Last Updated On 9 November 2022, 7:57 PM EST (Toronto Time)
According to a new auditor general, Kim Adair’s report, Nova Scotia needs to reform immigration system of the province. The government needs to understand better what immigrants need to settle in the province as the province sets out ambitious goals to increase the general population.
In a report released Tuesday (November 8), Kim Adair stated that the government spends $6.4 million annually on immigrant settlement assistance without understanding whether the money helps prevent them from leaving.
Below are report highlights and findings, in addition to the suggestions made by the auditor general.
More work is needed to meet Nova Scotia’s immigration target
Adair explains that the current retention rate of 70% must be increased to 75%, which would require an increase in yearly population growth of more than twofold, to 25,000 people, from the current 10,000.
The auditor general’s recommendations, such as looking at how settlement financing may best fulfill immigrant needs, are being worked on, according to immigration minister Jill Balser. As more and more newcomers settle in Nova Scotia, Balser said, the services must be flexible and adaptive to serve individual needs constantly.
She added that her agency is also creating two new roles to handle fraud investigations and program compliance checks, introducing 12 new positions to process immigration applications more consistently.
In 2021, Nova Scotia welcomed a record 9,160 immigrants; as of August of this year, that total had already surpassed 9,375 persons.
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Lack of evaluation by immigration Department of immigrant required services
Adair claimed that the Immigration Department had not evaluated the kinds of services required to help immigrants settle in Nova Scotia, adding that the government puts an undue reliance on information obtained from outside sources.
Adair’s report stated that it is very difficult to identify what settlement services are required, which service providers should receive money, and whether any gaps exist without a detailed assessment to evaluate the requirements of immigrants.
The auditor general said that 18 immigrant settlement companies are currently working in the province, offering services such as language training, employment counselling, and community welcoming initiatives. However, Adair claimed that the government had not thoroughly examined the services given, their locations, or the demand for them.
For instance, according to the report, evaluating whether language training is offered across the province or figuring out whether there is a greater need for particular settlement services in some places than others.
The importance of feedback from immigrants
Adair emphasized feedback from immigrants could help determine where future funding should be directed. In addition, the province has to identify labour market gaps for effective spending to match newcomers to jobs.
While speaking to reporters in an interview, Adair said her department recommended that rather than just being reactionary, a framework should be in place. It would help the government get on top of the issues since it takes time to shift their focused efforts to particular gaps in the labour force.
Additionally, she said that her audit uncovered inconsistencies in how the province evaluates immigration petitions, leaving the system vulnerable to fraud.
Furthermore, Adair noted that the province intends to increase its population to two million by 2060, requiring improvements in such areas.
- Canada To Ease IELTS Score For SDS Study Visa W.E.F. Aug 10
As per official IDP IELTS website, Canada study visa applicants via SDS will no longer need IELTS Score (Academic) of 6 bands in each module.
Instead, only an overall score of 6 will be required in IELTS Academic starting August 10, 2023.
For example, if you have a score of 5.5 in Reading and Writing, and 6.5 in Speaking and Listening, your overall score would be 6 and you will be eligible to apply Canada study visa under Student Direct Stream (SDS).
However, IRCC will require a band score of 6.0 in each module (Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking) for IELTS Score under General Training (GT).
There is no official update from IRCC confirming this, but we (INC News) reached out to IDP IELTS to confirm this information and they responded with information mentioned in snippet below.
This is really a good news for a lot of students who were ineligible for SDS study visa because their IELTS Score was less than 6 only in 1 or 2 modules, but otherwise had overall high score than 6 bands.
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The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently approved 4 new English language examinations for Canada Study Visa via Student Direct Stream (SDS).
English Language Test Minimum Score Needed for SDS IELTS Academic Overall 6.0 IELTS General Training 6.0 in each module PTE Academic Overall 60 CAEL Overall 60 CELPIP General 7.0 in each module TOEFL iBT Overall 83 English Test Requirements – Canada Study Visa via SDS What is IELTS Score requirement for Canada Study Visa via SDS?
Applicants need to score 6 bands in each module of IELTS to apply for Canada study visa via Student Direct Stream (SDS).
However, IDP IELTS claim that applicants will no longer need IELTS score (only Academic) of 6 bands in each module beginning August 10, 2023.Which countries are eligible for Canada Study Visa under SDS?
1. Antigua and Barbuda
2. Brazil
3. China
4. Colombia
5. Costa Rica
6. India
7. Morocco
8. Pakistan
9. Peru
10. Philippines
11. Senegal
12. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
13. Trinidad and Tobago
14. Vietnam
- Spousal Open Work Permit Extension ‘Opt-In’ Is Now Open
Spousal Open Work Permit Extension: “Opt-In” option to get an open work permit extension for up to 18 months is now available to eligible candidates until June 28, 2023.
