Canada Immigration - What’s new for business class applicants in 2013
11/19/2012
The face of Canadian immigration has been continuously changing over the past 3 years. I have been an immigration consultant for more than 13 years and I don’t remember seeing this much change in policy and regulations that we have had in recent years. For good or bad, Citizenship and Immigration Canada Minister Jason Kenney has reshaped Canadian immigration and there is no turning back!
For 2013, there is no question it will be more difficult for entrepreneurs to qualify for permanent residency to Canada. Based on information from credible sources, the moratorium on Federal investor, entrepreneur and self-employed class will be extended past January 2013 and there are no immediate plans to re-open this category. Since implementing a quota system for the past 2 years, we have seen a huge influx of would be investor applicants from China apply to Provincial nominee programs (PNP) resulting in longer delays and higher rejection rates. The re-set of Quebec business class in April 2013 should give some breathing room for the PNPs; however, I anticipate the Quebec investor annual quota of 2,700 files will be filled within just couple of weeks from date of opening. As such, PNPs will continue to receive a high volume of applications from China.
A significant change expected for 2013 is a language benchmark for business class of PNPs. The only PNP requiring a language benchmark in 2012 was Prince Edward Island PNP. However, the Federal government is putting a lot of pressure on PNPs to implement a language benchmark. A director from a PNP program has suggested their program will implement a language benchmark by late 2013.
Historically with the exception of British Columbia PNP the approval rates of PNP applications have been very high. However, these rates are expected to drop considerably in 2013 because the PNP offices have more applications than they can nominate, they have the luxury of picking and choosing the “best” applicants.
All things considered, there are still avenues for business people to immigrate to Canada but should be fully aware of the changing landscape of Canadian immigration and make an informed decision as to what program is best suited for them and their families.
Article written by:
Wonjoon Kang,
Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant
ICCRC Member
Nov 15, 2012
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