New Programs Accelerate the Path to Canadian Permanent Residence in 2021
400,000 New Immigrants between 2021 and 2023
Permanent Residence Options
By Ingrid Coifman | March 2021
Canada hopes to offer more permanent residence options to foreign individuals already living here. Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship for Canada, Marco Mendocino, has emphasized the importance of identifying ways to accelerate the path to permanent residency for international students, temporary foreign workers, and refugees. According to Minister Mendocino, increasing the numbers of permanent residents is necessary to reduce many of the economic challenges brought about by the decline in immigration due to COVID-19, and the resulting global pandemic.
Recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Canadian Citizenship Canada (IRCC), shows that in 2020, less than 200,000 new immigrants entered Canada, the lowest level of immigration seen since 1999. Alternatively, Canada received more than 341,000 immigrants in 2019.
Virtual Citizenship and Focus on Health
Among the new features of Immigration Canada, is a pilot program allowing permanent residents to apply for and complete the Canadian citizenship form online. At present, Canada is the only country offering online citizenship ceremonies and expects to offer soon, additional virtual processes. In his Mandate Letter, Minister Mendocino, indicated he would prioritize the exemption of charging citizenship fees. This is expected to be introduced in the near future.
Canadian immigration officials have announced another measure with its launch of the Municipal Nominee Program (MNP), which encourages new immigrants to settle in smaller towns and cities within the country.
The recruitment and retention of health-care professionals from outside Canada has also become a focus of this Ministry. Additionally, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has recommended that there be a strengthening of immigration programs for professionals in those categories.
Last spring, key health-care and transportation workers were invited by provincial leaders of Prince Edward Island, and given the opportunity to apply for immigration through the Provincial Nominee Program (PPNP). In May of 2020, the province of Nova Scotia, held drawings for nurses, which would allow those chosen, entry through its Express Entry Labour Market Priorities.
Open Work Permit for Students
“We don’t just want you to study here, we want you to stay here,” said Marco Mendocino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
The federal government has announced a new measure aimed at international graduate students. Ex-students with work authorizations (PGWP), that have expired or will expire soon, will be able to apply for an open work permit. This will allow students up to 18 months to secure employment after completing their course. It is estimated that approximately fifty-two thousand graduates will benefit from this initiative.
The contribution of international students to the country will be both positive and long-lasting, according to Minister, Mendocino. “This measure opens up more opportunities for them to find work, ensuring that Canada meets the urgent needs of our economy today and tomorrow.”
Statistics reveal that these students contribute twenty-one billion USD, annually to the Canadian economy. The Minister, emphasized the importance of this directive, and how it would lead to permanent residency for students. “Our message to them is simple: “We don’t just want you to study here, we want you to stay here.”
Immigration deficit
Immigration consultant, Juliana Klapouch, Director of Klaps Immigration, believes that the Canadian government’s plan to welcome more than one million immigrants by 2023, is a positive and attainable action. According to Klapouch, the increase in admissions over the next three years should offset any deficit in the low numbers generated in 2020.
“Our health care system depends on immigration to keep Canadians safe and healthy. Other industries, such as those companies involved in manufacturing, information technology, and agriculture, will have to rely upon the talent of newcomers to maintain supply chains, expand their businesses and to create more jobs”, said Klapouch.
Studies by Statistics Canada and the IRCC, reveal that the combination of Canadian education, work experience, networking, and fluency in English or French, results in a faster integration of immigrants into the labour market and higher long-term wage earners.
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