Canada Government -IRCC releases application guide for 6 New Immigration Streams: Apply Online Now

IRCC releases application guide for 6 new immigration streams

Everything you need to know about the new immigration pathways for temporary residents in Canada.

Canada has released the full guide for the six new immigration streams for international graduates and essential workers.

The guide on the government website gives official instructions on how to apply for the new limited-time immigration pathways opening May 6 at noon Eastern Standard Time. Canada’s immigration department, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), will stop accepting applications on November 5 or when the streams reach their maximum capacity.

The following is a list of the six new immigrations streams as well as their intake caps.

• Workers in Canada – Stream A for health care workers (20,000 applications)
• Workers in Canada – Stream B for essential non-health care workers (30,000 applications)
• International graduates (40,000 applications)
• Workers in Canada – Stream A for French-speaking health care workers (no cap)
• Workers in Canada – Stream B for French-speaking essential non-health care workers (no cap)
• French-speaking international graduates (no cap)

Do you live in Canada? Apply for PR under these new pathways!

CIC News has prepared a special FAQ on the immigration streams available here.

Highlights of the guide

Take note these points before you apply:

• You must be working in Canada at the time of your application.
• You can be working in any occupation at the time you apply. If you are applying as an essential worker, you need the 1,560 work hours in an eligible occupation within the past three years, and graduate stream applicants need a Canadian credential.
• You must submit a completed application with all documents, including language tests, and pay the fees.
• You can apply to multiple streams if you wish, but you will have to pay fees for each application.
• The intake process will be first in, first out.
• If you are currently living in Quebec, you may still be eligible, as long as you can demonstrate to the officer that you intend to move to another province, or show a job offer in another province.
• Self-employed experience does not count for these streams.
• Wet signatures are not required on documents, except for the use of representative form. There will be an attestation at the end of the online application, which will act as a signature.
• You can pay fees online in advance and upload the receipt in your application, or pay through the online portal. If you over pay, IRCC will start processing your application and send you an automatic refund.

What is the application process?

The portal will open May 6 at 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

There will be an eligibility tool on the government webpage. This tool will allow you to select the immigration stream you want to apply for, and view eligibility requirements. It is not a necessary step, but it is for your information.

You will have to agree to some terms and conditions. Then you can create an account with your email address and a password. You will get a message sent to the email address you provided with a verification code, which you can copy and paste. After that you will sign in with your email address and password.

Then you will get to a document checklist. You need to ensure you validate your forms and submit them with 2D barcodes. This form does not have a signature. An attestation at the end is considered a signature by the client. The only form that requires a wet signature is the use of representative form. There is a separate spot to upload this form.

You will also be asked to submit other documentation such as your proof of eligible work or study experience in Canada. There will be additional spots for dependents to add files.

You will then see an acknowledgement and consent form and a privacy statement. There will be a giant blue “Submit” button at the end for you to send in your application. Finally, there will be a page that confirms your application has been submitted.

You will have the ability to view your submission after you have filed your application.

What are the documents you need?

According to the IRCC website, here are the forms that you need as the principal applicant:

• Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] (PDF, 677 KB)
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669] (PDF, 1.52 MB)
• Schedule 3 – Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway: Streams A & B and International Graduates (including French-speaking streams) [IMM 0130] (PDF, 1.20 MB)
• Additional Family Information [IMM 5406] (PDF, 2.23 MB)
• Supplementary Information – Your Travels [IMM 5562] (PDF, 1.75 MB)

Forms for you (principal applicant) to fill out, if applicable:

• Additional Dependants/Declaration [IMM 0008 DEP] (PDF, 434 KB)
• Declaration from Non-Accompanying Parent/Guardian for Minors Immigrating to Canada [IMM 5604] (PDF, 1.54 MB)
• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409] (PDF, 778 KB)
• Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 1.48 MB)

IRCC offers some tips for filling out the application forms:

• Make sure you have Adobe Reader 10 or higher and Javascript is turned on. If you have trouble downloading, right-click the link and choose “Save target as…” or “Save link as…”
• Fill out the forms on your computer instead of by hand. It’s easier and reduces mistakes that can cause delays.
• Schedule 3 must be filled out on your computer.
• Fill out, print, sign and date your application forms.

