Recent Changes in Online Processing Times from June 15

Post by : Admin on Jun 21,2022

How often have you been frustrated by the uncertainty and complexity of processing times? The new changes to the online processing tool supposedly can end your worries now. Sean Fraser, the Canadian immigration Minister announced the recent update on 31st March 2022. The update would let the processing tool provide accurate information about the processing times.

A Brief Overview of this Online Processing Tool

The tool is not limited to showing accurate processing times. It also provides new weekly calculations based on previous data of six months.

In short, future immigrants can plan their visits better with the new updates to this tool.

Current Processing Times of Specific Immigration Applications

Over 2.13 million people are awaiting processing for Canadian Immigration. Adding to the pressure, the pandemic caused major haywire in the processing times of applications. No wonder this update is a hit among people interested in immigrating to Canada.

Here are some current processing times as per the update.

Citizenship & PR cards

  • PR card renewal- 60 days
  • New PR card- 71 days
  • Citizenship renunciation- 15 months
  • Citizenship resumption- 23 months
  • Search of citizenship records- 15 months
  • Citizenship certificate- 17 months
  • Citizenship grant- 27 months
     

Family Sponsorship

  • Parents/grandparents- 34 months
  • Common law partner/spouse living inside Canada- 15 months
  • Common law partner/spouse living outside Canada- 23 months

 

Canadian Passport

  • Passport application mailed from outside Canada- 20 business days
  • In-Canada urgent pick-up- Almost at the end of the next business day
  • In-Canada New Passport- 10 business days for standard pickup and regular application submitted in person
  • In-Canada Express pick-up- 2-9 business days
     

Economic Class

  • Start-up Visa- 31 months
  • Federal self-employed- 41 months
  • Quebec skilled worker and business class- 32 and 64 month respectively
  • Federal self-employed- 41 months
  • Non-Express Entry PNP- 27 months
  • Atlantic Immihgration Program- 18 months
  • Canadian Experience Class- 11 months
  • PNP through Express Entry- 21 months
  • FSTP- 43 months
  • FWP- 26 months

 

Temporary Residence Application

  • Study permit- 12 weeks (outside Canada) 3 weeks (inside Canada)
  • Study permit extension- 210 days (by paper) and 66 days online
  • Work permit outside Canada- 3 weeks
  • Work permit inside Canada- 151 days (by paper) and 147 days online
  • IEC- 7 weeks
  • Visitor visa inside Canada- 29 days by paper and 171 days online
  • Visitor visa outside Canada- Depends on the country
  • Parents/grandparents Super Visa- Depends on the country
  • Visitor extension- 213 days by paper and 191 days online

 

Connect with Onkar Immigration for More Details

It can be difficult to track the changes in Canadian application processing times. This is where we come in. Connect with us to gather more information about the updated processing times of any Canadian Immigration application. Our team is here to guide you through the entire procedure of each application.

Impact of the New NOC System in Canada on Express Entry Eligibility

Post by : Admin on Jun 05,2022

Canada uses the National Occupational Classification or NOC to determine the educational and skill level required to pursue a career in Canada. IRCC uses this NOC to determine the eligibility of occupations under permanent and temporary residency programs. 

The Canadian Government will start following the new National Occupational Classification from November 2022. According to the new NOC system, 16 new occupations will be eligible to apply for Express Entry programs. And three occupations will be ineligible for the same. 

16 New Occupations Rendered Eligible in New NOC System

NOC 2021 also brings forth new terminology and a revised classification structure. Here are the 16 new occupations the new NOC considers eligible:

  1. Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
  2. Other repairers and servicers
  3. Heavy equipment operators
  4. Transport truck drivers
  5. Payroll administrators
  6. Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators
  7. Pest controllers and fumigators
  8. Sheriffs and bailiffs
  9. Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
  10. Residential and commercial installers and servicers
  11. Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
  12. By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers
  13. Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associate
  14. Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations
  15. Correctional service officers
  16. Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants

3 Occupations that are Rendered Ineligible 

  • Dressmakers, furriers, dressmakers and milliners 
  • Other performers 
  • Program instructors in sports, fitness and recreation 

Skill-Level Update in New NOC System

Initially, NOC consisted of four skill levels such as

  • NOC A- Jobs that require a university degree
  • NOC B- Jobs for skilled trades and require a college diploma 
  • NOC C- Jobs that require job-specific training or intermediate skills 
  • NOC D- Labour jobs that require on-the-job training 

The new NOC system ditches the concept of skill levels. Instead, it organizes occupations on the basis of Education, Training,  Responsibilities and Experience. The NOC skill levels transfer to the new system as shown: 

 

NOC 2016

NOC 2021

Skill type 0

TEER 0

Skill type A

TEER 1

Skill type B

TEER 2

Skill type B

TEER 3

Skill type C

TEER 4

Skill type D

TEER 5

 

As you can see, the new NOC will use a five-tier hierarchical system for classifying occupations. NOC 2021 also replaces the four-digit codification system and embraces the five-digit system. 

