Dear Mr Brown:

I heard that the Government will be having consultation with stakeholders in Canada to make changes to the immigration laws. I would like to know about the proposed changes.

— WN

Dear WN:

The Canadian Government is seeking feedback regarding the immigration system. Post-secondary institutions and academia are on the list of those involved in the consultation, as well as businesses and settlement organisations who would be able to share their ideas and perspectives for a sustainable and adaptive immigration system.

Those who want to contribute to the future of Canada’s immigration system will also be able to respond to an online survey, which will be available in March, in addition to the dialogue sessions and thematic workshops with stakeholders.

Immigration is seen as critical to the long-term success of the country. As such, policies and programmes should align with the needs of communities. The review aims to explore how immigration policies can support Canada’s future economy.

The Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) predicts that immigrants will soon represent 100 per cent of the growth of the country’s labour force and that they could make up half of Canada’s total population within the next decade. Immigration already accounts for almost all of Canada’s labour force growth, with more than 75 per cent of Canada’s population growth coming from immigration, mostly in the economic category. By 2036, immigrants will represent up to 30 per cent of the Canadian population up from 20.7 per cent in 2011, states Statistics Canada. Canada is, arguably, a nation of immigrants. In 2021, more than 8.3 million people, or 23 per cent of the population, were, or had ever been, landed immigrants or permanent residents in Canada.

Critics have stated that issues of concerns include: Consultations in exploring ethical recruitment and transparency in provision of upfront information and ongoing support to international students; and the need to change the application process to tackle high application refusal rates, after IRCC refusal rates for study permits peaked at 49 per cent in 2020 during the pandemic. We would not know of any specific changes, based on the stakeholder consultations, until they have concluded.

Humber College seminar

Humber College, one of Canada’s top destinations for international students, will be hosting a seminar in Kingston for the general public at Courtleigh Hotel, St Andrew, on March 1, 2023 at 7:00 pm. There will be information about the college and applying for study permits, work permits and permanent residence. Register at: https://www.jamaica2canada.com/contact-the-office/

Please visit JAMAICA2CANADA.COM for additional information on Canadian Permanent Residence programs, including Express Entry, The Study & Work program, Visas or Appeals, etc.

Antonn Brown, BA (Hons), LLB, MSc, RCIC, is an immigration counsel and an accredited Canadian education agent of JAMAICA2CANADA.COM— a Canadian immigration & education firm in Kingston, and AfriCanadaServices.com in Abuja, Nigeria. Send questions/comments to documents.jamaica2canada@gmail.com