IMM 0008 is a barcode form. You will have to validate it and submit all the pages.

You will also need to do your biometrics if you are between ages 14 and 79 years old, even if you already submitted biometrics in the past. IRCC will send you a letter when it is time to give biometrics, however you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit the application. You will have 30 days from the date you get the letter to give your biometrics. There are temporary COVID-19 measures in place for biometrics requirements and collection procedures.

Information for graduate stream applicants

You can be working part time at the time of applying, as long as you have graduated with a Canadian credential and meet the language requirement. International graduate candidates will need to have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or a Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) score of 5.

International students who graduated from a Canadian designated learning institution and are currently pursuing another degree may be eligible, provided they are also working.

Information for essential worker stream applicants

You are required to have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or a Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) of 4 to apply for any of the essential workers in Canada streams.

If you are applying under stream for health care workers, you can be working in any occupation. However, you must have one year of work experience in an eligible health care occupation, listed in Annex A.

If you are applying under stream for other essential workers, you can combine experience in occupations listed in Annex A (health care occupations), and Annex B (other essential worker occupations).

Why is Canada offering these programs?

The travel restrictions in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 has had major impacts on the labour market. Canada typically depends on immigrants coming in from abroad to address labour shortages.

Canada has set ambitious immigration targets for 2021, looking to welcome 401,000 new immigrants by the end of the year. Due to its commitment to meeting this target, Canada introduced the six new immigration streams. These streams help those who are already residing in the country get permanent residence.

Half of the streams are for French-speakers. This is because Canada is looking to increase bilingual and French-speaking immigrants outside of Quebec.

Do you live in Canada? Apply for PR under these new pathways!

Comprehensive FAQ on Canada’s New Immigration Streams for Essential Workers and Graduates

Here is everything we know on the six new PR streams launching on May 6. 2021

Canada is launching six new permanent residence streams on May 6 at 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time for essential workers and international graduates currently residing in the country.

 

Some 90,000 immigration spots will be available. All the information below is based on what is posted on the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) including the application guide it released the afternoon of May 5. The information is also based on technical briefings IRCC has held with immigration representatives on April 21, April 28, and May 4.

The following information focuses on frequently asked questions about the six new immigration streams.

Do you live in Canada? Find out for free if you are eligible for these news pathways!

1. When will the streams launch?

May 6 at 12 p.m. EST.

2. Can I add dependents to my application?

Yes. Spouses, common-law partners, and children under the age of 22 (dependent children may be older if they have a disability) may be included in the application.

3. How can I find out if I am eligible?

CanadaVisa has a free eligibility tool available here.

4. What steps do I need to take to apply?

According to IRCC’s website:

Step 1: Find out if you are eligible

Step 2: Gather your documents

Step 3: Complete the application

Step 4: Pay the fees

Step 5: Submit your application

5. What documents do I need to submit?

The application guide is available on IRCC’s website.

6. How can I request accommodation if I have a disability?

Please contact IRCC to notify them you need an alternative format application due to your disability. For streams with a cap, you need to ensure your accommodation request is received by May 20, 2021, or before the intake limit has been reached, whichever is later. IRCC will accept requests by email or by phone to its Client Support Centre. If you send an email, please include the following information directed to this address IRCC.BCSU-UCSE.IRCC@cic.gc.ca:

• Full name
• Mailing address
• Telephone number
• Stream you are applying for
• Alternative format you need
• If you wish to receive the format by mail or email
• Confirmation you are requesting accommodation due to a disability

7. What forms do I need to fill out?

Here is a list of the mandatory forms principal applicants need to fill out:

• Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008]
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669]
• Additional family information [IMM 5406]
• Schedule 3 – TR to PR pathway [IMM 0130]

Some of the other forms you may need to fill out if applicable include:

• Additional Dependents/Declaration [IMM0008 DEP]
• Declaration from Non-Accompanying Parent/Guardian for Minors Immigrating to Canada [IMM 5604]
• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5604]
• Use of a Representative [IMM 5476]

Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.