Categories of Each TEER System

TEER 0

Management Occupations 

TEER 1

  • Multiple years of experience from TEER 2
  • A bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate
    degree

TEER 2

  • Two-three years of post-secondary education program at CEGEP or community college
  • An apprenticeship training program of 2-5 years
  • Years of experience in TEER 3
  • Occupation with significant safety responsibilities 

TEER 3

  • A degree in the post-secondary education program of less than two years
  • Apprenticeship training of less than two years
  • Years of experience in TEER 4 occupations 
  • At least six months of on-the-job training 

TEER 4

  • Secondary school completion 
  • Secondary school education along with weeks of on-the-job training
  • Years of experience in TEER 5 occupations 

TEER 5

  • No formal education requirements
  • Short work demonstration 

 

Wrapping Up, 

The NOC system embraced the TEER system, instead of the skill type model due to two reasons:

  • Provides more clarity on the work experience and educational qualifications required to work in Canada
  • Gets rid of artificial categorisations between  high and low-skilled jobs 

Connect with us for Instant Solutions 

It can cake time to adapt to the new NOC system. Consult with our team at Onkar Immigration and get a thorough idea of NOC 2021. Our team guides you through the new NOC system. We ensure that achieve your Canadian dream hassle-free.

 

Proof of Funds Increases for Express Entry Candidates in 2022

Post by : Admin on May 21,2022

Whether you apply for Express Entry programs or permanent residence, it is crucial to show the proof of funds. It reflects that you are financially stable enough to live and work in Canada. 

The proof of funds requirements has changed recently. So, you must update your fund settlement numbers accordingly in the respective Express Entry profile. You have until June 8 to update the same on your profile to avoid rejections or delays in application processing. 
 

Proof of Funds for Express Entry Candidates | What’s the New Update?

The update is applicable to Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program candidates. Candidates from these programs with a valid job offer in Canada do not need to follow the update. Similarly, Canadian Experience Class candidates do not need to follow this update. 

If you are an FSWP or FTSP candidate with no Canadian job offer, keep the following proof of funds update in mind:

Number of family members                       Settle funds requirements (CAD)

               1                                                               $13,310

               2                                                               $16,570

               3                                                               $20,371

               4                                                               $24,733

               5                                                               $28,052

               6                                                               $31,638

               7                                                               $35,224

The proof of funds settlement amount depends on the size of your family. Include the following to calculate the size of your family:

  • Yourself 
  • Your dependent children
  • Your partner 
  • Your partner’s dependent children 

 Also, the funds' settlement amount increases by $3586 for every additional family member you add to the family. 

 

How important is this update?

You may have submitted the profile to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada on a previous date. But, updating the same with the new fund's settlement amount won’t affect your rank in the profile’s status. However, it will act as a saviour in the case of a tie-break situation. 

Not updating the profile can cause delays in application processing. Keep these points in mind as well:

  • Make sure the funds are available at you when you apply and when you get the permanent resident visa. 
  • You have to prove to the immigration officer that you have enough money and can legally access it. 
  • Show that you are financially stable enough to pay the cost of your family’s living including those who didn’t come with you. 
  • Remember, you cannot use equity as property or borrow money from someone else to meet the requirements.  

 

What to Show as Proof of Funds?

You need official, formal letters from reputed financial institutions where you have kept the money. 

As per the IRCC government webpage, the letters should meet the following criteria:

  • The financial institution’s letterhead should print the letter. 
  • Include the contact information of the financial institution in it. 
  • Write your name. 
  • List outstanding debts including loans and credit card debts. 
  • List the account numbers, current balance of each account, account opening date and average balance for the previous six months for each investment and current bank account. 

 

Application Resumes in July 2022 for FSWP and CEC Candidates

There’s good news for Express Entry candidates eligible for FSWP and CEC programs. 

According to Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, FSWP and CEC draws will resume from July 2022. The Minister also announced the processing time for the new Express Entry application to return to six months. The processing time for most businesses is expected to return to normal by the end of 2022. 

Staying abreast of the updates and updating profiles can be daunting, especially amidst a hectic schedule. This is where Onkar Immigration comes into play. We have a brilliant team to guide you through all the updates. We will help you get through the complex processes efficiently.

 

New Announcements Revealed for Express Entry and Opportunities for International Graduates

Post by : Admin on May 02,2022

Immigration is crucial to address the labour shortage in Canada. That’s what the immigration minister Sean Fraser said in a statement on Friday. There are thousands of vacancies across Canada. And employers need qualified candidates to fuel their growth. Thus, the Minister loosened immigration rules to make it easier for qualified candidates to apply for permanent residence.

Here’s what the Minister revealed:

  1. Additionalpost-graduate work permits

Are you a former international student living in Canada with a post-graduation work permit that’s expiring between January and December 2022? In that case, you are eligible for an additional open work permit of up to 18 months. This one is taking effect from the beginning of summer 2022.

