Your gateway to Canada

By Atty. Henry Moyal

There are two sides to every coin. In the world of immigration the same can be said on the outlook of government processing of visas.

On one hand when the Canadian government sets a high target on the number of immigrants it will allow into Canada each year, it usually shuts out many who are not qualified and who are not able to be meet the cut. Many argue that the higher the number of immigrants means a healthier economy. On the other side of the spectrum, Covid has drastically lowered the number of immigrants and now many are trying to figure out how to boost up the numbers despite the travel restrictions in place.

In reality the numbers recently published by Canada Immigration show a dismal outlook and trend from 2015 to now.

The following chart represents the number of permanent residents admitted to Canada:

Year                Number of PR

2015                271,835

2016                296,370

2017                286,510

2018                321,058

2019                341,178

2020           173,865

How then does Canada Immigration increase the numbers during Covid? The answer seems to be to concentrate on those who are already in Canada including easy transition to PR status for visitors, workers and students.

Those discussions are currently on the table and soon to be announced.

One example is the extension of the PGWP program giving qualified workers an additional 18 months to obtain the work experience required to apply for permanent residence.

To be eligible applicants must meet the following requirements and apply by July 27, 2021:

1. The post-graduation work permit (PGWP)
   1. expired on or after January 30, 2020, or
   2. will expire within 4 months from the date you apply for this open work permit.

1. Must be in Canada as of January 27, 2021 and have stayed in Canada since then.

1. Must have either:
   1. have a temporary resident status (this could be from having a valid PGWP, visitor record, or another permit that allows you to stay in Canada), or
   2. lost your temporary resident status, but you’ve already applied to restore it, or
   3. lost your temporary resident status, but you’ll apply to restore it at the same time as applying for this open work permit

4. Must have a valid passport.

1. 1. The work permit will be issued for up to 18 months from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. For example, if your passport is valid for 6 months, then you will be issued an open work permit for 6 months.
   2. To maximize the duration of the open work permit, make sure your passport is valid for at least 18 months from the date of approval.

You can only get this open work permit once, and it cannot be extended. If your passport is valid for 18 months or longer, then you’ll be issued an open work permit for up to 18 months.

.Attorney Henry Moyal is a certified and licensed immigration lawyer in Toronto, Ontario.
The above article is general advice only and is not intended to act as a legal document.
Send questions to Attorney Moyal by email canada@moyal.com or call 416 733 3193