Year: 2021

Anyone with experience in artificial intelligence and information technology might want to take a look at Canada, where immigration policies provide clear pathways to permanent residence and entry into the world. labor market.

A study published in June by the Center for Security and Emerging Technology looked at how immigration policies help support the competitiveness of the AI ​​sector in five countries: Canada, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom United, and France.

The study shows that, compared to the four other countries with which Canada competes, its immigration system appears to be the most versatile, flexible, and particularly well suited to supporting efforts to attract highly skilled foreign workers and, in the end, to compete with AI talent.

Why is Canada a more viable option for new AI talent from around the world?

The study examines several key immigration policies that are significantly more advantageous than those of other countries and therefore place Canada in an excellent position to attract highly skilled workers and to build a reputation as a world leader in artificial intelligence in the years to come.

First, the US, Australia, UK, and France all have work visa duration limits ranging from three to six years and a cap on the number of renewals. In Canada, there is no limit to the length of stay for temporary foreign workers, as the length of work permits is determined by the worker’s employer.

Second, compared to the other four countries where processing times for work permits or temporary visas are typically several months, in Canada the process typically takes between two and eight weeks, depending on the country from which the worker is applying and. the worker’s position. wish to hold. In addition, Canada issues work permits throughout the year, unlike, for example, the United States, where those applying for an H1-B visa must wait for the annual lottery.

Third, of the five countries analyzed, Canada is the only one to allow foreign workers to hold a visa or work permit to immediately apply for permanent residence. In all other countries, the waiting time depends on the quotas and can vary between three and five years.

In addition, Canada offers a wide range of immigration routes for highly skilled workers. The latest count by CIC News revealed that there are now over 100 such options.

Different immigration policies for immigrants to settle in Canada on a temporary or permanent basis

The primary route to permanent residence in Canada is to apply through Express Entry, a management system used to process permanent residence applications from foreign workers. The process typically takes six to nine months and is based on a points system called a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

The system ranks workers based on factors such as age, work experience, and education, among others. Applicants applying through Express Entry do not need a job offer to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Canadian immigrant applicants can also apply for permanent residence under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows provinces to appoint workers with the skills and qualifications specifically required in the province.

AI and tech experts considering their options in Canada might consider looking to provinces like Ontario or British Columbia, which have a focal point for the Canadian tech sector.

The Ontario Tech Pilot program is for workers who have experience in one of six technology occupations. British Columbia’s tech pilot invites immigrant applicants with a job offer in one of 29 tech occupations to apply for a provincial appointment.

In 2017, Canada also created an immigration program called Global Talent Stream that provides work visas to eligible international workers in as little as two weeks.

Canada is home to many of the world’s most advanced AI organizations and companies, operating across the country from Montreal to Vancouver. These companies continue to push the boundaries of what can be accomplished by a country in the field of artificial intelligence and help to secure Canada’s position as an industry leader.

Canada is making the Open Work Permit Pilot Project (OWPP) a permanent program so that spouses and common-law partners of Canadians can continue to work while awaiting permanent resident status.

The program started in December 2014 and was scheduled to expire on July 31 after its most recent extension. Instead of setting another expiration date, Canada is now extending the program until regulatory changes are completed to implement the pilot as a permanent policy.

The updated Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) webpage states that family reunification is a “fundamental immigration priority for the Government of Canada.”

The OWPP applies to spousal and common-law sponsorship applicants. Domestic sponsorship is for couples who are already living together in Canada. The partner applying for immigration must already have temporary status in Canada as a worker, student, or visitor.

Foreign partners of Canadians can apply for the open work permit at any time after applying for permanent residence through family sponsorship. Openwork permits are not tied to specific employers, which means they allow foreign workers to work for any employer in Canada as long as they meet the qualifications for the occupation.

To be eligible for an OWPP, applicants for immigration must meet the following requirements:

• Apply for permanent residence under the common-law partner category;
• Have a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident spouse or common-law partner who has applied for sponsorship on their behalf;
• Live at the same address as their sponsor; and
• Have a valid temporary resident status in Canada or an approved application for restoration status with authorization to work.

People applying under the OWPP can apply for a work permit at the same time as their application for permanent residence.

It is also possible to submit the application for permanent residence separately if applicants have already submitted their application for permanent residence.

If applicants have already received approval in principle on their application for permanent residence, they can apply online for the OWPP. Approval in principle means that the spouse or partner has received a letter from IRCC indicating that they meet the eligibility criteria for permanent residence, but that they have not yet passed the medical checks, security, and background.

