Let things go back to as they were—this is probably the best way to describe the world’s efforts to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic. We all want to go back to the times when we could go out, travel, meet our loved ones, work in offices, and lead our lives without any worries about masks, viruses, and quarantines.

Yet, the pandemic may have changed somethings forever and that may not actually be a bad thing if you want to immigrate to Canada. Here are some things about Canadian immigration that may have changed permanently and why that’s actually good news for skilled workers and entrepreneurs across the world.

Express Entry—No Longer Just about FSWP

For a very long time, an Express Entry application was considered synonymous with being eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).

The Canada Experience Class(CEC) program was rarely the first choice for skilled workers. The program required one-year Canadian work experience and work as a Canadian student did not count.

The FSWP, on the other hand, allowed applicants to count work experience acquired as a student. This meant scoring 67 points in the FSWP points grid gave you a shot at direct permanent residence in Canada.

With global travel restricted, Canada has been forced to focus on potential immigrants already in the country, which is probably why 2020 and 2021 were dominated by CEC and PNP-only Express Entry draws.

In fact, there have been no FSWP draws in the first five months of 2021. With the CEC being recognized as a disruption-proof immigration option, more and more applicants will consider CEC along with the FSWP when analyzing their immigration options.

More Power to Provincial and Community Programs

The pandemic may have impacted life all over Canada but the economic impact has not been the same across all provinces. Big cities with large populations living in congested conditions have been hit harder.

Shutdowns have resulted in more job losses in big provinces while the smaller provinces continue to grapple with the demographic problem of not enough skilled workers along with the pandemic.

This means the one-size-fits-all approach of federal immigration programs will be eclipsed by more provincial and even community immigration programs. Instead, provinces will use new streams, expanded list of in-demand occupations, and relaxed eligibility requirements to tackle labor shortages and high job losses.

Also Read

• 2021—the Best Time Possible to Make your Canada Immigration Dream Come True
• Jobs, Jobs, Jobs—the X-factor that Makes Canada the Best Choice for Foreign Skilled Workers
• Median Wages for New Immigrants at Record Highs—What It Means for Your Canadian Dream?

Expect More Pilots Ahead

The best thing about Canadian immigration is that it has an inbuilt system to tackle disruptions and unprecedented situations. The never-ending struggle of Atlantic provinces to attract skilled workers resulted in the Atlantic pilot.

Canada had begun experimenting with a rural pilot even before the pandemic hit. Quebec has introduced multiple pilots focusing in workers in specific occupations like Artificial Intelligence and healthcare.

Going ahead, more provinces will explore the pilot route to undo the economic damage caused by the pandemic.  

More Aggressive Immigration Moves by the Government

Unlike other developed countries, Canada actually wants as many skilled workers, skilled trades workers, and semi-skilled workers from foreign countries. And Canada has made it clear that it plans on meeting its ambitious immigration targets despite the pandemic.

This is probably why the monster CEC-only draw in Feb saw ITAs issued to more than 27,000 Express Entry applicants. This was followed by five new federal immigration streams aimed at giving PR to around 90,000 healthcare workers, other essential workers, and international graduates living in Canada.  

As the situation improves and FSWP applicants and other skilled workers travel to Canada, the government is likely to introduce more aggressive measures to boost immigration and to undo the damage caused by the pandemic.  

So, Are You Ready to Immigrate to Canada?

For many, the pandemic proved to be a fantastic immigration opportunity that helped them fulfill their dream of qualifying for Canadian permanent residence. And what about you? Are you prepared to take advantage of the next set measures like more immigration pilots, new PNP streams, expanded In-Demand Occupations list, or even bigger immigration draws?

Unsure how to proceed? Why don’t you begin with the smart and sensible decision of seeking professional immigration assistance? There’s more to Canadian immigration than just filling and submitting the application form.

Expert immigration assistance will give you the much-needed boost to your chances of qualifying for a life in Canada.