According to the latest update from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Canada’s immigration backlog has dropped to 2.4 million. The record across all aspects of business has advanced as follows since July 2021:
• November 3, 2022: 2,411,388 persons • September 30, 2022: 2,600,000 persons • August 31, 2022: 2,583,827 persons • July 15-17, 2022: 2,679,031 persons • June 1-6, 2022: 2,387,884 persons • April 30-May 2, 2022: 2,130,385 persons • April 11-12, 2022: 2,031,589 persons • March 15 and 17, 2022: 1,844,424 persons • February 1, 2022: 1,815,628 persons • December 15, 2021: 1,813,144 persons • October 27, 2021: 1,792,404 persons • July 6, 2021: 1,447,474 persons
As of October 31, there were 331,401 citizenship applicants, compared to 351,964 on October 3. Compared to October 3, the permanent residence inventory stood at 506,421 people.
According to the October 3 temporary residence inventory, there were 1,651,649 people, while on November 3 it stood at 1,537,566. This resulted in reductions in two of the three major categories, with the biggest reduction in temporary residences.
39,589 Express Entry applications are awaiting processing as of November 3. In July, the IRCC resumed inviting Express Entry candidates from all programs. Due to IRCC’s struggles to meet its service standard of processing Express Entry applications within six months, draws were limited to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) between September 21, 2021, and July 6, 2022. After reducing the number of Express Entry invitations for Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, IRCC has returned to its six-month service standard for candidates who have received a permanent residence invitation since July 6. The PNP has an inventory of 62,073 total applications.
Family Class Inventory
A total of 128,112 family immigrants are currently in the system, compared to 125,488 on October 3. The Spouses and Partners program is among the largest inventories among all lines of business, at 61,118, a slight rise in the number as compared to October 3. The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has an inventory of 55,653 people compared to 53530 people waiting for decisions in October.
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Canada Immigration News Podcast #93: IRCC Freezes PGWP List, Manitoba Recruits US Doctors, BC PNP Fee Increase, and Alberta Construction Growth
byRyan
Welcome to episode 93 of the Canada Immigration News Podcast, where we bring you the latest and most impactful updates from Canada’s immigration landscape. In this episode, we unpack Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) freeze on the PGWP eligibility list, Manitoba’s recruitment of 13 U.S.-trained physicians, upcoming fee increases for British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and Alberta’s record-setting construction and housing growth. These developments reveal how immigration policy, healthcare workforce strategies, provincial program changes, and economic expansion are shaping the future for newcomers across Canada.
In a move that surprised many international students and advisors, IRCC has temporarily frozen the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility list. The freeze means that the current list of designated learning institutions and programs eligible for a PGWP will stay the same while IRCC undertakes a review of criteria and compliance measures. This decision comes amid growing concern over the rapid expansion of unregulated educational providers and quality assurance in post-secondary education. For students planning to study in Canada with the goal of obtaining a PGWP and later applying for permanent residency, this announcement underscores the importance of choosing recognized and high-quality institutions.
Manitoba has taken a proactive step to address its healthcare labour shortages by recruiting 13 U.S.-trained physicians to practice in the province. The successful recruitment reflects collaborative efforts between Manitoba Health and facilities across the province to attract experienced medical professionals. Recruiting internationally trained doctors has been a priority for Manitoba, as the province seeks to enhance access to care, particularly in underserved and rural communities. This initiative not only boosts healthcare capacity but also highlights Manitoba’s commitment to welcoming skilled professionals from diverse international backgrounds.
British Columbia has announced changes that will impact future Provincial Nominee Program applicants: a fee increase for the B.C. PNP starting in 2026. The fee adjustments reflect rising operational costs, the need to maintain program integrity, and investments in processing capacity. While B.C.’s PNP remains one of the most popular provincial routes to permanent residence due to its alignment with labour market needs, the increased fees signal a shift toward higher participation costs for applicants. Prospective immigrants planning to apply through skills immigration, tech, or entrepreneur streams should factor the higher fees into their planning and timelines for submission.
Alberta’s economic momentum continues with new housing and construction records reported across the province. Recent data shows a surge in residential builds, commercial projects, and infrastructure expansion, driven by strong demand and population growth. This construction activity not only reflects broader economic confidence but also creates opportunities for skilled workers, including immigrants with experience in trades, engineering, project management, and related fields. As housing markets tighten in many parts of Canada, Alberta’s construction sector stands out as a source of jobs, investment, and long-term settlement opportunities for newcomers hoping to build careers and roots in Western Canada.
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