As per this new measure, eligible spousal open work permit holders can apply for additional 18-month extension of their open work permit.
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Who Is Eligible For Spousal Open Work Permit Extension Opt-In
You are eligible for 18-month spousal open work permit extension if you meet below listed criteria:
You currently hold a valid open work permit and it will expire prior to December 31, 2023.
- You are one of the following:
- An applicant who has currently applied for Canada permanent residence, but awaiting decision on your application.
- Permanent residence applicants awaiting a decision on their permanent residence application and their spouses.
- Spouse or dependent child/children of a work permit holder.
- Spouses of study permit holders.
- Your biometrics will remain valid for the full 18-month extension (unless exempt from biometric requirement).
- You have a Canadian mailing address.
- Your passport is valid for at least 18 months past the expiry of your current spousal open work permit.
- You are admissible to Canada (meaning you don’t have any major legal proceeding or a medical condition).
How to apply for 18-month Spousal Open Work Permit Extension
Remember to get an 18-month spousal open work permit extension, you will have to apply before your current work permit expires.
So there are 2 options as originally announced by immigration minister and listed below:
1. Opt-In: “Opt-In” is free facilitative measure that is now available in the secure GCKey account through which you initially applied.
This is the easiest way to get 18-month spousal open work permit extension by simply updating your address and passport details, and selecting “Opt-In” in your secure IRCC account.
This option is only available until June 28, 2023. Individuals using “Opt-In” option will receive their new extension of open work permit by mail to their newly updated address.
“OR”
2. Apply for open work permit: If you are unable to “Opt-In” before June 28, 2023 or due to any reason this option is unavailable in your GCKey, then you can still get 18-month extension.
You will need to apply for open work permit by submitting normal work permit application by citing this public policy in your application and following the IRCC special instructions.
Click here for IRCC special instructions to apply for spousal open work permit extension.
How much Spousal Open Work Permit extension will I get?
You will get an 18-month extension of your spousal open work permit from the date of your current work permit expiry.Should I “Opt-In” for spousal open work permit extension if my permit is going to expire after July 2023?
Yes, you can “opt-in” for spousal open work permit extension before the expiry of your current work permit. This is only available until June 18, 2023.
As per IRCC instructions, you will get 18-month extension from the date of expiry of your current work permit.
Please note that there is no guarantee that IRCC will not back down from these instructions as they did in 18-month PGWP extension instructions.
So if your work permit is expiring in September or October 2023, try to use the work permit application method to take the maximum benefit of this extension or to avoid any last minute IRCC changes.How can I “Opt-In” for Spousal Open Work Permit extension as I initially applied through a consultant?
You can either link GCKey to your application or ask your consultant to provide the details of your account.
If you are unable to do either of these, then you can simply apply for extension using special IRCC instructions.
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.comspousal open work permit extension - You are one of the following:
- International Students Protesting Deportations From Canada
International students have joined hands to protest in front of CBSA office in Mississauga to stop the deportations in fake offer letter case.
Since May 29, 2023 students have been demonstrating near 6900 Airport Road day and night without any break.
International students facing deportations met with CBSA officers and presented their demands on June 2, 2023.
On June 7, 2023 all-party committee on immigration voted unanimously calling on CBSA to waive inadmissibility in fake offer letter case.
Furthermore, they voted to provide an alternate permanent residence pathway through regularization program or on humanitarian basis.
In a press conference held on June 6, 2023, the Canadian Minister of Immigration stated that a procedure will be in place to enable students to demonstrate that they were innocently exploited.
He also stated that the issue of mistreatment of international pupils in Canada is “extraordinarily important.”
In addition, he stated, “In the acute phase, we must evaluate this process in order to provide a pathway for the innocent victims of fraud to remain in Canada. At the same time, we ensure that those who have been complicit in fraud cannot cannot take advantage.”
The students are continuing to protest 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until Lovepreet’s deportation order is lifted.
Lovepreet has been ordered to leave Canada by June 13, 2023 in fake offer letter case, wherein he was not aware that his agent used a fraudulent document to get his study permit to Canada.
Lovepreet Singh Predominant business owners, social media influencers, and immigration consultants are also joining the protest to support international students and stop deportation of Lovepreet Singh.
Amardeep Singh of Sky Immigration among the beginners of protest, urged the community to get together to support Lovepreet Singh and join the protest.
