Vision

july 2017

2020Immigration Levels Plan 2018-2020

3VISION 2020

Contents

About CIssA-ACseI � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 4

IntroduCtIon � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 5

overvIew � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6

eConomIC CLAss � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7

FAmILy CLAss � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8

HumAnItArIAn CLAss � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 9

LookIng AHeAd...2020 LAndIng ProjeCtIons � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11

ConCLusIon � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �12

4 VISION 2020

About CIssA-ACseI

The Canadian Immigrant Settlement Sector Alliance – Alliance canadienne du secteur de l’établissement des immigrants (CISSA-ACSEI) is the immigrant settlement sector’s pan-Canadian voice.

CISSA-ACSEI membership consists of provincial and regional umbrella associations that represent immigrant and refugee serving agencies. Current membership includes:

n Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC (AMSSA)

n Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA)

n Saskatchewan Association of Immigrant Settlement and Integration Agencies (SAISIA)

n Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO)

n Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (ARAISA)

n Multicultural Centre of the Yukon (MC Yukon)

Vision:

n A Canadian Society in which all immigrants and refugees are able to participate fully.

Mission:

n CISSA-ACSEI represents the issues and expertise of the immigrant settlement sector to advance public policies and programs that enhance the settlement and integration of immigrants and refugees to Canada.

Tasks:

CISSA-ACSEI’s mission is driven by the following main tasks:

n To undertake initiatives to enhance the capacity of the immigrant settlement sector to support the integration and active participation of immigrants to Canada;

n To conduct research and special projects for immigrant settlement policy and program development and improvement;

n To develop mechanisms for internal (within the sector) and external (between the sector and various partners) communication/consultations on a national basis on key sector issues.

n To advocate for and increase public awareness about the importance of immigration and immigrant settlement supports; and,

n To engage government in different ways to enhance the settlement outcomes of immigrants.

5VISION 2020

IntroduCtIon

Nothing will impact this country, whether it is the national economy, our public institutions, or rural and urban centres, more than immigration will over the next few years. However, the challenges and opportunities that immigration provides to this country necessitate a much broader public consultation than one focused on annual levels planning. We strongly believe that we should be moving beyond annual level plans to multi-year immigration level plans. As a result, as part of the minister’s consultation on the 2018 levels plan, CISSA-ACSEI offers Vision 2020 for consideration. CISSA-ACSEI Vision 2020 is a bold, three (3) year plan that addresses the growing demographic shifts currently underway in Canada and the need for increased economic immigration. CISSA-ACSEI also recognizes the need for an increased target of 21,500 within the family class between 2017 and 2020. Lastly, CISSA-ACSEI Vision 2020 builds upon our global leadership role in supporting the need for increased refugee resettlement spaces.

6 VISION 2020

overvIew

CISSA-ACSEI Vision 2020 outlines immigration level increases of fifty thousand (50,000) annually over the next three years (3 years) 2018-2020, as highlighted below:

n 350,000 in 2018;

n 400,000 in 2019; and,

n 450,000 by 2020.

The following bar graph provides a visual overview of our three year vision starting with current projection and baseline target for 2017.

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000Humanitarian Class

Family

Economic Class

2020201920182017

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000Humanitarian Class

Family

Economic Class

2020201920182017

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000Humanitarian Class

Family

Economic Class

2020201920182017

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000Humanitarian Class

Family

Economic Class

2020201920182017

57.5%172,500

Three years aT a Glance

55%193,000

59%235,000

400,000

350,000

300,000

450,000

62%280,500

28%84,000

27%95,000

25%101,000

23%105,50018%

62,000

16%64,000

14%64,000

14.5%43,500

We offer further insights into our proposed targets for the economic, family and humanitarian classes:

7VISION 2020

eConomIC CLAss

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000Quebec Skilled Workers and Business

Provincial Nominee Program

Federal Business

Federal Caregivers

Federal Economic

2020201920182017

43%73,700

economic class

41%80,000

47%110,000

52%145,000

30%51,000

31%60,500

29%67,500

27%72,000

17% 29,300

17%32,000

15%35,000

14%38,000

<1%500

<1%500

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000Quebec Skilled Workers and Business

