Question:
I was wondering if anyone in this newsgroup knows when the new immigration
law comes into operation?
I plan to apply for PR in Canada under the
current point-system, but am not ready just yet to apply. I want to make
sure I apply before the new regulations come into effect.
Answer:
Impossible to predict. One year, two years, five years - who can say.
The Minister took one year to examine the recommendations of a panel she
appointed and produce her own policy directions.
See http://www.ci.gc.ca/english/about/policy/legrev_e.html .
There is no draft legislation yet presented which is usually the first
step. Then there is commentary and redrafts before a Bill is presented
to Parliament. The Bill goes through various stages in the House of
Commons and in committee which for such a major staute will likely
require several rewrites. Then the Bill goes to the Senate for further
study and there can be further changes.
Once the Bill has passed Parliament then the real work begins because
much of the Immigration Act in fact operates by virtue of a series of
regulations which are often much more complex and involved then the Act
itself. Once these Regulations have been promulgated they must be
published for public review and comment. This usually leads to more
changes and republication.
Assuming you now have the Immgration Act and Regulations in place you
must now rewrite the Immigration Policy Manuals and provide a series of
detailed instructions known as Operations Memoranda to the immigration
officials as to how the system is to actually operate and often develop
new forms and applications to fit the new regime. Then you have to
provide training to the immigration officials so that they can actually
administer the new provisons properly.
The last time the Immigration Act was substantially rewritten it took
almost five years from inception to pass the Immigration Act 1976 (the
current act) through Parliament and a further two years to draft the
regulations, train the staff, etc. until the Act and Regulations were
brought into force in April 1978. I would not be holding my breath for
changes any time soon.
If you monitor the Canada Immigration website and this newsgroup you
should receive sufficient advance notice.
But what is the idea or the intent of those who want the change?
Is it to eliminate the current point system for the independent category?
Do Canadians feel that the category and its system go against their best
interest?
