Canada is investing $85 million to reduce backlogs in immigration system
On December 14, The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Finance released the Economic and Fiscal Update 2021. The document provides a report of the nation’s finances and updates Canadians on the government’s plan to:
- Fight COVID-19,
- support businesses, and
- ensure a strong recovery for everyone.
During the presentation, Minister Freeland talked about Immigration as an important driver of economic growth. Moreover, the Minister proposes $85 million to reduce backlogs in Canada’s immigration system.
Furthermore, the government acknowledged the pandemic dramatically slowed down the pace of processing applications. They are also aware that Immigration focused many resources on bringing Afghans in crisis to Canada. Now, the government will invest resources to speed up the process of citizenship, reunite families, and welcome immigrants who can help address Canada’s labour shortages.
“Our government is committed to bringing in 411,000 immigrants in 2022, the highest number in Canadian history. To help support this effort and reduce processing time for permanent and temporary resident and citizenship applications, we are investing $85 million in our immigration system.” The Honourable Chrystia Freeland.
Other measures outlined in the fiscal update
In addition to investing $85 million to reduce immigration processing backlogs in fiscal 2022-23, Canada will invest:
- $1.7 billion to increase access to rapid testing supplies across Canada.
- $2 billion to procure lifesaving COVID-19 therapeutics and treatments.
- $70 million to support ventilation projects in public and community buildings like hospitals, libraries, and community centres.
Also, $60 million to support workers in Canada’s live performance industry through the new temporary Canada Performing Arts Workers Resilience Fund. Of course, there are more initiatives, you can find them on Canada’s website.
About Immigration Backlogs
Canada had a backlog of nearly 1.8 million immigration applications as of Oct. 27. The applications are in the following categories:
- 548,195 permanent residence applications, including 112,392 refugee applications.
- 775,741 temporary residence applications (study permits, work permits, temporary resident visas and visitor extensions).
- 468,000 Canadian citizenship applications.
Also, a recent internal IRCC memo explained why the department is not currently inviting Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) candidates. You can read more about this in the following articles:
- About 1.8 million immigration applications are waiting to be processed
- IRCC explains why there are no FSWP draws
About Canada’s help for Afghans
On August 13, the Government of Canada said they will resettle 20,000 vulnerable Afghans forced to flee Afghanistan. In order to achieve this goal, Canada engaged with international and domestic partners, private sponsors, and settlement organizations.
Then, The Government of Canada announced its commitment to increase the number of eligible people to 40,000. Of course, this will be done through several programs.
Ask your questions!
If you have a broad question about immigration to Canada, please fill out the following form. However, if you have specific questions, book a consultation session. You may alternatively fill out our assessment form.
Read this in Spanish
Share it!
Fill our Free Canada Immigration Assessment Form in your language!