Provincial Nominee Program

Federal Business

Federal Caregivers

Federal Economic

2020201920182017

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000Quebec Skilled Workers and Business

Provincial Nominee Program

Federal Business

Federal Caregivers

Federal Economic

2020201920182017

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000Quebec Skilled Workers and Business

Provincial Nominee Program

Federal Business

Federal Caregivers

Federal Economic

2020201920182017

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000Quebec Skilled Workers and Business

Provincial Nominee Program

Federal Business

Federal Caregivers

Federal Economic

20202019201820170

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000Quebec Skilled Workers and Business

Provincial Nominee Program

Federal Business

Federal Caregivers

Federal Economic

2020201920182017

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000Quebec Skilled Workers and Business

Provincial Nominee Program

Federal Business

Federal Caregivers

Federal Economic

20202019201820170

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000Quebec Skilled Workers and Business

Provincial Nominee Program

Federal Business

Federal Caregivers

Federal Economic

20202019201820170

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000Quebec Skilled Workers and Business

Provincial Nominee Program

Federal Business

Federal Caregivers

Federal Economic

2020201920182017

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000Quebec Skilled Workers and Business

Provincial Nominee Program

Federal Business

Federal Caregivers

Federal Economic

2020201920182017

10%18,000

172,500193,000

235,000

280,500

10%20,000

9%22,000

<1%500

9%25,000

<1%500

Within the economic classes, we have attempted to address the increased demand for skilled workers in response, for example, to the Advisory Council on Economic Growth report. We have also suggested higher Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) targets taking into consideration Provincial-Territorial government interest in this category to better manage selection needs that address local and regional economic situations. Over a three year (3 year) period, the economic class would grow from fifty-seven and a half (57.5%) planned for 2017 to sixty-two (62%) of all immigration to Canada in 2020. The largest growth area would see a doubling of the Federal Economic category from 73,700 in 2017 to 145,500 annually in 2020.

8 VISION 2020

FAmILy CLAss

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000Parents and Grandparents

Spouses, Partners and Children

2020201920182017

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000Parents and Grandparents

Spouses, Partners and Children

2020201920182017

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000Parents and Grandparents

Spouses, Partners and Children

2020201920182017

76%64,000

Family class

72%68,000

71%72,000

71%75,000

24%20,000

28%27,000

29%29,000

29%30,500

84,000

95,000101,000

105,500

Within the Family classes, the overall percentage would drop from twenty eight percent (28%) in 2017 to twenty-three percent (23%) in 2020. However, on a numerical basis, Spouses, Partners and Children would rise from 64,000 in 2017 to 75,000 annually in 2020 while Parents and Grandparents would grow from 20,000 in 2017 to 30,500 annually in 2020. CISSA-ACSEI’s proposed family class target should also be considered in conjunction with a suggestion to continue the super visa program for parents and grandparents.

