Canada has certain targets for immigration for the near future and with those, many changes in Canadian immigration policies. Some of these changes have already taken place and some are still in the works. Some have not yet been announced since they are still being considered. These are just a few of the changes that have already been implemented and could affect current and future applicants. If you have any questions or concerns, speak with an immigration law firm for their professional expertise.

Read on to learn how these changes may affect you or someone you know.

1. CRS Scores Trend Lower than Previously

From 2018 through 2020, Canada is looking to take in almost a million new immigrants. This has resulted in a downward trend of the CRS, or Comprehensive Ranking System. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score requirement dropped to 413 points in 2017 and this downward trend will mostly likely continue in 2018. This will help Canada fulfill increased immigration quotas and the prioritization of Express Entry as the primary route to Canadian permanent residence.

Express Entry manages three different merit-based immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades.

2. Immigration Targets Increased to 310,000

The immigration target levels for 2018 through 2020 have been released and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC, is looking to accept almost a million new immigrants. Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen says that the target for 2018 is 310,00 new immigrants; the target for 2019 is 330,00; and the target for 2020 is 340,000.

3. Launch of the Global Skills Strategy to Expedite Work Permit Processing

Foreign nationals need a work permit in order to work in Canada. To get a work permit, someone must receive a valid job offer, and the employer has to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment from ESMDC. A positive LIMA shows he or she tried and failed to find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position being offered to the foreign national.

Once the employer gives the foreign national a copy of the positive LMIA, he or she may apply for a work permit. Approval means the foreign national may come to Canada temporarily. This whole process can take a long time, usually months. This makes it difficult both for employers and talented workers who might otherwise come to Canada for work.

In June of 2017, the Canadian government launched its Global Skills Strategy to make sure Canadian employers have quicker access to skilled foreign workers wishing to live in Canada. The new Global Talent Stream makes it so work permit applications will be processed in two weeks. This will be the standard as long as the Canadian employer is hiring a worker in a position on the Global Talent occupations list, or referred to the Global Talent Stream by a designated partner.

4. AIPP to Streamline Workers to Atlantic Canada

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has implemented the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, or AIPP. This is meant to ensure Atlantic Canada enjoys long-term economic success. The pathway will accept up to 2,000 applications into three programs: the Atlantic High-Skilled Program, Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program, and Atlantic International Graduate Program.

5. Updates to PNPs

Provincial Nominee Programs are set and operated by each province. Some provinces have announced and/or made changes to their intake system and eligibility criteria of their PNPs. Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, and Alberta are implementing changes throughout 2018.