.
- Does it include temporary residents (study permit, work permits, super visas)?
No. The Immigration Levels Plan is only for permanent residents.
- Is the Immigration Level Plan just for people in Canada?
No. The Immigration Level Plan is for permanent resident status that will be granted in 2022, 2023 and 2024 both from inside the country and outside the country.
- Is the Immigration Level Plan fixed?
No. Historically, the Immigration Level Plan has not been met. Sometimes there is more in one category than the other.
In 2021, for example, Canada created the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident pathway. This was not part of the plan that was announced. So if we raise our voices with others like us, we can change anything.
This is just an announcement. The government must table these numbers again on November 1st of each year.
That means, if we organize and speak up, we can change this decision.
- I am an international student – what does this announcement mean for me?
Most international students apply for permanent resident status through the Canada Experience Class, or the Federal Skilled Workers Program, both of which are through the Express Entry system. The target for this has been reduced by half from previous years. This likely means that there will be fewer draws, and the CRS score required to qualify may go up.
If you are concerned about this decision, get in touch with us so we can work to change the rules. Click here to RSVP to our upcoming meeting of Migrant Student Workers.
- I am a migrant caregiver in the backlog – what does this mean for my application?
According to some reports there are over 16,000 caregiver applications in the backlog as of February 1, 2022. If you applied through the Live-In Caregiver Program or the Pilot Programs – you are included in the Pilot Program target of 10,250 – but this also includes programs for agricultural workers, refugees, and rural immigration. If you applied through the TR to PR program, you are included in the target of 40,000 (in 2022). The Interim Pathway applicants are also included in this number. The government has said that it will clear the backlog by the end of 2022. But it is unclear how that will happen considering the low target set for caregivers.
If you are a migrant caregiver concerned about this decision, Call, text, or WhatsApp us at 647-782-6633 to unite with others like you.
- I applied through the TR to PR program – what happens to me?
The government says it will process 40,000 TR to PR applications this year and another 32,000 next year. This means you may be waiting until the end of 2023 to get a decision.
If you are concerned about this, get in touch with us to take action.
> Migrant Care Workers (including healthcare): 647-782-6633
> Migrant Students: 647-858-2854
- I am a caregiver who wanted to apply through the HCCP Childcare stream but I could not because the program closed. What does this mean for me?
This announcement does not include any changes to the HCCP. That’s not fair! Many of us are waiting or cannot apply because of high requirements. Call, text, or Whatsapp us at 647-782-6633 to unite with others like you.
- I am a refugee or non-status person who worked in essential services during COVID-19, including in healthcare. Did the announcement include me?
While the Minister talked about essential workers in the media, the actual announcement does not include a clear target for essential workers.
We must organize and speak up! If you are a migrant in healthcare, call, text, or Whatsapp us at 647-782-6633 to unite with others like you.
- I am a refugee that has been waiting to have my application heard. Did the announcement include me?
There are only 24,500 spots available for refugee claimants but at the end of 2021, there were nearly 60,000 applicants in the backlog. But – Canada is not supposed to set targets for refugees. Everyone that has a valid claim should get PR.
- I am undocumented. Did the announcement include me?
The only pathway for non-status people is the Humanitarian and Compassionate application system but it has only 8,250 spots while there are over half a million non-status people in the country. Take action now, call on the federal government to ensure permanent resident status for all: https://migrantrights.ca/status-for-all/