Bob Dosanjh Singh who ran for the office of Brampton Mayor says international students facing deportations are not at fault, rather Canadian system under Liberals is flawed.
He says that none of the international student should be deported in the fake offer letter case and calls on Canadians to come out in support of these international students.
“Some of these international students have been working and filing taxes since last 5-6 years and now receiving removal order letters is totally wrong.” he added.
Kanwar Sierah of Sierah Immigration raises that Canadian colleges are also at fault in these cases as they tie up and pay commission to the “ghost consultants” overseas who operate without any regulatory authority.
Furthermore, these colleges send their delegates overseas in education seminars of these unauthorized consultants to recruit international students. When such a Canadian delegate endorses such “ghost consultants” students trust the process and do not question the authenticity of college offer letters.
He suggests that deportation should be stopped and these students should get open work permit until an agreement is reached. Additionally, Canadian government should form a legal panel to include all the students in fake offer letter case, rather than working on individual cases.
Mani Boparai of 22G Auto Sales, Mintu Smagh of Pendu Canadian, and Govind Sandhu of RET Canada are among the leading faces in the protest.
Mintu Smagh feeling positive about this protest calls on everyone to use the hashtags #stopdeportation and #uniteforjustice on Twitter so that protest reaches Salma Zahid, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration studies as well as other members.
In similar case of Karamjeet Kaur who was ordered to leave Canada on May 29 got her order stayed at the last moment based on Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds.
Overall Canadian immigration system seems unfair in such cases given that such individuals have contributed to Canadian economy filing taxes for last 5-6 years.
Either CBSA should have caught them at entry 5-6 years ago by spotting the fake offer letter, but those documents seemed so genuine that even they believed in them.
If an IRCC visa officer or CBSA officer who are trained to catch fraudulent documents were unable to identify the fake offer letters, then how could a student would have known it.
We (INC – Immigration News Canada) have been raising the concerns of these international students since these cases were made public through our platform and would continue to stand in support of international students.
Deportation of all the international students in fake offer letter case should immediately be stayed and an exception should be made to allow them continue their life in Canada, given that these international students didn’t know about the fake offer letter and they are victims of conspiracy by their ghost consultants.
- IRCC Adds 13 New Nations To List Of Visa-Free Countries
Today, Minister of IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) Sean Fraser announced addition of 13 new nations to the list of eligible countries for visa-free travel to Canada.
As per one of the expectations posted by INC – Immigration News Canada, IRCC adds 13 nations to the list of visa-free countries.
New countries eligible for visa-free travel to Canada: Panama, Caribbean island states of Antigua and Barbados, St. Kits and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Argentina, Morocco, Seychelles, Thailand, and Philippines.
Effective today, travellers from these countries who have held a Canadian visa within the past 10 years or who currently possess a valid United States non-immigrant visa can now apply for an eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) instead of a visa while coming to Canada.
You can watch the announcement here 👇
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The announcement was made at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport – Departure Terminal, 2000 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3H 1C2.
Immigration minister was joined by Kevin Lamoureux, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Rechie Valdez, MP for Mississauga—Streetsville, Ontario.
After media availability, IRCC Minister Sean Fraser will be attending a roundtable discussion with local stakeholders and community members at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM).
As per official press release, on the following day (June 7, 2023), Minister Fraser will also be welcoming 20 new Canadian citizens at a special ceremony hosted by VIA Rail.
INC News Expectations Prior to the announcement
There was no confirmation from IRCC or immigration department regarding what the new announcement was supposed to be.
However, INC – Immigration News Canada posted the possibility that immigration minister announces addition of new visa-free country or countries for Canada or Canadian citizens, but there was no official update to confirm it.
With immigration minister’s schedule to have a roundtable with community members at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM) indicates that there was an expectation that there could be some good news coming for filipinos community, but it was just based on the speculation.
Full list of Visa-Free countries for Canada
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- British citizen
- British National (Overseas)
- British overseas citizen (re-admissible to the United Kingdom)
- British overseas territory citizen with citizenship through birth, descent, naturalization or registration in one of the British overseas territories of:Anguilla
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
- Gibraltar
- Montserrat
- Pitcairn Island
- Saint Helena
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- British Subject with a right of abode in the United Kingdom
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Caribbean island states of
- Antigua and Barbados
- St. Kits and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, must have a passport issued by Hong Kong SAR.
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel, must have a national Israeli passport
- Italy
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania (electronic passport holders only)
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan, must have an ordinary passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes the personal identification number
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates
- Uruguay
- Vatican City State, must have a passport or travel document issued by the Vatican.
What are the new countries eligible for Visa-Free (eTA) travel?
