The Government of Canada has just pronounced it will introduce expanded measures for international students wanting to be permanent residents of Canada.
The announcement is based largely on the pandemic and its impact on slowing new immigrants to Canada in 2020. For many decades Canada is always near or at the top of the list of countries accepting new permanent residents measured as a percentage of its population.
Canada currently has a population of about 38 million people. The new targets will aim for Canada to take in about 1% of its population for the next three years.
According to The Globe and Mail:
"Canada will aim to accept 401,000 permanent residents in 2021, up from a previous target of 351,000; 411,000 in 2022, up from 361,000; and 421,000 in 2023."
Incredibly, for international students:
"Under the new plan, international students at Canadian colleges and universities may be eligible to apply for permanent status immediately upon graduation."
Under the current law most international students must wait at least one year to apply although there are some exceptions to this under the programs of different provinces which do allow a small number of students to apply after graduation.
All students graduating with a degree or a diploma from a recognized learning institution can qualify for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). Graduates only must show proof of graduation and apply within 6 months of graduation. Students will continue to be eligible for the PGWP but the new system would enable them to become Permanent Residents of Canada more quickly.
It is still unclear but under the new system, because of Canada’s ambitious targets, it may be easier than under the current system, to meet the requirements including point totals for being granted permanent resident status.
As always, questions and comments can be sent to blog@cuac.ca