Summary of key immigration policies in 2022 and predictions of changes in 2023.

As 2022 draws to a close and 2023 is about to begin, here is a summary of key immigration policies established in 2022 and some interesting changes anticipated in 2023.

Several significant changes were implemented in 2022:

• On November 16th, the 2021 NOC Occupational Classification System was rolled out to both temporary and permanent visa applications. Many occupations have shifted from low-skilled to high-skilled and vice versa. See here for more details .
• After a nearly 10-month hiatus, Express Entry began its regular draw in July 2022. The cutoff score in the previous draw was 491.
• International students in Canada who have or applied for a study permit before October 7, 2022, may no longer be subject to the 20-hour limit on off-campus work from November 15, 2022, to December 31, 2023. See here for more details.
• A temporary policy has been introduced to allow those with PGWP and TR work permits to PR that expire before the end of 2022 to renew their work permits.
• Service Canada has added benefits to the LMIA, such as extending the work permit duration, increasing the LMIA validity period to 18 months, and increasing quotas for low-wage workers in certain industries. See here for more details.
• The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has updated its EOI points system for non-Express Entry streams. This update includes Master's and Doctoral graduate programs and three Employer Offer programs.
• The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program is open, but only those who applied in 2020 are eligible to receive an invitation.
• The Canada-Ukraine Emergency Travel Authorization (CUAET) allows Ukrainians and their family members to expedite the application for a tourist visa. This program allows eligible individuals to stay in Canada for up to three years and apply for open work permits.
• Parents and grandparents who enter Canada on a Super Visa can now be eligible to stay for up to 5 years, an increase from the previous 2 years.

Several upcoming changes are predicted to occur in the new year:

Our lawyers have made the following predictions for 2023:

• Spouses and working-age children of work-permit holders (regardless of skill level) may be eligible for open work permits based on a new policy that will take effect early next year. Updates here .
• The ITA draw options for Express Entry participants may vary based on criteria such as occupation and international student status.
• The government may increase its use of the AI-powered Chinook to process applications for temporary residence visas such as tourist visas, study permits, and work permits, which could increase the number of rejections for these applications. Update here .
• New policies that allow for greater regionalization, such as cities and communities, to select permanent residency candidates could be implemented. These could be similar to existing programs such as the Rural and Northern Immigration Program and the Atlantic Immigration Program.
• The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program may finally allow new lottery registrations after a two-year hiatus.

To speak with one of our immigration specialists, consultants, or lawyers to discuss your situation, please contact us by SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT here.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday and best wishes for the New Year!