New countries eligible for visa-free travel to Canada: Panama, the Caribbean island states of Antigua and Barbados, St. Kits and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Argentina, Morocco, Seychelles, Thailand, and Philippines.What is electronic travel authorization or eTA for Canada?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada. An eTA is connected to a traveler’s passport electronically.
It is valid for up to five years or until the expiration of the passport, whichever comes first. If you obtain a new passport, you must obtain a new eTA.How much is the cost of eTA for Canada?
$7 Canadian dollars is cost of an eTA per individual.
- New OINP Draw Invites 417 Francophone Express Entry Profiles
Today, first Ontario-OINP draw of June 2023 invites 417 Express Entry profiles targeting only francophone candidates with 98 NOC codes as their primary occupation.
Express Entry profiles created between June 5, 2022 – June 5, 2023 with CLB level 7 or higher in French as well as CLB level 6 or higher in English are eligible for today’s OINP draw.
Profiles having a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score between 312 – 487 are considered for OINP draw today.
If you are serious about your Canadian permanent residency and want to achieve it asap, learn French.
Having French proficiency will also lead to your selection in new Express Entry targeted draws announced by IRCC on May 31, 2023.
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Below is the summary of OINP Draw today:
Number Invitations CRS score range Description 278 312-487 Targeted draw for 39 Health, Education and Finance occupations 139 348-487 Targeted draw for 59 Tech, Trades and Other Priority occupations OINP Draw – June 5 Full List of Invited Occupations In OINP Draw Today
Health, Education and Finance occupations | CRS Cut Off 312 – 487
- NOC 10010 – Financial managers
- NOC 10011 – Human resources managers
- NOC 12101 – Human resources and recruitment officers
- NOC 12102 – Procurement and purchasing agents and officers
- NOC 13100 – Administrative officers
- NOC 13110 – Administrative assistants
- NOC 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
- NOC 31101 – Specialists in surgery
- NOC 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians
- NOC 31112 – Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists
- NOC 31120 – Pharmacists
- NOC 31200 – Psychologists
- NOC 31202 – Physiotherapists
- NOC 31203 – Occupational Therapists
- NOC 31204 – Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
- NOC 31301 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
- NOC 31302 – Nurse practitioners
- NOC 31303 – Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
- NOC 32101 – Licensed practical nurses
- NOC 32103 – Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
- NOC 32109 – Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
- NOC 32120 – Medical laboratory technologists
- NOC 32121 – Medical radiation technologists
- NOC 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
- NOC 33103 – Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
- NOC 33109 – Other assisting occupations in support of health services
- NOC 40021 – School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education
- NOC 41200 – University professors and lecturers
- NOC 41210 – College and other vocational instructors
- NOC 41220 – Secondary school teachers
- NOC 41221 – Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
- NOC 41300 – Social Workers
- NOC 41301 – Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies
- NOC 41310 – Police investigators and other investigative occupations
- NOC 41321 – Career development practitioners and career counsellors (except education)
- NOC 42201 – Social and community service workers
- NOC 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants
- NOC 42203 – Instructors of Persons with Disabilities
- NOC 43100 – Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
Tech, Trades and Other Priority occupations | CRS Cutoff 348 – 487
- NOC 20010 – Engineering managers
- NOC 20012 – Computer and Information Systems Managers
- NOC 21111 – Forestry professionals
- NOC 21112 – Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists
- NOC 21120 – Public and environmental health and safety professionals
- NOC 21211 – Data Scientists
- NOC 21223 – Database Analysts and Data Administrators
- NOC 21230 – Computer systems developers and programmers
- NOC 21231 – Software engineers and designers
- NOC 21232 – Software developers and programmers
- NOC 21233 – Web designers
- NOC 21234 – Web Developers and Programmers
- NOC 21300 – Civil engineers
- NOC 21301 – Mechanical engineers
- NOC 21310 – Electrical and electronic engineers
- NOC 21311 – Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
- NOC 21320 – Chemical engineers
- NOC 21321 – Industrial and manufacturing engineers
- NOC 21322 – Metallurgical and materials engineers
- NOC 21330 – Mining engineers
- NOC 21331 – Geological engineers
- NOC 22101 – Geological and mineral technologists and technicians
- NOC 22301 – Mechanical engineering technologies and technicians
- NOC 22302 – Industrial engineers and manufacturing technologists and technicians
- NOC 22313 – Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians, and inspectors
- NOC 62020 – Food service supervisors
- NOC 63201 – Butchers – retail and wholesale
- NOC 63202 – Bakers
- NOC 72011 – Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
- NOC 72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
- NOC 72020 – Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
- NOC 72024 – Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators
- NOC 72100 – Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
- NOC 72101 – Tool and die makers
- NOC 72104 – Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
- NOC 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
- NOC 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- NOC 72201 – Industrial electricians
- NOC 72204 – Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers
- NOC 72205 – Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians
- NOC 72300 – Plumbers
- NOC 72302 – Gas fitters
- NOC 72310 – Carpenters
- NOC 72311 – Cabinetmakers
- NOC 72320 – Bricklayers
- NOC 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- NOC 72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- NOC 72404 – Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
- NOC 72410 – Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers
- NOC 72421 – Appliance servicers and repairers
- NOC 73100 – Concrete finishers
- NOC 73102 – Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
- NOC 73110 – Roofers and shinglers
- NOC 73111 – Glaziers
- NOC 73112 – Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
- NOC 73402 – Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying and construction
- NOC 82020 – Supervisors, mining and quarrying
- NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
- NOC 93200 – Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
OINP Draw, OINP Draw today, OINP News, OINP update, new OINP draw, Ontario PNP Draw, latest OINP Draw
Photo by Andre Furtado on Pexels.com - Canadian-Afghans Sue Feds For Discrimination In Immigration
2 of the Afghan Canadians who worked for the Canadian military in Afghanistan filed a lawsuit alleging the Federal Government of discriminatory immigration policies.
