IRCC has surprised us with yet another update for the new permanent residence immigration intake, for international graduates and foreign workers, who have contributed to Canada’s economy. In today’s post, we will be sharing how the new public policy would work and the qualification criteria for the permanent residence program.
As you must have known, yesterday on April 14, 2021, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced an innovative pathway to accept 90,000 essential workers and international graduates, who completed their study in Canada and are currently
contributing to Canada’s economy.
This means, temporary foreign workers and international graduates, possessing the right skills and experience, who have contributed to the economy, will be granted a permanent residence status, and IRCC will be accepting applications for the following categories.
Basic Eligibility Criteria for International Graduates
This public policy targets foreign nationals with eligible Canadian credentials and is currently employed in Canada. The government of Canada acknowledges the ongoing need for talented individuals during this post-pandemic situation.
International graduates with the following requirements may be eligible for the program and can be granted permanent residence.
- Students have completed a study program no earlier than January 2017 from a Designated Learning Institutions
- Must have received a degree (Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate) of at least 8
months in duration - A degree, diploma, certificate, or attestation issued after the completion of a program of
any duration leading to an occupation in a skilled trade, listed in Annex A;
OR
- one or more diploma/certificate/attestation, where the following conditions are met:
- For diplomas/certificates/attestations, each program of study must be at least 8 months in duration and the combined length must be equivalent to a two-year credential (at least 16 months in duration)
- For Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) and Attestation of Vocational Studies(AVS), each program of study must be at least 900 hours in duration and the combined program of study must be at least 1,800 hours in duration.
- Have complied with the acts and regulations throughout the study period
- Must be employed in Canada with a valid work permit or work authorization at the time of permanent residence application
- Obtained a proficiency level of at least benchmark 5 in either of the Official language test and must be less than 2 years old
Public Policy Effective Date
The public policy will come into effect on May 6th, 2021, and IRCC will start accepting applications for three streams with limitations on the intake numbers.
- 20,000 applications will be accepted for temporary workers in health care
- 30,000 applications will be accepted for temporary workers in other selected essential occupations
- 40,000 applications will be accepted for international students who graduated from a
Canadian institution
These streams will open till date November 5th, 2021, or until the limit is reached, and up to 90,000 permanent residents will be admitted under these streams.
It is important to understand that this public policy comes in effect to align with the 2021 Immigration-level plans to welcome 401,000 new permanent residents. This policy would help create jobs and welcome skilled individuals to drive long-term economic growth in
Canada. The new pathway to permanent residence opens opportunities for many international graduates and foreign workers and values their skills and talents.
Conclusion
Canadian study experience is always valuable. However, it is particularly useful now, since Canada is focusing on reaching its immigration levels targets during a period of travel restrictions other coronavirus-related public health measures. At both the federal and provincial levels, there are opportunities abound for you to use your Canadian Study experience as a springboard to your future as a permanent resident.