In the United States, the Trump Administration has decided to place visa restrictions on six new countries. This could impact Canada Refugee status claimants. There will be more refugees wanting to come to Canada since they can’t get into the United States. In the past, the immigration policy by the Trump Administration on the countries of Iran and Haiti saw student visa applications in Canada jump. 

The Trump administration is now planning to target predominantly Muslim countries blocking and restricting immigration visas from four African states — Nigeria, Eritrea, Tanzania and Sudan — as well as Kyrgyzstan and Myanmar.

These countries already see large groups of people looking for Canadian refugee status. Individuals from these countries will be restricted from obtaining a permanent residency in the United States. Some will still be able to claim business visas or tourist visas. Those that hold a United States Visa sometimes obtain them to travel to Canada for their refugee status.

Immigration researcher at the University of Calgary policy school, Robert Falconer indicates that as the door slams shut on permanent residency in the United States, more individuals could look for Canada refugee status and permanent residency in the country. Those that have been looking to obtain a green card in the United States could shift their focus and try Canada.

Canada is looking for highly skilled individuals. In Nigeria, Africa’s biggest economy, there is a booming middle class and Canada is willing to welcome these individuals into the country which could have a positive impact. This has already been seen in Canada. Canada is increasing their immigration by 29% by 2021, this would see an increase of 78,165, from 271,835 in 2015. “Based on extensive consultations and the evidence that shows the economic and social benefits of immigration in Canada, we have put forward a multi-year immigration levels plan to gradually and responsibly increase permanent resident admissions to 350,000 by 2021,” said Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ahmed Hussen.

Vancouver immigration lawyer, Alex Stojicevic indicated there is an increase of inquiries from Nigeria. “Because in recent years large numbers of Nigerians have been entering Canada through the United States,  this likely will mean a drop in irregular entries into Canada, as fewer Nigerians will get visas to go to the US in the first instance,” Alex says.

Analysis of the data from the Report on Canada Admissions of Permanent Residents by Country of Citizenship,  shows that the leading country of citizenship for immigrants to Canada was India, with 85,585, followed by China, which had 30,260 immigrants in 2019. The Philippines followed in third place with 27,815 immigrants and Nigeria falling in fourth place, with 12,595. The fifth most immigrants to Canada was the United States, with 10,800.

Those that have already immigrated to the United States are becoming wary. With the door to immigration closing significantly in the United States, it will be difficult for them to reunite with their families. A green card holder won’t be able to bring their relatives, children, or spouse into the United States. Since this is happening, they’re looking for other places to live, and this includes Canada. Many of them are looking for permanent residency in Canada and not the United States.

Express Entry Program in Canada

Canada has the Express Entry program for skilled workers. This program was launched by the Harper government in 2015. It makes it easier for experience newcomers and those that are well-educated to immigrate to Canada. Data compiled by Robert falconer indicates that those seeking permanent residency in the United States under the Trump Administration is declining.

Since this is occurring, Canada could see an uptick in those looking to immigrate to the country. Over the past two years, Canada has accepted more immigrants from Nigeria than the United States. This is an indication that individuals are choosing Canada over the United States due to the policies of the Trump Administration. 

Conclusion

Skilled workers from other countries in the future may choose Canada more often then the United States. If the U.S. continues to have a stricter immigration policy, this is probably going to happen. Americans could see themselves with a lack of skilled workers and this could impact their economy. The economy in Canada will get a boost from skilled workers due to the stricter policies in America.

Book a consultation

For individuals or companies interested in the Express Entry program for skilled workers, MKS Immigration and Citizenship Law in Vancouver can provide valuable guidance on the process.

Book a consultation with MKS Immigration and Citizenship Law by completing their simple consultation form, and waiting no more than two business days for MKS to get in touch. Book a consultation today.