Important Clarifications on New PR Pathways Released on April 14th
- C&A Insights Team
- Apr 21, 2021
- 1 min read
Updated: May 15, 2024
Our team got clarifications from IRCC for the upcoming PR Pathways. We have compiled a list of answers to the common questions that have been asked since this program was released on April 14th.
Table of Contents
On April 14th 2021, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada released 6 new pathways for permanent residency (PR). This pathway will be accepting over 90,000 international graduates and essential workers who are actively contributing to the Canadian economy.
With the limited information provided by them last week, there has been a lot of speculation. Our team was able to get further clarification from IRCC this morning about the program and application process. Here are some of the common questions we have been asked and answers to those questions.
Please note that these answers are based on the preliminary program information provided by IRCC. There will be an official guide published in the coming weeks with further clarifications. Please consult a representative before taking action on the basis of any of the below information.
Will this pathway be introduced again?
No, this is a one-time temporary pathway to permanent residency. The program will start on May 6th and close in November 2021, or when the program limits are reached.
What is the purpose of the program?
The program has been introduced in consideration of the following:
Temporary foreign workers’ economic contribution to Canada
Stabilizing the workforce in essential occupations
Supporting official language objectives with Francophone immigration
This program will help Canada achieve its goal of 401,000 immigrants in 2021.
Eligibility for Essential Workers Stream A - Healthcare Workers
Work experience in one or more occupation(s) listed in annex A;
Employed, with authorization, at the time of application in any occupation;
Have language level proficiency of at least benchmark 4 in either official language;
Reside in Canada with valid temporary resident status and be physically present at the time the application is received and when the application is approved;
Intend to reside in a province or territory other than Quebec; and
Submit an application online.
Intake limit: 20,000 applications will be accepted for processing. Fill out this form to get an eligibility assessment from our team.
Eligibility for Essential Workers Stream B - Other Essential Workers
Work experience in an occupation listed in annex B, or a combination of annex A and B;
Employed, with authorization, at the time of application in any occupation;
Have language level proficiency of at least benchmark 4 in either official language;
Reside in Canada with valid temporary resident status and be physically present at the time of application is received and approved;
Intend to reside in a province or territory other than Quebec; and
Submit an application online.
Intake limit: 30,000 applications will be accepted for processing.
Fill out this form to get an eligibility assessment from our team.
Eligibility for International Graduates
Have completed, no earlier than January 2017, a program of study at a Designated Learning Institution;
Have been granted an eligible credential, following the completion of the program study;
Have been authorized to study throughout their education in Canada;
Be employed in Canada with a valid permit or authorization to work;
Have attained a level of proficiency of at least benchmark 5 in either official language;
Reside in Canada with valid temporary resident status and be physically present at the time of application is received and approved;
Intend to reside in a province or territory other than Quebec; and
Submit an application online.
Intake limit: 40,000 applications will be accepted for processing.
Fill out this form to get an eligibility assessment from our team
Do I need a PGWP to apply in the International Graduates stream?
As per the eligibility requirements, you need an ‘authorization to work’. You should be on maintained (implied) status, which you get once you apply for a PGWP.
What is the application process?
Here is a brief explanation of the application process described by IRCC when working with a representative:
Step 1. Check that you are eligible for the program Step 2. Your representative helps you gather all the documents and ensures that your application is complete Step 3. Your representative sends you all the documents for your application Step 4. You create an account, upload the documents, and submit the application on a new portal being launched by IRCC
What happens after I submit my application?
Once you have submitted your application, you will get an email from IRCC with an acknowledgment of receipt letter from IRCC.
Tip: If you are working with an authorized representative, you should forward this email to them so that they can link your application to their portal.
How will I know if the program is full?
IRCC is planning to add a counter to the main webpage of the program application for you to check the number of spots left in the program. You may not be able to register for a program if it is already full.
What happens if I miss any documents?
An incomplete application will lead to a refusal unless a proper explanation is provided for the missing documents. Basic eligibility documents cannot be missing. This is at the discretion of the visa officer.
Which documents do I need to include?
You have to submit the necessary IMM forms and the documents proving your eligibility, specially the language test.
You must also include the receipt for the application fee payment, with the RPRF paid upfront.
However, IRCC will be soon be publishing a complete list of documents on their website.
What is the documentation needed for proof of work experience for the Essential workers stream?
The documentation should be similar to what you would provide under CEC to prove your work experience. Detailed documentation requirements will be coming in the IRCC’s guide for this program.
What if I have applied for a PGWP but have not yet received it, will I be considered employed with valid authorization?
Yes, as you are still allowed to work on implied status, and that makes your work authorized, thus meeting the requirement.
Does the work experience have to be continuous and full-time to meet the essential worker stream requirements?
No, the work experience can be across the last 3 years, and in multiple eligible NOCs as per the eligibility requirement for the program under which you are applying.
Can contractors apply if they meet the eligible NOCs?
No, self-employed persons are not allowed to apply for this program.
Will work experience while on a study permit count for the essential workers streams?
Yes, work experience while you were on a study permit will satisfy the requirements for this stream. You must have had proper authorization to work for the hours counted.
What if I can't book my language test before May 6th?
You will have to book the approved tests at the earliest possible date. An application without a language test will be considered INCOMPLETE. The language test is an essential requirement for the application.
Do all documents have to be submitted on May 6th itself?
The first submission of the application has to be the complete submission. There will be no invitation to apply process.
Can my current employment be in any NOC?
Yes, for all streams, current employment can be in any NOC. For essential workers, till the time they meet the experience requirements for the eligible NOC codes in the last 3 years, their current NOC does not matter.
Can I apply for multiple streams?
Yes, but you must also pay the application fees for each application. You cannot use the same receipt for multiple applications.
Can an applicant living in Quebec apply for this program?
Even if the applicant lives and works in Quebec, they can qualify for applying under this program. They may need to provide additional proof that they intend to settle in another province.
A Cautionary Note: The foregoing provides only an overview and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, specific legal advice should be obtained, and the readers are asked to refer to the government website for the most updated information.
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