Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced on Thursday, March 21st, his plan to prioritize “domestic draws” for temporary residents already in Canada who are seeking permanent residence (PR).
In these "draws," candidates for permanent residence are selected from pools through pathways like Express Entry managed programs. Selection is based on factors such as Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, specific professional experience, or proficiency in the French language. Selected candidates receive invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
The Minister's remarks were made within a broader announcement concerning the management of temporary resident levels in Canada, aimed at alleviating pressures on vital support sectors such as housing and healthcare. Temporary residents encompass individuals living or working in Canada on a non-permanent basis, including foreign nationals holding work or study permits while residing in the country.
“As part of our efforts for temporary residents to transition to permanent residency, we’ll have more domestic draws and ask provinces and territories taking part in the provincial nominee program to do the same with their allocations. This will re-align our efforts and create a pathway for those in the country to stay and contribute to the economy.”, Minister said
What does this mean for newcomers?
For individuals currently in Canada on a work or study permit, Miller's statements suggest a possible emphasis on identifying more permanent resident candidates already residing in the country. It's important to recognize that it's challenging to anticipate precisely how Miller's remarks will be translated into policy.
However, this type of approach is not unheard of in Canada's immigration system, which has occasionally prioritized candidates already present in the country.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its largest-ever Express Entry draw, extending 27,332 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program with a CRS score of 75. This score is notably lower than the typical CRS scores seen in Express Entry draws.
The CEC, a program managed under Express Entry, serves as Canada's specialized federal pathway for immigration candidates who have already established themselves in the country's labor market and society.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) represent yet another avenue within Canada's immigration system, often aiming to attract individuals who have started to assimilate into Canadian society. These streams are predominantly overseen by provincial and territorial authorities, who frequently extend invitations to candidates residing within their respective regions.
As quoted at the beginning of the article, Immigration Minister Miller intends for the proposed shift towards more domestic draws to encompass both federal and provincial pathways, as stated at the time of his remarks.
What prompted the Immigration Minister to make these remarks?
By potentially expanding the opportunities for temporary residents in Canada to obtain permanent residency, Miller aims to select candidates who are more likely to achieve positive immigration outcomes in Canada. Extensive research suggests that pre-immigration Canadian experience is a strong predictor of success in the country.
Simultaneously, this approach enables the department to meet its immigration targets, as outlined in the immigration levels plan, without introducing "new entrants to the economy." This helps alleviate existing pressures in Canada, particularly in housing, healthcare, and other essential support sectors.
If you have further questions, please contact our team and schedule a consultation with our specialists! e-Visa Immigration is ready to assist you at any stage of your process.
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