Do you live in Canada? Find out for free if you are eligible for these news pathways!

9. How do I submit my application?

IRCC will launch a new online portal for you to submit your application.

The portal will contain a “How to Apply Tool” to help you decide which stream to apply under. There will be a wizard to assess eligibility, which you can skip.

You will have to agree to some terms and conditions. Then you can create an account with your email address and a password. You will get a message sent to the email address you provided with a verification code, which you can copy and paste. After that, you will sign in with your email address and password.

You will see a document checklist including the new IMM 0008 form. You need to ensure you validate your forms and submit them with 2D barcodes. This form does not have a signature. An attestation at the end is considered a signature by the client. The only form that requires a wet signature is the use of a representative form. There is a separate spot to upload this form.

You will also be asked to submit other documentation such as your proof of eligible work or study experience in Canada. There will be additional spots for dependents to add files.

You will then see an acknowledgment and consent form and a privacy statement. There will be a giant blue “Submit your application” button at the end for you to send in your application. Finally, there will be a page that confirms your application has been submitted.

You will have the ability to view your submission after you have filed your application.

10. Can my immigration representative apply for me?

You can retain an immigration representative but you need to upload your application onto IRCC’s website yourself. IRCC has stated “Only applicants can access and upload their documents through the intake portal. Representatives cannot access the portal for their clients. This is because applications must be electronically signed in the intake portal.”

11. I am eligible for both an essential worker and international graduate stream. Can I submit multiple applications?

Yes, you can. You will need to pay the application fee twice.

12. Which stream will my application be processed under if I am eligible for multiple streams?

You get to choose the stream. This option will be available to you when you submit your application.

13. I am currently not working (e.g., I am out of work, on maternity leave, on sick leave, temporarily laid off, etc). Can I apply?

No, it is listed in the eligibility criteria that you need to be currently employed in any job (the occupation and whether it is full or part-time does not matter as long as you meet all other eligibility requirements).

14. What is the application fee?

It is $1,050 for principal applicants. There may be other fees you also need to pay (e.g., if you are adding dependents to your application).

15. What is the processing standard?

We do not know yet. In its May 4 technical briefing, IRCC said it expects to process 40,000 applications in 2021.

16. Will I need to submit my IELTS General Training or CELPIP score with my application?

Yes.

17. I hold a study permit. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes, as long as you meet all the other eligibility criteria of one of the streams.

18. Can my work experience as an international student in an essential occupation be used under one of the essential worker streams?

Yes, you can apply, as long as you obtained at least 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in the last three years in an essential occupation.

19. Does my current job need to be in an essential occupation for me to be eligible?

No, you just need to show you got 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in the last three years in an essential occupation for one of the essential worker streams.

Those wishing to apply under a graduate stream do not need to demonstrate they have work experience in an essential occupation.

20. What sort of job do I need now to be eligible under an international graduate stream?

Any job is fine (in any occupation and whether it is full-time or part-time), as long as it is paid and salaried employment (unpaid work or self-employed work does not count).

21. Can I apply if I am currently on maintained status (formerly known as implied status)?

Yes.

22. Can I apply while I wait for my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application to be approved?

Yes.

23. Can I apply if I have already submitted an Express Entry profile, or have received a permanent residence invitation, or have applied under another immigration program?

Yes. You will need to pay the respective application fees for each option you pursue.

24. Do I need to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for my foreign education?

No. Foreign education is not assessed under these streams so you are not required to submit an ECA with your application.

25. Can my self-employed work experience in an essential occupation in Canada count towards the 1,560-hour work experience requirement for the essential worker streams?

No, self-employment does not count unless you are a medical doctor that fulfills other eligibility criteria. You must show you were working as an employee.

26. How can I demonstrate my intention to live elsewhere in Canada if I live in Quebec or previously lived in Quebec?

Candidates can show proof such as their plans to move outside of Quebec, their new place of residence, whether they have employment in another province or territory, etc.

27. Do I need to submit my medical at the time of application?

No.

