Ravi Jain Featured in Desi News – Canada Needs Immigrants But Do We Meet Their Needs

Ravi Jain, Founder of Jain Immigration Law, was recently featured in a cover story for Desi News where he offered his thoughts on some issues with Canadian immigration as well as what Canada can offer new migrants.

In the article “Canada Needs Immigrants But Do We Meet Their Needs”, Mr. Jain discusses several categories the Canadian government is relying on to bump up the numbers of immigration. 

Foreign Trained Healthcare Professionals

Mr. Jain acknowledges that there are inherent healthcare system challenges with labour shortages, and notes that even without the increased number of patients with increased immigration, issues persist. However, he emphasizes that with more immigrants coming, there is an urgent need to address these structural issues. There has been increased calls to ease the requirements for international physicians to help alleviate pressures on the healthcare system and the time to act is now.

International Students and Temporary Migrants

As part of a two-step process from temporary to permanent residents, international students and other temporary migrants are being embraced. The article argues that at first glance, the concept seems excellent, as these young individuals not only complete a Canadian degree but also become acquainted with Canadian customs and gain valuable experience, preparing them to be fully ready when they gain full immigrant status. However, the author goes on to say that recent changes allowing some students to work full-time while studying allows new immigrants to be taken advantage of. 

“The pressure came from universities and colleges and has created an awful, truly disgraceful situation. Now employers can say they know students are allowed to work unlimited hours and that they will replace anyone not wanting to do so or unable to do so with others who will.”

Mr. Jain also disagrees with the substandard education at private colleges and suggests not issuing student visas to international students who were advised by advisors abroad to enroll in these private institutions as a way to address the issue.

Express Entry

The article also discusses recent changes allowing the Minister to select certain occupations for targeted draws in the express entry category, which includes Nurse aides, long-term care aides, hospital attendants, elementary and secondary school teacher assistants, and transport truck drivers. The author suggests this could help alleviate pressures in the healthcare system and industries with chronic labour shortages.

Family Reunification and COVID-19

The article also discusses family reunification and parent and grandparent sponsorshisp in particular, noting IRCCs use of a lower income requirement for sponsors for COVID years will be the minimum necessary income, instead of the minimum necessary income plus 30 per cent, and regular Employment Insurance benefits and temporary COVID-19 benefits (such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit) will be allowed to be included toward the sponsor’s income. These measures will ensure that sponsors and applicants are not unfairly penalized for a temporary loss of a sponsor’s income during the pandemic.

Mr. Jain shares his perspective on this sponsorship category.

“Post-COVID, the income would be normalized again.”

“The larger issue is the people who have been trying for years to sponsor parents or grandparents.””

He goes on to suggest that a weighted lottery would help this process.

In Conclusion

Mr. Jain rounds out the article with his belief that the “world could use more Canada”. If you’d like to read the complete article, please visit Desi News here.