Episode 18: BCPNP Makes Entrepreneur Stream Permanent, Drop in Overqualified Immigrants, Immigration Updates
In this episode, we cover three major immigration news updates from Canada:
BCPNP Makes Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot a Permanent Stream
– As of May 27, 2024, the Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot has become a permanent immigration stream under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
– Part of the StrongerBC initiative to strengthen regional economies
– Allows entrepreneurs to immigrate to establish businesses in rural, interior and coastal areas of British Columbia
– Aims to attract international talent and investment to boost the provincial economy
Statistics Canada Reports Decrease in Overqualified Immigrants
– 2021 census data shows only 26.7% of recent immigrants were overqualified for their jobs, down from 31.1% in 2016 44.4% of immigrants had jobs matching their qualifications, up from 40%
– Suggests higher education increases economic integration as immigrants are more adaptable
– Improvement attributed to job growth in high-skilled fields and changes to immigrant selection favoring qualifications
– However, many highly educated immigrants remain underutilized
Immigration Backlogs and Inventory Update from IRCC
– As of May 27, 2024, there were 2.22 million total applications across PR, TR and citizenship inventories
– 44.4% of applications exceeded service standards
– 45% of temporary residence and 40% of permanent residence applications were backlogged
– 18% of citizenship applications also exceeded service standards Canada Expands
Humanitarian Measures for Gaza
– Application cap for Palestinian extended family members in Gaza increased from 1,000 to 5,000
– Aims to assist more people amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis
– Preparing for potential changes to facilitate safe exit from Gaza
– Working with Israel and Egypt on the situation