9VISION 2020

HumAnItArIAn CLAss

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

80000Humanitarian and Compassionate and Other

Privately Sponsored

Blended Visa Office-Referred

Government-Assisted

Protected Persons in Canada and Dependents Abroad

2020201920182017

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

80000Humanitarian and Compassionate and Other

Privately Sponsored

Blended Visa Office-Referred

Government-Assisted

Protected Persons in Canada and Dependents Abroad

20202019201820170

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

80000Humanitarian and Compassionate and Other

Privately Sponsored

Blended Visa Office-Referred

Government-Assisted

Protected Persons in Canada and Dependents Abroad

20202019201820170

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

80000Humanitarian and Compassionate and Other

Privately Sponsored

Blended Visa Office-Referred

Government-Assisted

Protected Persons in Canada and Dependents Abroad

2020201920182017

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

80000Humanitarian and Compassionate and Other

Privately Sponsored

Blended Visa Office-Referred

Government-Assisted

Protected Persons in Canada and Dependents Abroad

2020201920182017

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

80000Humanitarian and Compassionate and Other

Privately Sponsored

Blended Visa Office-Referred

Government-Assisted

Protected Persons in Canada and Dependents Abroad

2020201920182017

34%15,000

humaniTarian class

32%20,000

32%19,750

37%16,000

resettled refugees

17%7,500

29%18,000

31%20,000

31%20,000

31%20,000

31%20,000

31%19,750

31%19,750

3%1,500

1%750

8%3,500

6%3,500

5%3,500

5%3,500

43,500

62,000 64,000 64,000

1%750

1%750

The proposed three year (3 year) baseline plan for refugees and protected persons takes into consideration the current government assisted refugee (GAR) and privately sponsored refugee (PSR) capacity arising from wide public support and infrastructure enhancements across Canada originating from Operation Syrian Refugee. In addition, our recommendations consider the growing world refugee crisis and subsequently, the UNHCR call for increased resettlement spaces. In 2016 Canada welcomed 23,615 GARs before the baseline target dropped to 8,000 in 2017. We are proposing a new annual multi-year GAR baseline target of 20,000 starting in 2018 with arrivals spread out over the year. Besides proposing a new annual baseline of 20,000 GARs, we also feel that some policy adjustments need to be made.

Following the CISSA-ACSEI position paper (February 2017) outlining twenty (20) recommendations to reform the resettlement assistance program, we would like to highlight a couple of points. When selecting GARs for resettlement to Canada, IRCC should ensure that all extended family members (eg brothers, sisters, parents, uncles, aunts, etc) are processed for resettlement to Canada concurrently. This approach is not new and was used with the Bhutanese refugee resettlement movement to Canada, as well as with the Yazidis. With a proposed increase to 20,000 GARs

10 VISION 2020

annually, CISSA-ACSEI would like to explore with IRCC the concept of not only offering increased protection and resettlement spaces under the humanitarian class but also considering ways to resettle refugees with specific skills, training and language abilities through the economic class. For example, create a convention refugee stream under the provincial nominee program (PNP) for refugees who have family members in a province but also have skills that are needed in that specific province.

In 2016, 18,640 privately sponsored refugees (PSRs) landed in Canada. With the continued public interest and current backlog we are suggesting that the PSR target be set at 18,000 for 2018 and thereafter be set at 20,000 annually for 2019 and 2020. The current lengthy PSR processing time is unacceptable, and at the same time, is creating unnecessarily long separation for refugee family reunification cases.

We have kept the blended visa office-referred case (BVOR) target at 750 spaces annually. Total refugees and protected person class would drop to fourteen (14%) percent of overall immigration annually in 2020 after peaking at eighteen (18%) percent in 2018. However, on a numerical basis the humanitarian class is proposed to increase from 43,500 in 2017 to 64,000 in 2017.

11VISION 2020

LookIng AHeAd... 2020 LAndIng ProjeCtIons

For planning purposes, we also provide a 2020 projection of where 450,000 Permanent Residents (PRs) would land across Canada based on the PR landings and the percentage of total landings that settled in each province and territory in 2016.

British Columbia

13%57,600

Alberta

17%74,700

Saskat-chewan

5%22,500

Manitoba

6%25,650 Ontario

37%166,500

Quebec

18%81,000

Yukon

<1%315

Northwest Territories

<1%270

Nunavut

<1%90

NovaScotia

2%8,325

New Brunswick

2%7,200

Prince EdwardIsland

1%3,510

Newfoundland & Labrador

<1%1,800

2020 PermanenT residenT landinG ProjecTions (% and numbers)

12 VISION 2020

ConCLusIon

CISSA-ACSEI Vision 2020 offers a three year immigration level plan in response to IRCC Minister Hussen’s national consultation on 2018 levels. We strongly believe that it is time to introduce multi-year immigration level plans. Whether it is Canada’s overseas partners such as the UNHCR, members of local immigration partnership tables (LIPs), municipal governments, school boards or regional health authorities, our membership continues to hear the value and importance of multi-year immigration level plans. Based on our vantage point of working directly with immigrants and refugee newcomers and local communities across Canada, we offer our insights and suggestions on immigration levels for IRCC consideration.

For more information, contact

CISSA-ACSEI c/o 205-2929 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4C8 cissa-acsei.org

For media enquiries:

Chris Friesen 778-995-3009