Dear Honourable Minister,

I am writing on behalf of numerous skilled workers and permanent residency (PR) applicants who are facing significant hardships due to the prolonged processing times for non-Express Entry PR applications. Many of us have been waiting for over a year without meaningful updates, leaving us in a state of uncertainty that is negatively affecting our lives, careers, and contributions to Canada’s economy.

While Express Entry applicants receive decisions within six months, non-Express Entry applicants experience extreme delays, sometimes lasting multiple years. The lack of transparency and slow processing times for this category have created unnecessary financial, emotional, and professional distress. We kindly urge IRCC to take immediate action to improve the processing timeline and fairness for non-Express Entry PR applicants.

Impact of Delayed Processing on Applicants

• Financial Instability and Limited Economic Contributions:

1. Many applicants wish to buy homes but cannot proceed due to PR uncertainty. Rising real estate prices may make homeownership unattainable if delays continue.
2. The inability to change jobs or pursue promotions due to closed work permits hinders career growth and financial security.
3. Major investments, such as purchasing a car or pursuing further education, are delayed due to uncertainty about our future in Canada.

• Emotional and Mental Strain:

1. The extended waiting period creates immense stress and anxiety for applicants and their families.
2. Family planning is being postponed as many applicants are unsure whether they can build their future in Canada.
3. The lack of updates from IRCC leaves applicants feeling trapped and powerless over their future.

• Skilled Workers Are Needed in Canada:

1. Many of us are highly skilled professionals contributing to Canada's economy and workforce.
2. Given the ongoing labor shortages, keeping non-Express Entry applicants in limbo prevents them from fully integrating and contributing to Canada’s growth.
3. Non-Express Entry applicants are already thriving in their respective sectors, paying taxes, supporting local businesses, and actively contributing to Canadian society.
4. Many are working in key industries such as healthcare, IT, education, and skilled trades, helping to fill critical labor shortages.
5. These applicants have already demonstrated their long-term commitment to Canada by establishing their lives here, yet their PR status remains uncertain despite their contributions.

• Excessive Delays Even After Provincial Nomination:

1. Many applicants have already been waiting for 21 months, even after receiving a nomination from their respective provinces.
2. The delay in finalizing PR applications despite provincial support adds unnecessary stress and uncertainty to applicants who have already proven their eligibility and commitment to Canada.

Our Requests:

We respectfully urge IRCC to:

1. Reduce processing times for non-Express Entry PR applications to align more closely with Express Entry timelines.
2. Prioritize applications that have been pending for over a year to provide relief to long-waiting applicants.
3. Improve transparency by providing regular updates on application status, processing times, and expected timelines.
4. Implement standardized timelines for non-Express Entry applications to ensure fairness and efficiency in processing.
5. We believe that addressing these concerns will not only help skilled workers and their families plan their future but will also benefit Canada’s economy by allowing more permanent residents to fully participate in the workforce and society.

We sincerely request that immediate action be taken to expedite non-Express Entry PR processing and provide clarity to those who have been waiting for far too long.

Thank you for your time and consideration.