Recently, the "Top 10 Immigration Events of 2016" and "Six Major Immigration Trends of 2017" released by WorldWay Immigration Group have sparked widespread attention in the media and industry. Among them, "Multiple Canadian immigration policies announced, Canadian immigration welcomes positive developments" was selected as one of the "Top 10 Immigration Events of 2016," attracting further focus.
So, what exactly were the major policies or changes in Canadian immigration in 2016? Today, WorldWay Immigration Group brings you a review of the top 10 Canadian immigration events of 2016 (ordered chronologically):
I. Reduction in residency requirements for Canadian citizenship
On February 25, 2016, the Minister of Immigration introduced amendments to the Citizenship Act (Bill C-24), reducing the residency requirement for citizenship from four years to three years. This significant reduction in the path to citizenship is undoubtedly a major benefit for Canadian immigrants.
II. Canada's immigration quota increased to 300,000
On March 8, 2016, the Ministry of Immigration announced that the immigration quota for 2016 would be increased to 300,000. Historical data shows that from 2011 to 2015, the average total quota for Canadian immigration was approximately 250,000. However, in 2016, there was a sharp increase of 50,000, reaching 300,000 for the first time.
III. Quebec Investment Immigration reopened and quickly snapped up
On May 30, 2016, the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) reopened with an increased quota. Compared to previous years, the document review process was stricter.
Despite this, facts proved that the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program remains the most popular Canadian investment immigration stream, as all 1,300+ slots allocated for mainland China were snatched up within just about three months of opening in 2016.
IV. Additional visa centers established in China
On August 8, 2016, the Ministry of Immigration announced it would add five new visa centers in China, and on November 10, it officially implemented the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) policy for visa-exempt passport holders traveling to Canada.
With this, there are now 11 Canadian visa application centers in China. Combined with the 13 cities offering direct flights to Canada by the end of this year, this means travel, study, business, and daily life connections related to Canadian immigration have become much more convenient.
V. Age limit relaxed for dependent children
On October 28, 2016, the immigration authorities posted a notice announcing their intention to amend two immigration regulations: raising the age of dependent children from 19 to 22, and removing the conditional status for spousal sponsorship.
VI. Government announces 2017 immigration quota
On October 31, 2016, the government of Canada announced that the immigration quota for 2017 would remain at 300,000.
VII. Reform of Canadian Express Entry System
On November 19, 2016, reforms to the Express Entry system for skilled immigration officially took effect.
VIII. Manitoba announces major immigration reforms
On November 25, 2016, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) announced that it would reform its immigration system in early 2017, comprehensively affecting Manitoba's business, international student, and skilled worker immigration streams.
The primary goal of this reform is to encourage Canadian immigration and make the immigration process faster and more efficient. Regarding the specific direction of the new policies, the focus is on accelerating application processing, promoting investment and study-based immigration, addressing economic and employment needs, and resolving labor shortages.
IX. Reduction in spousal reunion processing time
On December 7, 2016, the Ministry of Immigration announced a significant reduction in processing times for spousal sponsorship, aiming to complete applications within one year.
X. Parents and Grandparents Program moves to lottery system
On December 14, 2016, the Ministry of Immigration suddenly announced that the Parents and Grandparents Program would transition to a lottery system.
WorldWay immigration experts state: As various Canadian immigration policies are gradually relaxed, quotas increase, and processing speeds accelerate, we expect many more significant reforms to be released in 2017. The spring for Canadian investment immigration is set to continue.
Currently, WorldWay Group offers high-quality programs including the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program, and Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program to help you successfully immigrate to Canada. Please feel free to call for consultations: 400-138-2929