In an application with the Federal Court, these two Canadian Afghans alleged that the Canadian government offered “superior immigration benefits” to Ukrainians as compared to those offered to Afghans.
“Ukrainians are predominantly white and European. Afghans are predominantly dark-skinned and Muslim. Thus, the CUAET has the effect of distinguishing based on race, colour, ethnic origin and religion, which are prohibited grounds under s. 15 of the Charter,” as per their lawsuit application obtained by Toronto Star.
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“We are proud Canadians, we are proud of what we did for Canada and now we are being treated like trash,” said one of lawsuit filing Afghan-Canadian.
As per the policy for Afghan language and culture advisers (LCAs), their immediate family member such as sister is eligible to come to Canada, but her adult children is ineligible.
“We want Ukrainian policy to be extended to anyone who needs it.” “Not just Ukrainians, but anyone in a similar situation of wartime persecution or grave human-rights violations,” said Nicholas Pope, one of the attorneys representing the advisors.
What is the Canadian Afghans’ Case all about?
During Canada’s engagement in the conflict, language and culture advisers (LCAs), were recruited and sent alongside soldiers to help them traverse the new cultural landscape.
Unlike interpreters, who were hired on a contract basis by the military through international businesses, LCAs were treated as serving members of the military, wearing uniforms and receiving high-level security clearances to carry out their duties.
Over the duration of the operation, around 45 of them worked with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
One of the 2 lawsuit filing Afghans was among the last deployments to Kandahar before Canada’s combat role concluded in 2011.
When the Taliban seized over Afghanistan in 2021, Canada committed to relocate 40,000 Afghans by the end of the year, including former translators, human rights advocates, and members of religious minority organizations.
However, LCAs were advised that they would have to use on regular economic or family sponsorship methods to bring family members from Afghanistan to Canada.
Furthermore, one of the human rights case pushed Canadian government to broaden its current Afghan settlement program to include families of LCAs as well.
Now the 2 complainants claim that the program is too restricted in scope in comparison to the one implemented by Canada for Ukrainians.
The CUAET was one of the Canadian government’s policy to provide safe harbour for Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion.
It grants Ukrainians and their family members, even if they are not Ukrainian, prolonged temporary immigration status in Canada, allowing them to work and study here.
Additionally, there is no limit on the amount of applications accepted under the program without paying any processing fee and priority processing.
LCA candidates must have been in Afghanistan on or after July 22, 2021 and fulfill a specified definition of family member, according to the rules.
Moreover, only 380 applications quota is assigned for LCAs, whereas there is no cap for Ukrainians fleeing the war.
According to the lawsuit, if the LCAs were Ukrainian, they would have no trouble bringing their family members to Canada, who are ineligible as per the policy for Afghans.
Canadian Immigration Response
As per Toronto Star, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that the Afghans had no grounds to allege national origin discrimination.
People who are not Ukrainian do not have access to the Ukrainian program, according to IRCC, and not all programs can be offered to everyone.
“If that were the case, IRCC would be unable to respond to any humanitarian crisis in a targeted facilitative manner without responding equally and simultaneously to all humanitarian crises,” IRCC
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser back in December 2022 said they don’t have plans to increase the allocation for Afghans because it will “eat away allocations that are already committed to other groups who working to sponsor people.”