People who already have the OWPP should apply to extend their licenses before they expire.

The Canadian Department of Immigration has issued new guidelines for holders of expired permanent residence visas.

Persons who are in possession of a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a Permanent Resident (PR) Visa but whose documents have now expired will be permitted in Canada.

Canada has implemented different policies for expired visa holders depending on whether they are from the United States or other countries. People from outside the United States must have obtained their visas on or before March 18 in order to benefit from the new measure. U.S. visa holders are eligible regardless of when they received their visas.

Only those who intend to stay and settle will be allowed to travel to Canada at this time and become permanent residents. Those who intend to come to Canada temporarily and leave cannot do so now unless they are exempt from the restrictions.

Travel to Canada must be non-discretionary. The government offers examples of the definition of non-discretionary travel on its website.

Different groups have been made for the process. These groups are as follows:

Group 1: Valid COPR and PRV and traveling from any country other than the U.S

Those traveling from countries other than the United States who received a COPR and PRV on or before March 18 and are still valid are:

• Exempt from travel restrictions;
• Allowed to travel to Canada for non-discretionary reasons with expired documents; and
• Required to have an acceptable 14-day quarantine plan.

Group 2: Valid COPR and PRV and traveling from the U.S

Applicants may travel to Canada from the United States for non-discretionary purposes to settle and reside in Canada if:

• Received approval for their application;
• Both their COPR and PRV have been received and are still valid; and
• They have an acceptable 14-day quarantine plan.

Group 3: Expired COPR and PRV and traveling from any other country other than the U.S

Applicants for permanent residence who are in possession of an expired COPR and PRV and who are ready to travel to Canada are asked to contact Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using a web form. Applicants are requested to provide the COPR expiration date and the non-discretionary reason (s) for their trip.

Once the web forms are received, applicants will be directed to the appropriate processing network and will be assessed according to the following eligibility criteria:

• Documents to support proof of an acceptable plan to settle in the country;
• Proof of an acceptable plan to quarantine; and their
• Proposed travel itinerary;

Group 4: Expired COPR and PRV and Travelling from the U.S

Persons traveling from the United States with expired COPRs may travel to Canada for non-discretionary reasons to settle in Canada as permanent residents provided:

• Their application was approved;
• They received their COPR and PRV; and
• They have a 14-day quarantine plan

What to do if you have an expired COPR and PRV and are ready to travel to Canada?

Applicants for permanent residence who are in possession of an expired COPR and PRV and who are ready to travel to Canada are asked to contact Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using a web form. Applicants are requested to provide the COPR expiration date and the non-discretionary reason (s) for their trip. IRCC will then return the web form request to the appropriate processing network who will assess the request based on the following eligibility criteria.

You need to gather evidence that:

• An acceptable settlement plan such as documents to support your living situation in Canada (address, rental agreement, homeownership document) or employment plans in Canada (place of work, a letter from ’employer);
• Acceptable 14-day quarantine plan in Canada that includes proof of funds and how you will shop for groceries, medical care, among other essential services; and
• A suggested travel itinerary, including, for example, travel tickets if they have already been purchased.

You should also make sure that you and your accompanying family members meet the following criteria:

• Had a valid COPR and PRV on or before March 18, 2020, but these documents are now expired; no specific date for applicants based in the United States;
• Have a compelling reason to travel to Canada now: such as family reunification, the need for immediate medical attention, the expiration of status in the United States, the need to deal with non-discretionary family matters, for economic reasons such as support for economic services and supply chains, support for critical infrastructure; and
• The country where you reside is not subject to exit controls that limit your ability to travel to Canada.

IRCC will give priority to clients with a detailed proposed or confirmed travel plan, or to clients who demonstrate a willingness to book and confirm travel plans as soon as they are approved.

Processing of new PR Visa applications

Canada is currently accepting new applications for permanent residence.

New files incomplete due to missing documents will be retained and reviewed within 90 days.

However, if a new app lacks supporting documentation, an explanation should be added to the app that refers to service disruptions due to coronavirus-related travel restrictions. Providing this explanation is important and may result in the promotion and consideration of the application within 90 days. New requests will be processed in the order in which they are received.

New completed permanent residence applications continue to be processed according to normal procedures.

British Columbia invited 46 immigrant applicants to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence on July 28.

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Technical Pilot Draw selected 34 applicants in the BC Express Entry and Skill Immigration categories.

