On April 7, 2022, Canadian Minister Chrystia Freeland released the 2022 federal budget of Canada, focusing on government revenue, spending plans, and key immigration priorities. The budget outlines initiatives for Express Entry, Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), citizenship processing, and other immigration enhancements.
The Canada government plans to welcome over 400,000 new permanent residents each year, supported by an infusion of CAD 2.1 billion over five years and CAD 317 million in ongoing financing.
Key Immigration Investments in the 2022 Budget
The 2022 budget proposes CAD 187.3 million over five years and CAD 37.2 million ongoing for tools and technologies to strengthen IRCC’s ability to manage permanent residency applications and enquiries.
Proposed Changes to Immigration Programs
1. Express Entry
- The federal government proposes ministerial instructions to help select candidates aligned with labor market needs.
- Implementation depends on passing legislation in the federal parliament.
2. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) The government plans to invest in three areas to upgrade the TFWP:
- CAD 29.3 million over three years to create a Trusted Employer Model for employers meeting high standards.
- CAD 48.2 million to create new streams in agriculture and fish processing.
- CAD 64.3 million to increase program capacity to handle more applications.
Additional TFWP updates announced on April 4, 2022:
- Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) validity extended from 9 months to 18 months
- Global Talent Stream hires high-wage employees for 3 years instead of 2
- Seasonal sector employers can hire unlimited low-wage workers (CAP removed)
- Employers can now hire 20–30% foreign workers, up from 10%
- LMIA applications will not be denied for regions with unemployment ≥ 6%
3. Canadian Citizenship
- Amendments to the Citizenship Act will automate document collection, application processing, and biometrics usage.
- This will allow IRCC to process higher volumes of applications efficiently.
Note: All proposed changes require majority approval in the Canadian Parliament before execution.
Final Thoughts
The 2022 Canadian federal budget reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening immigration programs and supporting skilled workers, temporary foreign employees, and citizens. Staying updated on these changes is crucial for applicants to maximize their chances of success.
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FAQs
1. How does the 2022 budget impact Express Entry?
- The government may issue ministerial instructions to select candidates aligned with labor market needs.
2. What changes are proposed for the TFWP?
- Investments in Trusted Employer Model, new employment streams, program capacity, extended LMIA validity, and higher hiring limits for foreign workers.
3. Will Canadian citizenship processing improve?
- Yes, automation of document collection and biometrics will enable faster processing and handle higher volumes of applications.
4. Are these changes already implemented?
- No, changes will take effect after majority approval in the Canadian Parliament.
