EXPLAINER: Immigration policy of Canada’s new government

The party has made a number of pledges on immigration and visas, which will be of particular interest to those who are seeking to stay in Canada for the long-term.

Here’s a summary of the immigration policy of Canada’s new government.

Citizenship:

• Repealing elements of the recently-enacted C-24 bill, which opponents argued created “second-class citizens”.
• Time spent as a study permit or work permit may be counted as part of the time applicants need to have spent in Canada before being eligible to become a citizen.

Express Entry:

• System will be reviewed to ensure “processing times are efficient”.
• Candidates with siblings in Canada may be awarded extra Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.

Family sponsorship:

• Dependent children: Maximum age may be restored to under 22, instead of under 19.
• Parent and Grandparent Program: annual intake may be increased from 5,000 to 10,000.
• Family class: budget for immigration processing may be doubled, with the aim of reducing processing times.
• New spouses immigrating to Canada may receive immediate permanent residency, eliminating the existing two-year conditional period for certain applicants.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program:

• Create a tracking mechanism for complaints.
• Call in the Auditor-General to review the program.
• Reports each month on which jobs are being offered to temporary foreign workers.

READ: The full list of pledges made during the campaign by the Liberal Party.

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