  1. Processing of TR2PR
  • This one is applicable from this summer. The changes in this policy involve:
  • It isn’t mandatory to remain in Canada during the processing of their applications.
  • You are eligible for work permits till the end of 2024 if you have applied for an open work permit and still waiting for the confirmation of your permanent residence application.
  • Immediate family members (outside Canada and if included in the permanent residence application will)are eligible for their open work permit.
  1. Express entry draws

The federal government will put an end to the temporary pause on express entry draws in July. In case you don’t have an idea, express entry draws consist of an application management system that helps individuals immigrate permanently through:

  • The federal skilled worker and skilled trades programs
  • The Canadian experience class
  • A portion of the provincial nominee program

The Minister also announced that a huge number of new applications will be processed within a standard service of six months.

  1. International students can stay an additional 18 months

This applies to the former international student whose post-graduate work permits have expired or are going to expire between Jan 31 and Dec 31, 2022. You can stay in Canada for up to 18 months starting from June.

Related background information

No CEC draw has been observed under the express entry system since September 2021 and FSW draw. Moreover, PGWP candidates rely on the CEC draws to earn permanent residency. But, the absence of CEC draws makes it difficult for international graduates to achieve permanent residency.

This is also why international students often have to leave Canada once the PGWP has expired. They can, however, also apply for another study permit if they enrol in a new course from scratch.

It can be hard to stay abreast with all new immigration rules and abide by them amidst your hectic schedule. And not to say, the hardships of paperwork.This is where OnkarImmigration comes into play. Consult with our professionals and make your Canadian dream come true.

Processing Time for Spousal Sponsorship Applicants Returns to 12 Months

Post by : Admin on Apr 14,2022

Whether you want to unite with your spouse or common-law partner in Canada, waiting incessantly for the spousal sponsorship application to process never feels good. The pandemic had almost normalized the delays in the processing of spousal sponsorship applications. But, the good news is, the Canadian Government and IRCC have addressed the delays and implemented the right measures to accelerate the processing work tenfold.

Result?

The application processing time for Spousal Sponsorship Applications has returned to its standard time of 12 months. Several factors caused the delay in application processing such as border restrictions and the pandemic. But, the IRCC and the Government of Canadanow use data analytics to help officers process the applications faster. Also, the complete shift from traditional to online application process minimizes the processing delays to a great extent.

Sean Fraser, Immigration Minister, announced in January 2022 that the spousal sponsorship returns to the 12-month processing time for new applicants. IRCC also brought forth a portal for spousal and child sponsorship applicants to track their immigration applications online.

Who is eligible for the spousal sponsorship program?

You can apply for the spousal sponsorship program if you are:

  • A Canadian citizen or an indigenous individual registered under the Canadian Indian Act
  • At least 18 years old
  • Able to demonstrate that you do not get social assistance except if you have a disability
  • Capable of supporting the financial needs of the sponsored individual

Who can you sponsor?

You can sponsor any one of the following:

  • Common-law partner- You must have lived with this person for at last 12 straight months.
  • Spouse- You have to be legally married to this person.
  • Conjugal partner- You must have been in a relationship with this person for a minimum of a year and cannot marry the person in their country due to immigration or legal causes.

In the case of foreign nationals, they must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for this program. Also, they need to get through a criminality, security and health screening during the process.

What are the types of spousal sponsorship application processes?

You and your spouse can apply for the program from within Canada (inland sponsorship)or apply for the same abroad (outland sponsorship). Let’s see what each type of sponsorship process means.

Inland sponsorship

  • The partner or the spouse must have a valid temporary status in Canada in the form of a worker, visitor or student to be eligible for the program.
  • The sponsored person can continue to live, work and study in Canada during the application process.
  • The sponsored spouse can also get a Spousal Open Work Permit that lets them work even while waiting for the application’s results.

Outland sponsorship

  • This process serves foreign spouses who aren’t residing in Canada legally at the time of application.
  • Permanent residents in Canada can use this process to sponsor their spouses only if they are living in Canada. But, Canadian citizens can use the same process to sponsor their spouses from abroad. In the latter, they need to demonstrate that they will return to Canada once the application is approved.
  • The outland process is perfect for couples who need to travel to and from Canada during the application processing time.
  • Married and common-law partners can also use the outland process to sponsor conjugal partners. Couples with an ongoing and committed relationship for over 12 months but aren’t able to live together due to legal or other obstacles fall under this category.

Detailed steps for applying to the spousal sponsorship application

The steps to apply to the spousal sponsorship program are:

  • Get hold of two applications since you need to submit both of them for a quick approval. One facilitates the sponsorship while the other one helps in achieving permanent residency.
  • Get the package from IRCC.
  • Pay the application fees which are a combination of processing, right of permanent residence and biometrics fees. S
  • Finally, send the completed application to IRCC via email.

Though the standard processing time for spousal sponsorship applications is reduced to 12 months only, the process is still quite complex. Theeminent team at Onkar Immigration is here to guide you through all the steps in this process hassle-free. From the paperwork to the eligibility criteria, we will help you with everything. Contact us for more details.