Successful applicants were either in the Skilled Worker subcategory or the International Graduates subcategory and had to have a minimum provincial score of 80.

The BC PNP Tech Pilot is a fast-track immigration route for in-demand tech workers and international students. It operates through BC’s existing provincial immigration streams.

To be considered eligible for this program, applicants must have a valid job offer of at least 12 months in one of the Tech Pilot’s 29 eligible occupations.

To apply for the Skills Immigration or Express Entry BC categories, applicants must first create a profile on the BC PNP online portal and register under its Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS). Applicants are assessed and assigned a score based on factors such as education level, work experience, English proficiency, and location of employment.

Express Entry applicants who receive a nomination from British Columbia will receive an additional 600 points for their Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and will effectively be guaranteed an Invitation to Apply (ITA) upon submission. ” a future Federal Express Entry draw.

BC PNP also issued 12 ITAs in a raffle for its entrepreneur immigration stream. The minimum score required for this draw was between 123 and 125, depending on the category.

The Entrepreneur Immigration Stream is aimed at experienced business people seeking a pathway to permanent residence in Canada and who may settle in British Columbia. and invest in and operate a commercially viable business that can provide significant benefits to the provincial economy.

Under this stream, applicants are assessed based on factors such as work and/or work experience, personal net worth, adaptability, and their business proposition.

Ontario hosted a third technical draw this year, inviting immigrant applicants who had work experience in one of six in-demand occupations.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held its biggest draw of the year on July 29. A total of 1,288 invitations were sent to applicants who may be eligible for the Human Capital Priorities Stream of Express Entry. They needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score between 463 and 477 to be invited.

While applicants did not need a job offer to receive an invitation, they did need at least one year of work experience in one of the following occupations:

• NOC Code 0213 – Computer and information systems manager
• NOC Code 2147 – Computer engineers
• NOC Code 2172 – Database analysts and data administrators
• NOC Code 2173 – Software engineers and designers
• NOC Code 2174 – Computer programmer and interactive media developers
• NOC Code 2175 – Web designers and developers

They also had to have a profile in the Express Entry system. Those who have received the Notice of Interest (NOI) from Ontario now have 45 calendar days to submit their application for Provincial Nomination.

If they receive the Ontario nomination, they will automatically earn an additional 600 CRS points for their overall score. This prize will allow them to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in a subsequent Express Entry draw. This applies to anyone nominated under a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in Canada.

How to get an Invitations in OINP Tech Draw?

The first step in becoming eligible for an invitation through the OINP Technical Prize Draw is to create a profile in Canada’s Express Entry system.

Express Entry is an application management system for three federal economy class immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. The Ontario Human Capital First stream recognizes applicants from the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class.

Express Entry applicants are ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on their education, work experience, age, and language skills in English or French.

OINP technical draws take advantage of the Express Entry pool of candidates, inviting eligible technology workers to apply for an Ontario provincial nomination.

Once the process is complete, applicants will have the opportunity to settle into their tech careers in Ontario.

“Through this dedicated approach, we are helping to make it easier for tech companies to recruit top talent from around the world,” the OINP said in a press release.

502 potential new immigrants are one step closer to permanent residence after Saskatchewan held an invitation round on July 29.

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) invited applicants from the International Skilled Worker category in two sub-categories: Express Entry and In-Demand Occupations.

To be invited to this draw, applicants from both subcategories must have submitted Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles to SINP.

The SINP uses the EOI system to select applicants who have the most potential to thrive in the Prairie Province. Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to building a life in Saskatchewan by highlighting their work experience, education, language skills, age, and connection to the province.

SINP uses these five factors to assess applicants and assign them a score out of 100 on the International Skilled Worker Points Assessment Grid. The highest-rated candidates then receive an invitation to apply for a Saskatchewan provincial nomination.

The minimum score required for the July 29 draws was 70 points for both subcategories.

SINP’s Express Entry sub-category

In the last round of invitations, Saskatchewan sent out 254 invitations to applicants who had profiles in the federal Express Entry pool.

The federal Express Entry system manages the applicant pool for three of Canada’s major economy class immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.

If applicants from the Federal Express Entry pool also completed an Expression of Interest in Saskatchewan and scored 70 points on the SINP Points Assessment Grid, they may have been invited to the last draw.

Express Entry candidates who apply for and receive a provincial nomination from the Province of Saskatchewan receive an additional 600 points against their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This prize actually guarantees that they will be invited to apply for permanent residence in a subsequent Federal Express Entry draw.