If you have previously completed an immigration medical exam (IME), you are welcome to submit this information at the time of your application. If the IME cannot be used for this permanent residence application, IRCC will notify you that you need to complete a new IME. If you have not completed an IME before, IRCC asks you make every effort possible to complete it before applying. If you are unable to complete your IME before applying due to COVID-19 related interruptions, IRCC asks you to provide proof at the time of your application that you have scheduled a medical appointment with a panel physician.

28. What happens after I submit my application?

Once you submit your application IRCC will conduct a completeness check to make sure:

• all required forms have been properly completed and submitted
• the processing fee has been paid
• all required documents from the application guide have been submitted

After your application is received you will get an Acknowledgment of receipt via email that:

• notifies you your application has been received and provides you with your IRCC application number
• provides basic information for contact with the IRCC office that will process your file
• gives you a short outline of future processing steps

IRCC recommends you link your application to your online account once you receive your application number so you can get the most up-to-date case status information, get online updates for your application, and change your Sign-In Partner or switch to a GCKey.

An IRCC officer will then conduct a detailed review of your application. If your application is successful, you (and your family members if applicable) will receive Canadian permanent resident status.

29. How can I avoid delays to my application?

IRCC notes the following may delay processing:

• copies of documents that are not clear
• IRCC needs to verify your information and documents
• a medical condition that requires you to complete more tests or consultations
• criminal or security problems
• IRCC needing to consult with other offices in Canada or abroad

You can check your application status by creating an online account.

30. What can I do to make sure my application is processed as quickly as possible?

IRCC advises you to:

• send all documents and information requested in your application
• pay your application fees and biometrics fees (if required)
• provide your biometrics as soon as you can (if required)
• notify IRCC in the event your contact information changes

Do you live in Canada? Find out for free if you are eligible for these news pathways!

IRCC to open new immigration streams May 6 2021 at 12 p.m. EST

Some 90,000 candidates in Canada will have a chance to become permanent residents.

IRCC will begin to accept applications for its six new limited-time immigration pathways on Thursday May 6 at 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed this information in a May 4 meeting with the Canadian Bar Association’s Immigration Law Section and other associations representing immigration lawyers and consultants.

The CBA’s Immigration Law Section has a broad mandate which includes educating immigration lawyers across Canada and providing advice to the federal government on immigration laws and policies. It meets regularly with IRCC and other federal departments and agencies to understand how government changes impact the country’s immigration system.

During today’s meeting, IRCC provided a sneak peak on what essential workers and international graduates can expect come Thursday.

Once on the application portal, candidates will be greeted by a wizard which will assess their eligibility for the six new streams.

Candidates will need to complete several forms electronically including the IMM 0008 Generic Application Form. Candidates can submit their signatures electronically. They do not need to print the forms, sign them, and then scan them.

Do you live in Canada? Apply for PR under these new pathways!

Each stream will have its own document requirements. Candidates will be prompted on which documents they need to upload.

Once candidates complete their applications, they will be invited to select a blue “Submit your application” button. IRCC will count each submission towards its various quotas for the streams:

• Workers in Canada – Stream A for health care workers (20,000 applications)
• Workers in Canada – Stream B for essential non-health care workers (30,000 applications)
• International graduates (40,000 applications)
• Workers in Canada – Stream A for French-speaking health care workers (no cap)
• Workers in Canada – Stream B for French-speaking essential non-health care workers (no cap)
• French-speaking international graduates (no cap)

Some documents will be mandatory for candidates to submit. However, IRCC will provide guidance to candidates if they are unable to submit certain documents. For example, you will need to provide IRCC evidence you have applied to complete your medical exam and are seeking police clearance certificates. IRCC suggests that you submit your old medical exam if you have it so it can advise you later in the application process whether you will need to submit another one.

IRCC expects to be able to process a total of 40,000 permanent residence applications under the streams in 2021. This means that the majority of applicants can expect to obtain their permanent residence status in 2022.

More information will become available tomorrow when the application guide is revealed. We will learn what documents candidates will need to submit, among other important information. In addition, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino is set to hold a press conference at 3:45 PM EST tomorrow.